FM says the cell will contin­ue to operat­e on a 24/7 basis during this corona­virus pandem­ic challe­ngeISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Saturday established a “Crisis Management Cell” for timely dispersal of information to focal personnel designated in Pakistani embassies all over the world to fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic. While chairing the meeting through a video link due to self-isolation, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi ordered that the “Crisis Management Cell” will continue to operate on a 24/7 basis during coronavirus pandemic challenge.”FM assured that this Crisis Management Cell is in contact with various institutes across the country for gathering necessary information giving it to officials so that they can use it to effectively tackle this contagion. “The consular services would remain suspended from March 18 to April 3, after which the decision will be reviewed,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said. “However, the facility of the attestation of documents would be continued through courier companies i.e., Pakistan Post, Gerry’s, Leopard and TCS.”The spokesperson added that the minister has also established a special cell for coordination on COVID-19 under the supervision of special secretary (administration) to liaise with the diplomatic corps in Pakistan as well as with our missions abroad. Read full story

Source: The Express Tribune March 21, 2020 10:52 UTC