Islamabad (Web Desk): The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday said that Pakistan is monitoring the 'evolving situation' in China regarding the outbreak of coronavirus.
At her weekly news briefing, FO Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that all measures are being taken for the assistance, safety and welfare of Pakistani nationals in China.
"Our embassy and consulates in China have reached out to all the Pakistani students. We are also in touch with the Chinese officials who have assured us about the safety and wellbeing of our nationals," the FO spokesperson said.
Aisha Farooqui pointed out that a high powered committee has also been established in which all the stakeholders are represented to constantly monitor the situation emerging from the outbreak of the virus.
In response to questions about the evacuation of Pakistani citizens from Wuhan, the epicenter of deadly virus, the spokesperson said, "Islamabad is monitoring the evolving situation and will take a decision after consultations among all the stakeholders."
"The government has established an emergency centre at the National Institute of Health and a technical committee is working for prevention and policy guidance," she noted.
Pakistani students have been advised to get themselves registered with the embassy.
The FO spokesperson thanked the Chinese authorities for extending best possible assistance to Pakistani nationals.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO), warned all governments to "take action" as the deadly virus has killed more than 170 in China.
As per a foreign news agency, the WHO called an urgent meeting for Thursday over whether the viral epidemic should be declared a global health emergency -- a designation that can lead to increased international coordination.
Earlier on Thursday, Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan stands by the Chinese people and leadership in their valiant efforts to bring the Coronavirus under control and support the measures taken by them in that regard.
In a statement, the foreign minister said the Chinese authorities have made monumental efforts to deal with Coronavirus and the top Chinese leadership has been overseeing the disease control efforts.
"For our part, we stand ready to extend every possible assistance to our Chinese brethren to help deal with the aftermath of Coronavirus," the FM said.
Qureshi said that the global community has widely appreciated China’s efforts.
"We are also extremely thankful to the Chinese government for extending best possible assistance to Pakistani nationals in China," FM Qureshi said.
