International Desk: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to H.E Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, on Wednesday.

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest including Covid-19. Prime Minister Imran Khan commended measures taken by the leadership of Bhutan to contain the pandemic. They also exchanged views on their respective steps to deal with the myriad challenges posed by the pandemic.
Pak Prime Minister noted that his government’s emphasis had been on saving lives, securing livelihoods, and stimulating the economy. The “smart lockdown” strategy and other measures taken by the government had led to significant containment of the pandemic in Pakistan.
Pakistan Prime Minister particularly highlighted the adverse economic impact pf Covid-19 on the developing countries, for which he had also called for the “Global Initiative on Debt Relief”.
In the bilateral context, Imran Khan underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to closer ties with Bhutan and highlighted the significance of regular bilateral contacts and people-to-people exchanges.
Appreciating the Bhutanese model of tourism promotion and conservation of heritage sites, Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised his counterpart on steps taken by his Government to promote tourism, especially religious tourism in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan was proud of its rich Buddhist heritage which dates back to the Buddhist Gandhara civilization. He stated that Pakistan would welcome Bhutanese pilgrims visiting the scared Buddhist sites in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bhutan to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.