Dear Community Members,
You are aware that the world is in the grip of coronavirus epidemic, which has brought normal life to a standstill. All the countries are engaged in massive efforts to control the virus, which is claiming thousands of lives everyday.
Pakistan is also suffering from the epidemic. The number of cases in the country are increasing. Despite its limited resources, the Government of Pakistan has taken several measures to control the spread of virus and provide medical facility to infected citizens. The Prime Minister has addressed the nation several times on the issue. He has particularly spoken about the need to support the vulnerable segments of the society, including daily wagers, at a time when people have been told to stay at home.
The Government of Pakistan has also established “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for COVID-19” so that Pakistanis within the country and living abroad could join its efforts in fighting the coronavirus epidemic in the country as well as support those facing economic hardship due to the crisis.
Details for the account are as follows:
Account Title: Prime Minister’s COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Fund 2020
Bank Name: National Bank of Pakistan
Account No: 4162786786
IBAN: PK11NBPA0002004162786786
SWIFT Code: NBPAPKKAMBR
Name of Branch: Main Branch, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi, Pakistan
Postal Code: 74500
Pakistan has faced a number of crises in the past. We as a nation always rise to the challenge. On their part, Pakistanis living abroad have also demonstrated time and again that whenever their country need their support, they live up to the expectations.
Pakistani community in France has also been forthcoming in times of need. You have proven your love for Pakistan many a times. I request members of the community who are willing and have the financial capacity to contribute generously to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for COVID-19 . The collected funds would be judiciously used to support your brothers and sisters in Pakistan in these testing times.
I fully understand that many of our brothers and sisters have been infected. We all are praying for their health and speedy recovery. The Embassy has also launched an initiative to provide essential food items to the distressed members of the community. May I advise you again to follow the instructions of the French government during the ongoing lockdown period.
May Allah Almighty keep us all safe and bless us with good health.
Yours sincerely
Moin ul Haque
Ambassador
سفارت خانہ پاکستان
پیرس فرانس
محترم اراکینِ پاکستانی کمیونٹی
السلام علیکم!
جیسا کہ آپ کو معلوم ہے کہ پوری دنیا کورونا وائرس کی موزی وبا کی لپیٹ میں ہے جس کی وجہ سے معمولاتِ زندگی مفلوج ہو کر رہ گئے ہیں اور دنیاکے تمام ممالک اس مہلک وبا پر قابو پانے کی کوشش کر رہے ہیں تاکہ اس سے متاثرہ لوگوں کی جانیں بچائی جاسکیں۔
پاکستان میں بھی اس وبا سے متاثرہ افراد میں روز بروز اضافہ ہوتا جا رہا ہے جو انتہائی تشویش ناک ہے۔ حکومت پاکستان اپنے محدود وسائل کے باوجود پوری تندہی سے عوام کو اس موزی مرض سے بچانے کیلئے بھرپور کوششیں کر رہی ہے۔
وزیراعظم پاکستان نے اپنی عوام سے کیئے جانے والے متعدد خطابات میں اس بات پر زور دیا ہے کہ کورونا وائرس کی وجہ سے کمزور اور مستحق طبقہ جو اس وبا کی وجہ سے کیئے جانے والے لاک ڈاؤن سے بری طرح متاثر ہوئے ہیں کی ہر ممکن مدد کی جانی چاہئے۔
حکومت پاکستان نے ملک اور ملک سے باہر رہنے والے مخیر اور باحیثیت پاکستانیوں سے درخواست کی ہے کہ وہ پاکستان کے مستحق، غریب اور مزدور طبقے کو اس موزی وبا کے اثرات سے محفوظ کرنے کے سلسلے میں کی جانے والی حکومتی کوششوں میں اپنا بھرپور کردار ادا کریں اور حکومت کی طرف سے قائم کردہ وزیراعظم ریلیف فنڈ کوویڈ19 میں فراغ دلی سے اپنا حصہ ذالیں گے۔
