First batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Pakistan, FM Qureshi terms it proof of Pak-China friendship

A PAF plane carrying the first consignment of half-million doses arrived at Nur Khan Airbase

Pakistan received its first batch of half a million COVID-19 doses gifted by China as the Foreign Minister Qureshi called it the practical proof of friendship between the two Asian countries. The vaccine is developed by China’s state-run SinoPharm.

FM Qureshi was present at the arrival of the first consignment of vaccines along with the Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong at the Nur Khan Airbase.

The foreign minister also thanked the Chinese president, the foreign minister, and the healthcare professionals that made the vaccine possible. He pointed out that the two countries are also celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties.   

“This year is even more significant as it marks 70 years since we established diplomatic ties. We have planned to celebrate [the milestone] and open new doors of cooperation and friendship,” Qureshi said. “China has demonstrated this [commitment] today and initiated this campaign from Pakistan. This is practical proof reflecting Pakistan and China’s friendship.”

Qureshi also appreciated that hard work by the Pakistan Air Force for bringing home the shipment of the vaccine as quickly as possible.

“I want to thank the PAF [and] our pilots who flew the plane to Beijing and brought it back immediately. They did not rest for even a minute. They did this service for the people of Pakistan. We are grateful to PAF [and] we are proud of you,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong, said Pakistan was the “first country in the world to receive vaccines donated by the Chinese government”, terming it a “manifestation of our brotherhood”. He also appreciated Pakistan for helping in carrying out Phase III trials for the CanSino vaccine trials and expected more cooperation between the two countries in the near future.

“Pakistan is our closest friend [and] is the priority for our cooperation. We would like to appreciate the Pakistan government for its facilitation in granting emergency approval to [Sinopharm’s] vaccine and for conducting the Phase 3 trial [of CanSino vaccine]. We expect more cooperation to follow and more people can benefit from it.”

The early doses are expected to vaccinate the elderly and the frontline workers to reduce the risks faced by them. In the following months, millions of more doses will be imported. In 2021, an estimated 20 million people will be vaccinated for COVID-19 in Pakistan.