PM calls for universal and affordable access to anti Covid vaccine

July 14, 2021: Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for universal and affordable access to anti-covid vaccine to defeat the virus and revive global trade, investment and growth.

In his virtual address to the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, he said the world must ramp up vaccine production, including in the developing countries, and ensure its rapid distribution.

Imran Khan said as the pandemic revealed the interdependence of nations, a joint action is essential to fight its triple challenge through vaccine supply, reallocation of IMF quotas by high-income states and adaptation of climate finance.

He said the global economy will not recover fully until all countries are enabled to accelerate and expand investment for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and climate goals.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan remained fortunate compared with other countries, as the government through its policy of ‘smart lockdown’ and focus on the disadvantaged, had been able to somehow contain the covid-19 virus.

He said after managing precious lives and the livelihoods through Ehsaas socio-welfare programme, the government is now making efforts to accelerate its vaccination campaign.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to focus on peaceful and just resolution of disputes and promoting international cooperation for building a more equitable, stable and prosperous world.

Radio Pakistan