ریلیف فنڈ اکاؤنٹ کی تفصیل درج ذیل ہے:
Account Title: Prime Minister’s COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Fund 2020
Bank Name: National Bank of Pakistan
Account No: 4162786786
IBAN: PK11NBPA0002004162786786
SWIFT Code: NBPAPKKAMBR
Name of Branch: Main Branch, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi, Pakistan
Postal Code: 74500
جیسا کہ آپ جانتے ہیں کہ ماضی میں بھی ہم نے بحیثیت قوم پوری بہادری اور یکجہتی سے ملک کو درپیش متعدد بحرانوں کا بڑی کامیابی سے مقابلہ کیا ہے۔ جس میں بیرون ملک پاکستانیوں خاص طور پر فرانس میں مقیم پاکستانی کمیونٹی کا ایک بہت بڑا، موثر اور احسن کردار رہا ہے۔
مجھے امید ہے کہ اس مرتبہ پھر فرانس میں مقیم مخیر اور صاحب حیثیت پاکستانی ملک کو درپیش اس نئے بحران سے مقابلہ کرنے میں اپنا حصہ ڈالنے کیلئے وزیراعظم ریلیف فنڈ میں پوری فراغ دلی سے اپنے صدقات اور عطیات بھجوائیں گے۔
مجھے اچھی طرح علم ہے کہ فرانس میں مقیم ہمارے متعدد بہن اور بھائی اس وبائی مرض سے متاثر ہوئے ہیں۔ آئیے ہم سب مل کر ان کی جلد صحت یابی کیلئے دعا کریں۔
سفارت خانہ پاکستان فرانس میں مقیم مستحق اور مزدور طبقات کو درپیش مشکلات سے پوری طرح آگاہ ہے اور سفارت خانہ نے ان کی مدد کرنے کیلئے مفت راشن فراہم کرنے کی مہم کا آغاز کر دیاہے تاکہ وہ اس وبا کا باعزت طریقہ سے مقابلہ کر سکیں۔
اس موقع سے فائدہ اٹھاتے ہوئے میری آپ سے ایک مرتبہ پھر درخواست ہو گی کہ آپ حکومت فرانس کی طرف سے کورونا وبا سے محفوظ رہنے کیلئے جاری کردہ ہدایات پر پوری طرح عمل پیرہ ہوں۔
اللہ تعالی ہم سب کو صحت و سلامتی عطا فرمائے اور اپنی پناہ اور امان میں رکھے۔ (آمین
والسلام
(معین الحق)
سفیر پاکستان برائے فرانس
3 اپریل 2020
EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN TO FRANCE
PRESS SECTION
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
24 March 2020. On behalf of the members of the Embassy of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deepest sorrow and grief over the sad demise of the first Pakistani due to coronavirus.
Inna LiAllah wa inna alaihai rajaioon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family members. May Almighty Allah Give them the strength to bear this loss and may He Bless the departed soul in eternal peace.
I would request the community members to also pray for the deceased, and also for the health and quick recovery of those community members who are affected from this virus.
May Allah Protect us all from this deadly pandemic.
Moin ul Haque
Ambassador of Pakistan to France
سفارت خانہ پاکستان
پیرس۔ فرانس
پریس سیکشن
24 مارچ 2020 اپنی طرف سے اور سفارت خانہ کے دیگر اراکین کی طرف سے فرانس میں پہلے پاکستانی کی کورونا وائرس کی وجہ سے انتقال کرجانے پر گہرے رنج و غم کا اظہار کرتا ہوں۔
اِنَّا للہ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیہِ رَاجِعُونَ
ہماری نیک تمنائیں اور دعائیں اُن بہادر سوگوار لواحقین کے ساتھ ہیں اور ہماری دعا ہے کہ اللہ تبارک و تعالی ان کو مرحوم کی المناک موت کا گہرا صدمہ برداشت کرنے کی توفیق عطاء فرمائے اور مرحوم کی روح کو ابدی سکون عطاء فرمائے۔
میں پاکستانی کمیونٹی کے اراکین سے بھی درخواست کروں گا کہ وہ مرحوم کے ایصالِ ثواب کیلئے اور جو کورونا وائرس کے مرض میں مبتلا ہیں ان کی جلد صحت یابی کیلئے دعا کریں۔
اللہ تعالیٰ ہم سب کو اس مہلک وبا سے محفوظ رکھے۔ (آمین)
(معین الحق)
سفیر پاکستان برائے فرانس
EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN TO FRANCE
PRESS SECTION
Condolence Message
Paris 27 March 2020. On behalf of the members of the Embassy of Pakistan to France and on my own behalf, I would like to extend my deepest condolences and grief over the sad demise of Mr. Aziz Dost Fazal who passed away in Paris today due to Covid 19 disease.
Inna LiAllah wa inna alaihai rajaioon
Mr. Aziz was well known respected community member and a popular personality played his role in promoting sports activities in the Pakistan community.
