NEW DELHI: The

nations will hold a video conference proposed by Prime Minister

at 5pm on Sunday to chalk out a common strategy to fight the

outbreak.

"PM @narendramodi will lead India at the video conference of all SAARC member countries, to chalk out a strong common strategy to fight COVID-19 in the region," the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The Prime Minister tweeted that he is confident that the coming together of Saarc nations will lead to effective outcomes and benefit citizens.

The Prime Minister had on Friday proposed the formulation of a joint strategy by Saarc nations to fight the coronavirus, a suggestion backed by all member states.

Calling on SAARC members to set an example for the world,

reached out to the eight-member regional grouping and pitched for a video conference among the leaders to chalk out a strong strategy to fight coronavirus, which has killed nearly 5,000 people globally.

More on Covid-19

His appeal got a prompt response from Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Afghan government, all of whom welcomed the proposal.

Pakistan's response to the proposal came late in the night with the country's Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui saying that the threat of COVID-19 requires coordinated efforts at the global and regional levels.

"We have communicated that SAPM (Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister) on Health (Zafar Mirza) will be available to participate in the video conference of SAARC member countries on the issue," she said.

In a series of tweets, PM Modi said, "our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it. South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy."