China ensures full cooperation to help Pakistan combat locust plague and COVID-19

Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing called on Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal in Islamabad to discuss ongoing coronavirus pandemic and locust situation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chinese ambassador expressed concern over the growing number of virus patients in Pakistan. He assured the assistance to make Pakistan free of this deadly disease.

Yao Jing said China will provide further sprayers and chemical medicines for elimination of locusts.

The chairman NDMA apprised the Ambassador of the requirement of plasma machines in Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to the government and people of China for extending full cooperation in these hard times.

According to the NDMA, Balochistan is the province most affected by the locusts attack.

Swarms of locusts have attacked fruit orchards in Balochistan’s Sibi, Loralai and Khuzdar districts.

The locusts have also damaged crops in tehsil Dasht in Kech district and Pasni, Kalanch and Nagor areas in Gwadar.

Moreover, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan has soared to 132,405 after detection of record 6,472 new infections in last 24 hours.