High Commissioner, Mr. Babar Amin, held a Video-conference with the Pakistani diaspora from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania today. It was part of the series of Video-conferences being held with the various segments of the Pakistani community in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers of the Pakistani High Commission, Consulates General at Melbourne as well as a sizeable number of community leaders attended.

The High Commissioner informed the participants about the latest in the overall efforts being made by the Pakistani Missions to mitigate the problems of the Pakistani community in Australia. The Pakistani High Commission and the Consulates were taking all necessary steps in this direction under the policy set out by the Government of Pakistan. He noted with satisfaction the feedback that the number of Pakistanis in need of help, especially students, had decreased considerably with the receding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Presently, the main aim of the Missions, he said, was to ensure speedy repatriation of stranded Pakistanis from Australia. One flight had already been arranged and efforts were afoot to arrange more flights.

He once again appreciated the steadfastness of the Pakistani community leaders to help their fellow community during the pandemic. He hoped that the community would continue its unity even after the pandemic had ended. He also applauded the role of the Pakistani media during the crisis that entailed positive dissemination of the necessary information and by being a bridge between the Pakistani High Commission, the Consulates, and the community.

The community members also shared their views and reported about their activities. They resolved to be by the side of the High Commission in its mission to help the Pakistani community.