May Almighty Allah Bless the departed soul in eternal peace and give patience, courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
I would request the community members to also pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
(Moin ul Haque)
Ambassador of Pakistan to France
سفارت خانہ پاکستان۔ فرانس
پریس سیکشن
تعزیتی پیغام
27 مارچ 2020 میں اپنی اور سفارت خانہ کے دیگر اراکین کی طرف سے مرحوم جناب عزیز دوست فضل کی آج پیرس میں کووِڈ19 سے انتقال کرجانے پر گہرے رنج و غم کا اظہار کرتا ہوں۔
اِنَّا للہ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیہِ رَاجِعُونَ
مرحوم فضل کمیونٹی کے نیک اور معزز رکن ہونے کے ساتھ ساتھ کمیونٹی اراکین کے درمیان کھیلوں کی سرگرمیوں کو فروغ دینے میں بہترین کردار ادا کرتے رہیں ہیں جسے کمیونٹی میں ایک طویل عرصہ تک یاد رکھا جائے گا۔ میری دعا ہے کہ اللہ تعالی اُن کے سوگوار لواحقین کو صبر جمیل عطا فرمائے اور مرحوم کی المناک موت کا گہرا صدمہ برداشت کرنے کی توفیق عطاء فرمائے اور مرحوم کی روح کو ابدی سکون عطاء فرمائے۔
میری پاکستانی کمیونٹی کے اراکین سے بھی گزارش ہے کہ وہ مرحوم کے ایصالِ ثواب کیلئے دعا کریں کہ اللہ تعالی مرحوم کے درجات بلند فرمائے اور اپنے جوارِ رحمت میں اعلی مقام عطا فرمائے (آمین)
(معین الحق)
سفیر پاکستان برائے فرانس
EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN TO FRANCE
PRESS SECTION
PRESS RELEASE
Pak Embassy helps distressed Pakistanis during coronavirus lockdown in France
Paris 2nd April, 2020. The Embassy of Pakistan in Paris has launched a ration distribution campaign to help those Pakistanis who may face hardship due to coronavirus lockdown in France.
This was stated by the Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Moin ul Haque in a statement issued in Paris today.
The Ambassador said that the Embassy in coordination with community associations and local philanthropist organizations will distribute the essential food items to needy people.
The members of the Pakistani community who need such help may please contact the Embassy at following helpline numbers: 0033(0)14562232 and 0033(0)637281541 or through Embassy’s email parepparis@mofa.gov.pk or consular@pakembparis.com.
The Ambassador thanked the Pakistani companies, associations and social workers who have joined hands with the Embassy in this noble initiative.
پیرس: 2 اپریل 2020، سفارت خانہ پاکستان، پیرس نے اُن پاکستانیوں کی امداد کیلئے راشن تقسیم کرنے کی مہم کا آغاز کیا ہے جنہیں فرانس میں کورونا وائرس کی روک تھام کیلئے لاک ڈاؤن کیئے جانے پر مشکلات کا سامنا کرنا پڑ سکتا ہے۔
یہ بات جناب معین الحق سفیر پاکستان برائے فرانس نے آج پیرس میں اپنے جاری کردہ ایک بیان میں کہی۔
سفیر پاکستان نے کہا کہ سفارت خانہ پاکستانی کمیونٹی ایسوسی ایشنز اور مقامی مخیر تنظیموں کے ساتھ مل کر ضرورت مند لوگوں میں اشیاء خورد و نوش تقسیم کرے گا۔
پاکستانی کمیونٹی کے وہ اراکین جنہیں اشیائے خورد و نوش کی ضرورت ہو براہ مہربانی اِن نمبروں 014562232 اور 0637281541پر رابطہ کریں یا سفارت خانہ کی ویب سائٹ parepparis@mofa.gov.pk یا consular@pakembparis.com سے رجوع کریں۔
سفیر پاکستان نے پاکستانی کمپنیوں، تنظیموں اور سماجی کارکنوں کا شکریہ ادا کیا جو س کار خیر میں سفارت خانہ کا بڑھ چڑھ کرساتھ دے رہی ہیں۔
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday unveiled a financial relief package worth around Rs1.2 trillion to ward off the negative impact of coronavirus on the country.
The package included reducing prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene by Rs15 per litre, providing Rs3,000 monthly stipend for daily wagers, and improving liquidity crunch for exporters and industrialists.
While talking to a select group of TV anchors here, the PM announced tax breaks on import of pulses, waived off duty on import of palm oil and reduced petroleum levy on petrol, oils and lubricants (POL) products in order to provide relief to consumers.
“We have provided relief package to the tune of Rs1.2 trillion as it did not incorporate tax relief provided through abolishing/reducing taxes on pulses and palm oil,” Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar told The News when asked about the exact financial impact of relief package announced by premier here. He said the reduction in Petroleum Levy on POL products would cost the government Rs75 billion over the next three months. He also claimed that the electricity bill through three-instalment payment and gas bill in instalments would have cost of Rs70 billion and Rs30 billion for power and gas companies as their cash receipts would face disruptions.
