Sj Desk
Even as other countries are taking measures to safely bring back their citizens from coronavirus hit China, Pakistan is still "closely monitoring" the situation and will soon make a decision on their evacuation.
However, officials from the country failed to elaborate on "soon". Time is of the essence as the deadly virus is claiming lives with concerning speed; Sunday recorded the highest number of new deaths in a single day with 97 people dying until midnight, increasing the total death toll in China to 908.
Pakistan came under criticism after they said that their citizens (mostly students) should not be evacuated from Wuhan as hospitals back home do not meet the standards required to treat a patient diagnosed with coronavirus.
Pakistani nationals stuck in China have been making constant requests on social media to evacuate them immediately. After neighbouring country, India, promptly brought back its citizens, the pressure on Pakistan increased manifold.
Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health said on Sunday, “The matter is being considered at the high level and best possible decision would be taken after considering all possible aspects. Rest assured that we care about you."
“We have to consider all aspects including situation of the Pakistanis (in China), Chinese regulations and advisories of the World Health Organisation (WHO). All the stakeholders are involved over the issue and we have kept all options open,” he said in a tweet.
He then tweeted:
210/ My very dear students in China & ur respectable family members, v r intensely discussing the situation @ highest level & will make the best decision in view of all factors with ref to devastating #coronavirus potential global pandemic. Rest assured you are our own & we care!
— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) February 9, 2020
However, his tweet was met by anger from Pakistani nationals. People were left fuming and they hit back on his tweet.
Chinese are now keeping #coronavirus patients next to our dormitory building in our university in Wuhan due to shortage of hospitals @zfrmrza do you still think”Your Pakistani children are safe in china?”For God’s sake PK wakeup before it’s too late @ImranKhanPTI @SenRehmanMalik
— HINA ZAMEER QURESHI (@ZameerHina56) February 9, 2020
It pity that we voted for @ImranKhanPTI , PTI govt is full of talkers and lack doers ...
— Mudassar Rauf (@MudassarRauf) February 9, 2020
Dear sir if you care about us then please spend at least one day with us in #Wuhan #china at least one day please after this we will never say to evacuate us. Please consider my suggestion thanks
— Noor (@Noor88891390) February 9, 2020
Do you guys even have humanity? I Don't see it, We are requesting, Crying, Shouting, Reaching out to the authorities, Begging them to help, What else should we do? I've been in my hostel room for over 15 days now, Do you even know how does it feels like? n you tweet that you care
— Shahidkhemta1 (@shahidkhemta1) February 9, 2020
