US announces $8.4m to help Pakistan’s anti-virus efforts
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ISLAMABAD: The United States announced on Friday a funding of $8.4 million for Pakistan to combat the spread of new coronavirus in the country.
The contribution was announced on US mission’s social media platforms by Ambassador Paul Jones.
An amount of $3m will be utilised to provide three new mobile labs to enable Pakistanis living in virus hotspots to be tested, treated and monitored to stop the spread. High-tech emergency operations centres will be established in Islamabad, Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan under the initiative.
Funding of $2m will be used to train community health workers to assist people in their homes and lessen the burden on hospitals. Life-saving activities among Afghan refugees and in host communities in the country will be carried out at a cost of $2.4m, which will be administered by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Details about the remaining $1m were not spelt out. With the new contributions, the US is collaborating with Pakistan to help stop the spread of Covid-19 nationwide and to care for the affected people. All of these contributions were identified as top priority needs by the Pakistani authorities, and they were fully paid for by the American people, a press release of the US embassy said.
The US ambassador described the contributions as the latest chapter in a long, vibrant US-Pakistan health partnership. It built on US contributions over the past 20 years of more than $1.1bn in the health sector, and more than $18.4bn overall to the US-Pakistan development partnership, Ambassador Jones said. “Together, we can stop the spread of this deadly disease to protect our loved ones and regain our prosperity and freedom,” emphasised the ambassador.
Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2020
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Comments (107) Closed
Apr 18, 2020 07:39am
Great. More money is coming. IK's government can still stay operational for some more time.
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Apr 18, 2020 07:39am
All of this money will go in Politicians pocket.
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Apr 18, 2020 07:40am
A grand gesture by Trump... Kudos
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Apr 18, 2020 07:40am
On what term and conditions?
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Apr 18, 2020 07:42am
Useful info. Nice to know that in the past 20 years, the aid that USA provided to Pakistan is more than $1.1bn in the health sector, and more than $18.4bn overall assistance.
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Apr 18, 2020 07:46am
US chips in as they see honest leadership working hard for ther country.
Keep going Khan.
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Apr 18, 2020 07:47am
Pakistanis and the world appreciate IK for empathy and relentless struggle.
Indians and the world condemn Modi for hate and national disunity.
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Apr 18, 2020 07:48am
Nothing to see here. Again.
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Apr 18, 2020 07:50am
Is this your isolation promise, Modi? Why keep fooling and embarassing us?
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Apr 18, 2020 07:52am
Thank you USA
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Apr 18, 2020 07:59am
Timely contribution from our long time friends. We can use the money efficiently to develop vaccines and help the needy. We can help People from poor countries also.
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Apr 18, 2020 08:20am
Shabbash government. Keep spending intelligently.
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Apr 18, 2020 08:24am
This is too little a money. We need more.
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Apr 18, 2020 08:34am
Welcome move. Any help should be appreciated.
Though Pakistan
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Apr 18, 2020 08:52am
Only ration distribution from the Chinese brothers. No money aid.
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Apr 18, 2020 08:56am
@Fastrack, India gets paid for exporting Hydroxychloroquine. Although a smaller amount is allocated for India in this as well. Sorry to burst your bubble.
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Apr 18, 2020 08:59am
@sachin, then why are you here?
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Apr 18, 2020 09:01am
What a joke, keep it
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Apr 18, 2020 09:08am
US warmonger after plundering world for decades have 2.2 Trillion dollars = 2,200,000,000,000 $ = 2,200,000 million dollars for themselves and 8 million for aid??? That’s 8 out of 22 lakh (million dollars) or 8 million out of 2,200,000 million dollars.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:09am
Alms are always welcome.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:09am
@Dawn
This is an important news for Pakistan and it is important that comments from Pakistanis (like myself) who commented immediately after its publishing should not be relegated downwards unnecessarily.
Hoping to see the needful done.
Many thanks.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:11am
This is way more than the ' Iron Biradar ' could even dream of giving to Pakistan.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:15am
A country , though a super power , ravaged by virus itself is reaching out to help Pakistan. Kudos to usa
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Apr 18, 2020 09:18am
USA has always been kind and generous with Pakistani. I remember when we were in schools , long back, USA used to provide milk in schools for kids.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:22am
US and China would never give you anything for free. Learn it asap
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Apr 18, 2020 09:26am
How much did iron brother give you?
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Apr 18, 2020 09:27am
India is loosing 8m usd daily during lockdown.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:29am
@Fastrack, stop supporting a failure.
On the other hand you don’t have better option either.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:35am
Pakistan is doing great in collecting funds. There is no doubt that Imran Khan is the best, most powerful and most handsome leader in the world.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:50am
Poor countries need even this too
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Apr 18, 2020 09:50am
Hope this aid reaches the people in need than feeling the pockets of politicians.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:51am
I think now people might claim becasue of IK USA provided this money
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Apr 18, 2020 09:52am
@Gordon D. Walker, really? 8.4 million is a GRAND gesture?
