KARACHI: The Karachi University (KU) on Monday received 7,000 surgical face masks including N95 masks from the Sichuan Normal University of China.

These masks were handed over by Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at KU Prof Zhang Xiaoping to the staff at KU clinic.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Xiaoping spoke of the historic relations between Pakistan and China and appreciated Pakistanis for their support during the coronavirus crisis in his country.

“The Chinese government and people are very much concerned about the coronavirus situation in Pakistan and willing to support them. It is with these sentiments that the Sichuan Normal University, the host institution of KU’s Confucius Institute, decided to provide facemasks to KU,” he said.

In his recorded video message, KU acting Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Iraqi expressed gratitude on behalf of the university and its staff members for their goodwill gesture.

He also prayed for the early recovery of all patients affected by the virus both in Pakistan and China.

“Pak-China friendship is getting stronger and deeper with the passage of time and such a difficult time is bringing them closer to each other,” he said.

He acknowledged that China soon after controlling the situation in Wuhan and other affected areas, came forward to support and help Pakistan against Covid19.

He also appreciated the role and services of KU clinic’s staff and said they were facilitating both teachers and the non-teaching employees.

KU registrar Prof Saleem Shahzad, Pakistani Director of CIUK Prof Nasiruddin Khan and senior medical officer at KU clinic Dr Syed Abid also spoke.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2020