Cruel sanctions

Iran is one of the worst-hit nations by Covid-19 and the death toll there has increased. It is in such dire consequences, when Iran’s health system has been badly affected by American sanctions, that Iran has written to Pakistan and other friendly countries to intercede on its behalf and try to convince the US to withdraw the sanctions in case of such a global emergency.

Pakistan’s foreign minister issued a formal statement asking the US and the world to ease these brutal sanctions under these circumstances. And PM Imran Khan too has urged for this. American officials are, however, being very bloody-minded and saying that sanctions on Iran cannot be lowered under any conditions. I feel the UN should come forward and play its due role in the humanitarian crisis.

Akbar Jan Marwat

Islamabad