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Apr 18, 2020 10:04am
China will become more happy as pakistan receives more money. Iron brother!!
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Apr 18, 2020 10:06am
@A shah, nice one it is not 8 billion buddy 8m which is peanuts for Pakistan
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Apr 18, 2020 10:16am
We Need More!
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Apr 18, 2020 10:19am
A very estute move by USA. Except for $1 million, the entire amount will not be paid in cash but in kind. That way they can be sure the funds are utilised for the purpose it is being given.
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Apr 18, 2020 10:19am
Foreign newspapers have reported that already broken health facilities in Pakistan are on verge of collapse. Apparently there are many cases with China travel history. But govt has covered up and not being reported due to fear of upsetting China!
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Apr 18, 2020 10:20am
Its a shame the country invested in proxies but nothing for growth, development, education or health! Now that proxy strategy has also failed due to FATF
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Apr 18, 2020 10:22am
@Shehbaz, read the article before commenting. Only USD 1million in cash, which is also doubtfull, rest all as equipment and training cost.
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Apr 18, 2020 10:23am
Interestingly Pakistan always speaks poorly of the west, curses them for all self inflicted ills in the country, but dont hesitate a sec before begging for funds or relief. Wonder why iron brother isnt giving all debt as free?
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Apr 18, 2020 10:27am
That is not enough
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Apr 18, 2020 10:48am
@Shehbaz, it's grant not Chinese Loan.
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Apr 18, 2020 11:27am
$8.4 million only, shame to this govt for accepting such small monies. I read the other day, Turkey have 50,000 masks, perhaps value will be Rs 500,000 at Rs 10 per mask or say a million rupees at Rs 20 per mask. Shame on this puppet govt n it's sponsors who's selling nation's honor so chaap.
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Apr 18, 2020 11:27am
Great achievement by Asian Tiger ....Well done IK, you achieved another milestone in your glorious career as PM
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Apr 18, 2020 11:38am
I think USA should worry about own health facilities then worry about other countries.
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Apr 18, 2020 11:47am
@Justice, and where did it go, the country's health system is atrocious, cant cope; aha, those Dynasties needed apartments in Dubai and London, yes pardon, forgot that!
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Apr 18, 2020 11:57am
@Gordon D. Walker, this is not a gesture. Or an act of charity. This is foreign funding. Money isn't given for free. It comes with conditions/obligations. Often objectionable or unreasonable conditions. No free lunches.
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Apr 18, 2020 12:00pm
@topbrass, nobody gives money. No free money. Money is given in return for certain conditions. It is better to ask what the conditions are.
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Apr 18, 2020 12:04pm
In all difficult times, US always helped Pakistan on many many occasions in past.
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Apr 18, 2020 12:04pm
8.4 million only? Pakistan has got some 190 million population 70% of the whole US. 1 bn would be ok but 3 bn would be exceptable.
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Apr 18, 2020 12:05pm
wow - lottery.... Diwali time in Pak......
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Apr 18, 2020 12:08pm
Just $8.8m , you guys can get $10m by just handing over Hafiz Saeed to US
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Apr 18, 2020 12:12pm
This is hilarious. The US "gives" Pakistan money and people blindly assume its just alms and goodwill. But the same people have no qualms criticizing and speculating about foreign funding, without proof, when it's ours human/minority/women/children rights, activists, the now infamous Aurat March. Just mindless accusations about the foreign funding meant to demoralize and westernized our oh so moral society. Yet all our governments have been foreign funded heavily by the West and the USA and its always been conditional but nobody bats an eye. Instead people are in lala land thinking its just the US being generous. Come on.... The denial, ignorance and selective outrage are mind boggling.
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Apr 18, 2020 12:40pm
@Fastrack,
There is a reason we keep reading Dawn.
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Apr 18, 2020 12:41pm
America should do more. Imran Khan should ask more.
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Apr 18, 2020 12:55pm
This will help Imran feed his people....
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Apr 18, 2020 01:04pm
How much money has iron brother given?
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Apr 18, 2020 01:16pm
@Tariq , still Pakistanis are thankless. Leave no opportunity to demonise US.
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Apr 18, 2020 01:21pm
@Shehbaz, Shabaz sherif shall steal,?
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Apr 18, 2020 01:42pm
Peanuts. Could have asked India to bailout for such small things.
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Apr 18, 2020 01:47pm
No doubt, a friend in need is a friend indeed.
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Apr 18, 2020 02:43pm
8 million is not even peanuts its skin if peanuts
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Apr 18, 2020 02:49pm
Why iron brother not writing off loans?
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Apr 18, 2020 03:04pm
No probs US. China gave better, match it if you can.
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Apr 18, 2020 03:52pm
@A shah, because they are not running a charity. I'd you take a loan you must pay it back. Or else don't take a loan. Very simple.
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Apr 18, 2020 04:06pm
While US takes help from India to fight covid-19........
