OBSERVER REPORT
ISLAMABAD The Iranian Embassy in Pakistan, in a statement on Friday, said that the unilateral action and sanctions from the US have endangered not only Iran, but the entire region during the coronavirus pandemic. The embassy said that the aid from Pakistan and Turkey strengthened hope as the country battled to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The embassy, in its statement, said that Pakistan and Russia took notice of the negative impact of sanctions on the virushit Iran. The Iranian government and people have been deprived of financial resources and imported goods, it said, adding that Iran is taking measures to curb the spread of the novel infection. The embassy expressed fear that Iranian paramedical staff and doctors have been infected as others are at a risk due to lack of medical equipment and special suits. It said that more than 150 countries are battling the pandemic, and some inhuman measures against Iran have affected the struggle globally. Calling the behaviour of the US administration irresponsible and prejudiced, the embassy said that the sanctions violate international fundamental rights. Meanwile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said that sanctions imposed on Iran must be lifted so that the country can fight the deadly pandemic that has claimed more than 1,000 lives in the Islamic Republic. “The entire global community is fighting an unprecedented pandemic. We must, as leaders at time of such great challenge and difficulty, show utmost compassion,” FM said in a tweet. “Sanctions must be lifted against Iran, in this moment of peril so that it can use its resources to save precious human lives.”
