The Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney, Muhammad Ashraf told SBS Urdu that this is a crucial time and many volunteers have come on board to help the Pakistani diaspora in New South Wales.
“Several people are doing relief efforts by themselves. The consulate took the initiative to developed a coordination mechanism to avoid duplication and not miss out on any needy.
"The primary task of the Committee for COVID Relief Coordination (CCRC) is to cater to the students and Pakistanis stranded in Australia."
Highlights
- More than 80 Pakistanis stranded in Australia want to return home
- Relief efforts in six major areas including food, medical, fees and legal advisory
- Privacy of individuals will be maintained – Consul General
“There are two types of Pakistanis that currently require assistance,” Mr Ashraf told SBS Urdu.
“Firstly, there are those who came from Pakistan on a visit to Australia. But now they are unable to go back to Pakistan due to the unavailability of flights.
“We have collected the data from these people. There are around 80 people who have shown interest that they want to go back home.
We are contacting the relevant authorities in Pakistan with the possibility of arranging a return flight back home.
Mr Ashraf said the other issue is of Pakistani students who are facing major challenges in Australia especially economic hardship.
“The student model is based on funds from home as well as working part-time here to earn and spend on their living expenses.
“Due to the lockdown, there are no jobs which are affecting the students. They are not able to pay their expenses.”
Mr Ashraf says these are difficult times in Pakistan too but the Government of Pakistan is ensuring its citizens are safe overseas too.
Pakistan is also updating its lockdown requirements with the government opening a few sectors to restart their work recently.
Mr Ashraf says that the students are facing six types of hardships including food and grocery, travel expenses, insurance, medical and legal.
“We really appreciate the efforts of Pakistanis and people with Pakistani background who are tirelessly helping the community.
“Kindly email us and we will get back to you. If you want to call, please contact us via consulate number +61 2 9220 5600.”
President of Pakistan Association of Australia, Abbas Rana is part of the committee and has been tasked to look after the food requirements for those in need.
“We are offering volunteer service since the outbreak of the Coronavirus. There are many students and people with economic hardship who we are helping.
There are cases in which we have delivered food directly to those who couldn’t afford to visit our office in Sydney.
“Few Pakistani restaurants are helping us by providing free food while others are assisting with food at a discounted price.
“My message to students is that you are not alone, the community will always be with you.”
Abbas Rana says the privacy of the students and other people is of the utmost importance.
“Just contact us with your concern and requirement without the need to mention your name or other personal details; an address for delivery would be sufficient.”
We will come to your house, deliver the food at the door and will message you to pick it up.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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