The PM made the first announcement for industries and exporters to the tune of Rs200 billion as he announced that the FBR was instructed to release Rs100 billion refunds on immediate basis. It will help improving liquidity crunch being faced by the exporters, he added.
He said the principle and mark-up of loans would be deferred with the help of Rs100 billion. He said that the Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) or small and medium-sized businesses sector loan would also be provided concessional loans and their mark-up payment would also be deferred.
He said that the government allocated Rs150 billion for providing Rs3,000 monthly help to daily wagers. And the Centre would also involve provinces to expand coverage of the programme to maximum beneficiaries. He said that the government increased additional allocation of Rs50 billion for Utility Stores Corporation (USC) so that provision of essential food items at affordable prices could be ensured. The premier also announced allocation of Rs280 billion for procurement of 8 million tons of wheat as it will help for providing cash to farmers.
The PM also announced slashing prices of petroleum products by Rs15 per litre including diesel, petrol and kerosene with immediate effect. The government estimated that it was going to face hit of Rs75 billion on its petroleum levy over the next three months.
Answering a query, Advisor to PM on Petroleum replied that the POL prices would be further reduced if the existing trend of reduced prices persisted in international market.
The premier also announced that the electricity bill up to 300 units that consists of 75 per cent consumers will be able to pay their bills through instalments over next three months. The gas bill will also be allowed through three instalments over next three months.
The PM announced allocation of Rs50 billion for procurement of medical equipments. He also announced tax reduction/abolishing on food items such as on import of pulses, palm oil and others. He announced Rs100 billion for emergency relief as the government earmarked this amount in order to spend on sectors where there is increasing requirement in the wake of evolving situation because of outbreak of corona.
The PM also allocated Rs25 billion for National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He also announced that he would unveil special relief package for construction sector in the next few days as it would help to kick-start different industries and would provide jobs at this difficult times.
The journalists present on the occasion raised critical questions over the non-elected representatives of economic team, laid back monetary policy, attracting hot money and prescription of wrong economic policies, the PM replied that he would be responsible for all policies of his government.
Advisor to PM on Finance and Revenues Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, while replying to different questions, said that the monetary policy was the domain of the State Bank of Pakistan and the Monetary Policy Committee was holding its meeting right now and their decision would be made public. When journalists continued critical questions on monetary policy that was criticised by industrialists, independent economists and all others and hot money of $3 billion also started flying out, the advisor replied that he had inherited the economy when it was close to default and stated that he had to pay back Rs5,000 billion mark-up of loan at a time when the country was collecting tax revenues less than Rs4,000 billion. The external debt stood at $95 billion and CAD gap stood at $20 billion so they managed economy in such situation. However, the journalists seemed that they were not satisfied with the answers. It resulted in eruption of debate among the advisor and journalists and the PM had to intervene by saying please listen to our viewpoint as well.
Earlier, Advisor to PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood told The News on Tuesday that the government would improve liquidity crunch of industrialists and exporters but they would have to give assurances that they would not retrench their workforce. “We are here to provide all kind of relief provided you do not retrench your workforce” he said in an exclusive talk with The News on phone on Tuesday afternoon.
He said that the exporters would be provided refunds at the earliest as they were working with the FBR to release stuck up refunds. The stuck-up refunds, he said, would be released within few days.
He said that the liquidity problems would be properly taken care of provided the industrialists do not opt policy of retrenchment of their workers. “It is difficult time that requires finding out extra ordinary solution” he said and added that the government would have to move cautiously on the economic front.
To another question regarding hedging of oil prices, he said that in the aftermath of outbreak of coronavirus the international market and prices are so fluid that no one knows how things will proceed further in days to come. “Yes the hedging of POL prices is under consideration but the government will move for taking any decision in cautious manner,” he concluded.
APP adds: Other packages, he said, included additional amount of Rs50 billion for the Utility Stores, and Rs280 billion for wheat procurement.
An amount of Rs100 billion was allocated separately for the emergency situation, he added.
A sum of Rs50 billion was also allocated for the medical staff.
The National Disaster Management Authority would get Rs25 billion for purchase and procuring of kits, he announced.
The PM said they were also expanding the network of Panagah (shelter homes) where the precautionary measures had been strictly practised. Besides, he added, it was decided to either completely cut taxes or reduce them on different edible items.
Reiterating that the country could not afford a complete lockdown with the imposition of curfew, the prime minister said the situation in the country so far did not warrant resorting to that last step. He the government would review the situation after a couple of weeks.
The provincial governments after the 18th Constitutional Amendment could take their decisions while the role of the federal government was only that of an advisory, he replied to a query.
