Imran Khan phones Sheikh Hasina, enquires about Covid situation
He enquired about the current coronavirus and flood situations in Bangladesh
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan called Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the phone on Wednesday and enquired about Bangladesh's Covid-19 situation.
During the 15-minute phone call that was made around 1pm, they exchanged pleasantries, and Imran enquired about the steps Bangladesh has taken to fight the deadly virus.
In reply, Hasina told him in detail how her government is tackling the pandemic.
The Pakistani premier also asked about the flood situation in Bangladesh, Hasina's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told the media later.
Professor Delwar Hossain, former chairperson of the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, termed the call telephone diplomacy.
"As we do not have clear information regarding the telephone conversation, we may make some predictions," Prof Delwar said.
"Imran Khan may try to restore the Bangladesh-Pakistan relation as it has been cold for long. Though his stance on the trial of war criminals was controversial, he later appreciated Bangladesh's economic development and a few other positive aspects," Prof Delwar said.
"Pakistan may try to play a role in regional politics as well as bilateral relations. Imran may try to seek Bangladesh's support. If that is not possible, he may try to make sure that the country does not go against Pakistan," he added.
The academic thinks the current global politics may also have an impact on Wednesday's communication.
"China is a closed ally of Pakistan. The current Indo-China and China-US tension can also be a cause of Imran's diplomacy. Bangladesh maintains a balanced relation both with India and China. Imran's move could be an attempt to keep Bangladesh neutral regarding the situation," he said.
The international affairs analyst also thinks Imran may eye the Bangladeshi market where Pakistani trade declined in recent times.
How Pakistan flattened its coronavirus curve
In hundreds of areas in Pakistan where the virus had escalated, Imran introduced a two-week "hotspot" lockdown programme.
He requested the military to aid in the war, and their role in logistics, defence and surveillance helped flatten the curve of the pandemic.
"Smart lockdowns, a stronger enforcement effort, compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and nationwide change in behaviour can be credited for the current gains in the fight against the Covid-19 virus," the country's Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar told The Express Tribune.
He said a 28 percent nationwide reduction was recorded in the number of critical cases as a result of the selective lockdowns and implementation of SOPs introduced by the National Command and Operation Centre.