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Apr 18, 2020 04:37pm
When are we going to wake up to the reality?? Nothing is free, this money will be spent in Pakistan on the gullible innocents, they will be used to TEST vaccines, nothing more, nothing less!!
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Apr 18, 2020 04:52pm
@Muinna, At least a billion would keep IK in power.
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Apr 18, 2020 04:53pm
US help and chaina loan with high intt.
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Apr 18, 2020 04:53pm
@Justice, better than chaina
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Apr 18, 2020 05:17pm
congratulations, great help
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Apr 18, 2020 05:25pm
It's quite a humble contribution, thanks anyways :)
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Apr 18, 2020 06:12pm
Pakistanis are against America still they are helping what contributions from iron brother. After all they are responsible for this menace worldwide and to be compensated by them.
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Apr 18, 2020 06:23pm
@Neutral, Iron brother sent huge quantity of masks made from used undergarments
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Apr 18, 2020 06:24pm
Is it a greatest achievement of IK & SMK?
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Apr 18, 2020 06:30pm
The story doesnt mention when this help will be arriving to Pakistan. Its announced on social media. IK anyhow is on social media most of the time, so he must have been delighted with this news arrival.
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Apr 18, 2020 07:50pm
What about Iron brother China?
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Apr 18, 2020 08:14pm
We should stick to China and not USA.
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Apr 18, 2020 08:20pm
Diwali time for Pak....hurray... money/dollar all over....
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Apr 18, 2020 08:34pm
Shame Imran, you are accepting these donations, which are not even 10% of what people grant to community schools. You are as beggar as your predecessors were in taking donations from other countries.
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Apr 18, 2020 08:38pm
@Dr. Salaria, Amir Ahmed, yes covid only
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Apr 18, 2020 08:58pm
@ACEGIKtime, 18billion don’t compare with Pakistan 8 million
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Apr 18, 2020 09:08pm
Nice gesture by the US Ambassador.
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Apr 18, 2020 09:20pm
@Dr Ahmad - Melbourne , Anyone who gives money - debts and doles is a friendly nation. Right, as always!
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Apr 18, 2020 09:26pm
Why!!! This hard earned US tax payers money should not be used to fill the pockets of people like Khusro Bakhtiyar who recently purchased a Rs 27 billion sugar mill. Sadly not a dime will get to the innocent poor people of Pakistan.
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Apr 18, 2020 10:29pm
Where is any help from iron brother?
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Apr 18, 2020 10:38pm
@Dr. Dummy, this is all pakistanis logic.
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Apr 18, 2020 10:41pm
Great, but don't expect anything back in return.
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Apr 18, 2020 11:41pm
All good things come from USA.
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Apr 18, 2020 11:42pm
Yes. I think I'm a Trump supporter.
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Apr 19, 2020 12:05am
To be honest, both USA & China have helped Pakistan many a times. Sometimes the relationship was reciprocal. It's in the last 12 years that the country has hit rock bottom. It has nothing left to offer anyone in return & it can only plead everyone for alms.
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Apr 19, 2020 12:19am
Once the Government changes, we will find out where all the money went.
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Apr 19, 2020 12:21am
Can PM IK support his Bani Gala lifestyle based on his Income Tax Returns ?
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Apr 19, 2020 12:24am
Who paid billions of rupees to support IK's prolonged, massive election campaign ?
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Apr 19, 2020 12:31am
While China is praying for Pakistan to default on their loans so it can put its boots in Gwadar.
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Apr 19, 2020 12:56am
Praise trump for this 8.4m USD, good to run Pak parliament for 1 week with this money.
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Apr 19, 2020 01:04am
Why iron brother got cold no free aid, some random Rations?
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Apr 19, 2020 01:42am
@Fastrack,
This is free aid from USA, not loan from China. Thanks USA taxpayers.
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Apr 19, 2020 01:56am
@Rahim,
Don’t waste precious $$ on working on vaccine, just buy some good quality protective equipment from China to save your medical staff who are saving Pakistani lives, forget helping other poor countries, you have to first help your own poor first.
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Apr 19, 2020 07:20am
@Fastrack, You are in the limelight basically for your nuisance value.
You are valued as a mercenary state and you are hyped up with the pittance thrown at you.
Modi knows what he has to do, and we know what to expect from him.
You hear and see what you want to as you are paranoid.
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Apr 19, 2020 09:00am
How much China going to provide.
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Apr 19, 2020 06:43pm
Time to tell USA to "do more"....
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Apr 19, 2020 09:35pm
8 million will be split. 40% to pay loans, 40% for defense spending. And 20% for politicians and poor man
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Apr 20, 2020 01:54am
IK will write a book easy way to borrow loans. Kiddos to IK s loans economy?
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Apr 20, 2020 01:54am
@Umesh, spot on
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Apr 20, 2020 02:50am
Good USA donot give cash give only goods. Otherwise it will not reach common man
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