Pakistan is currently facing a serious water crisis with water levels having declined very close to a scarcity threshold of
Prime Minister Imran Khan is continuing his campaign to collect funds for the dam and deal with the water issue.
Earlier this month, PM Khan joined the dam fund drive launched by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nasir to collect donations for the dam.
SBS Urdu talked to several associations of Pakistanis in different states in Australia and found out their responses to the donation appeal for dams and reservoirs.
AP Photo/B.K. Bangash Source: AP
President of PAFA – Pakistan Australian Friendship Association (PAFA) in Canberra, Ali Khurram, said that the community has welcomed this initiative by the government.
“Overseas Pakistanis are always ready to help the country. This is a great effort by the government. This project will help to initiate other projects too.”
“We need long-term planning for 20 to 30 years. Focusing on just road building will not really help; other problems such as water, health and education for kids must be a top priority, so it looks like we are the right direction.
The association will be holding events soon to assist in getting more funds.”
President of Pakistan Association of Western Australia (PAWA), Dr Mohammad Jehangir said that people became interested in this project when it was launched by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and after PM Khan’s speech, everyone was really passionate about it.
“Some people sent the money directly to Pakistan while others have been depositing money in Pakistan High Commission’s bank account. From the platform of the association PAWA, we have also raised funds. We will continue campaigning through various programs.”
Professionals have also joined the cause. In Queensland, the Association of Pakistani Doctors Queensland’s President Dr Arshad Hussain said they are witnessing a positive response to the appeal as people are concerned about the future of Pakistan.
“As doctors we really want to give back something to Pakistan as we feel the pain of the country. It is a great opportunity for us. We are excited and want to be a part of this drive.”
AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary Source: AP
“We hope that the water crisis is resolved in Pakistan. It was not a major problem but due to corruption and the people in power made it worse. If water issues is resolved, agriculture will improve that will help the exports.”
On the question of whether there are people who have a different opinion about the campaign, Pakistani Association of South Australia (PASA) President Kaleemullah said there are learned and educated people in Australia and he has not seen anyone here talking negatively about it.
“There are people in Pakistan who are opposing because they are in opposition and want to portray even good work of the government as bad.
"Community members here are excited and are participating in the donation campaign. Many have already deposited money in the fund. There is a positive vibe about it.”
According to Pakistani High Commission in Canberra's , the funds donated by Pakistani community members in an account maintained by High Commission has reached $149,990 ( as of 17 September 2018).
The recent FB post says, "Thank you to all Pakistani community members from all over Australia for their contributions to the Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dam account maintained by the High Commission. As of 17th September 2018, A$ 149,990 has been received in the account, with donations ranging from $1.68 to $5000 during this time.
"We hope that this drive would continue and donations could potentially reach over A$ 250,000 which is among the largest amounts raised by Overseas Pakistanis all around the world.
"Just a reminder that this account maintained by the High Commission is being remitted in full to Pakistan directly with no transaction charges or loss due to exchange rate as it is being sent through secure government mechanisms devised by the State Bank of Pakistan. There are no transaction charges here in Australia and people have donated amounts ranging from $1.36 to $5000."
