Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday called for devising a viable framework for equitable and affordable supply of Covid-19 vaccine to developing countries.
He was addressing virtually the fourth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Financing for Development (FfD) in Geneva.
PM Imran said that coverage of the COVAX facility must be expanded enabling the developing countries to spend their precious resources on socio-economic development needs.
Suggesting a five-point frame work to fight the pandemic and recovering economies, Imran Khan that said debt re-payments for the most stressed countries should be suspended until the end of the pandemic.
“Public-sector debt under an agreed and inclusive multilateral framework should be restructured and concessional financing through multilateral development banks should also be expanded,” he said.
PM Imran called for general allocation of Special Drawing Rights of $500 billion to help alleviate balance-of-payment pressures.
Khan also stressed on world community to take measures for the return of stolen assets held by corrupt politicians and criminals.
“The developed countries should meet the agreed target of mobilising $100 billion annually for climate action in developing countries,” PM Imran said.
Counting on Pakistan's measures to combat Covid-19, the premier said our efforts have been aimed at ensuring that we save people from dying from the virus, and at the same time preventing them from dying from hunger.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said our strategy fortunately has worked well so far but continuous efforts are needed to fully overcome the second wave of the virus.