The subjects of education, health, gender, economic cooperation, democracy, the environment and more were discussed at the Southasia Peace Action Network's first-anniversary event.
South Asian Countries Urged to Cooperate in Fight Against COVID-19
Speakers at an event organised by the South Asia Peace Action Network said the volume of pain and suffering could be mitigated through greater socio-economic cooperation and resource-sharing.
A man wearing a protective mask walks along a painted wall during the curfew imposed by the government amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 8, 2020. Photo: Reuters/Dinuka Liyanawatte
New Delhi: Speakers at an event organised by the recently launched South Asia Peace Action Network (SAPAN) said countries in the region should cooperate and behave in an empathetic way to overcome the second of COVID-19, saying the volume of pain and suffering could be mitigated through greater socio-economic cooperation and resource-sharing.
Narrating his ordeal, Karachi-based trade unionist Karamat Ali revealed how he was not able to reach out to his ailing wife in New Delhi due to visa restrictions.
Ali said his wife was visiting New Delhi and was down with Covid-19 infection, but visa restrictions did not allow him to visit her.
“I want to go to the Wagah border and take a tank of oxygen to my wife, but I can’t,” said Ali, his voice choking.
He said he wanted to also take a defibrillator and whatever medical supplies he could carry.
Many such stories of personal loss were shared during the event.