NDMA chairman, Japanese envoy discuss coronavirus situation

ISLAMABAD: Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has said that Japan has always provided support and solace to Pakistan in times of distress and crisis.

During a meeting with Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan Mr Kuninori Matsuda on Thursday afternoon, the NDMA chairman highlighted that Pakistan was severely challenged by climate change and is currently facing a myriad of problems due to this phenomenon.

He apprised the Japanese envoy on the prevailing locust situation in Pakistan and measures being undertaken to control the locust swarms in various parts of the country. He also highlighted the challenges faced in surveillance and eradication of locusts.

He noted that NDMA would be obliged if Japan could assist in the procurement of modern technology and equipment for air and ground spray for locust control.

Mr Kuninori Matsuda acknowledged that Pakistan was a food basket for the world and assured the Japanese government will extend all possible support to Pakistan in terms of financial assistance and technology to save its crops from the locust invasion.

The situation arising due to the worldwide spread of coronavirus also came under discussion. Japanese Ambassador appreciated that Pakistan has undertaken appropriate preventive measures to keep the coronavirus infected patients to the minimum.

He also shared the measures taken by Japanese government against the coronavirus infection spread. Both sides agreed upon the need for sharing data and information for disease control.

Chairman NDMA has expressed his gratitude to the Japanese envoy for his concerns over locust invasion in Pakistan and the support offered by the government of Japan.