ISLAMABAD, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that China has given priority to Pakistan in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Pakistan is fortunate that China is giving us preference in provision of the equipment as they started controlling the outbreak," Khan said.

"China gave priority to Pakistan and the whole equipment coming to Pakistan is from China. There was a demand of protective equipment, especially ventilators, and Pakistan also needed this equipment," he said.

An eight-member medical expert team organized by the Chinese government arrived here on March 28 to help Pakistan fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The day before, nearly two tons of medical supplies from China were successfully handed over to Pakistan at the Khunjerab pass in north Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region.

Addressing doctors in the city of Rawalpindi near the capital Islamabad, Khan assured doctors, nurses and other medical staff they would be provided full protection in the fight against the coronavirus.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan has risen to 2,071, with 26 deaths reported across the country, according to the latest data from the country's health ministry released Wednesday.