The federal government, he said, could only give guidelines but could not direct the provinces against their decisions. The provincial governments could react to a situation, but should also give consideration to the evolving situation.
Comparing the situation in Spain, Italy, France and other European countries, the prime minister said with about 900 cases in Pakistan, the government team had been taking cognizance of the evolving situation regularly.
The youth and overseas Pakistanis would be tapped in such like scenario, added the PM. To a question about holding of religious congregations in the country despite a ban, Imran Khan said the government had mobilised the ulema, who were guiding the people to avoid mass gatherings and follow the government and health ministry’s precautionary measures.
A volunteers force would also be formed to assist and guide the people in that regard. He reiterated: “We as a nation will counter the pandemic with unity, rest assure the government is fully concentrating on the economy and food security, and trying its level best to face the endemic.”
It was the government job to create easiness for its people, he added. He said when the pandemic spread there were only 1500 ventilators in the public sector but now their number had increased to 2,200.
To another question, the prime minister said he fully believed in freedom of the press, but accuracy and objectivity should be the hallmarks of journalists. The role of the media was to counter panic in the society as it was more dangerous than the coronavirus.
He assured the anchorpersons that the nation had the resilience to counter such kind of crisis, citing the examples of 2005 earthquake and 2010 flood. The government would provide all details to the media about the situation and take them into confidence.
The prime minister said efforts were being made to stock the hospitals with basic medical equipment. He urged the people to become disciplined and avoid social gatherings so that there would be no need for them to go to hospitals.
EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN TO FRANCE
PRESS SECTION
Condolence Message by the Ambassador
24 March 2020. On behalf of the members of the Embassy of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deepest sorrow and grief over the sad demise of the first Pakistani due to coronavirus yesterday.
Inna LiAllah wa inna alaihai rajaioon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family members. May Almighty Allah Give them the strength to bear this loss and may He Bless the departed soul in eternal peace.
I would request the community members to also pray for the deceased, and also for the health and quick recovery of those community members who are affected from this virus.
May Allah Protect us all from this deadly pandemic.
سفارت خانہ پاکستان
پیرس۔ فرانس
پریس سیکشن
24 مارچ 2020: میں اپنی طرف سے اور سفارت خانہ کے دیگر اراکین کی طرف سے فرانس میں پہلے پاکستانی کی کورونا وائرس کی وجہ سے انتقال کرجانے پر گہرے رنج و غم کا اظہار کرتا ہوں۔
اِنَّا للہ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیہِ رَاجِعُونَ
ہماری نیک تمنائیں اور دعائیں اُن بہادر سوگوار لواحقین کے ساتھ ہیں اور ہماری دعا ہے کہ اللہ تبارک و تعالی ان کو مرحوم کی المناک موت کا گہرا صدمہ برداشت کرنے کی توفیق عطاء فرمائے اور مرحوم کی روح کو ابدی سکون عطاء فرمائے۔
میں پاکستانی کمیونٹی کے اراکین سے بھی درخواست کروں گا کہ وہ مرحوم کے ایصالِ ثواب کیلئے اور جو کورونا وائرس کے مرض میں مبتلا ہیں ان کی جلد صحت یابی کیلئے دعا کریں۔
اللہ تعالیٰ ہم سب کو اس مہلک وبا سے محفوظ رکھے۔ (آمین)
(معین الحق)
سفیر پاکستان برائے فرانس
EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN TO FRANCE
PRESS SECTION
PRESS RELASE
Pakistan Day marked in France by Symbolic Flag Hoisting in Paris
Paris 23rd March 2020. The Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Moin ul Haque hoisted the national flag at the Pakistan House to mark Pakistan Day in the presence of family members and house staff.
Respecting the strict movement restrictions of the French government to stop the spread of Coronavirus and to ensure the safety of community members, the traditional flag hoisting ceremony could not be held at the premises of Embassy of Pakistan in Paris.
In his message to the community, the Ambassador said that although we are celebrating Pakistan Day without the presence of patriotic and loyal members of Pakistani community, but he can feel their enthusiasm, passion and love for Pakistan while raising the Pakistani Flag and can hear their chanting of Pakistan Zindabad slogan.
The Ambassador congratulated the entire Pakistani community of France on Pakistan’s National day. He said, “while staying within the confines of our homes let us one again pledge on this occasion to make our country stronger and prosperous as envisioned by Quaid e Azam.
He requested the Pakistan community to celebrate Pakistan Day with their family members while strictly remaining within their own homes.
Referring to spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan, Ambassador said that Pakistani nation would overcome this challenge like always. He said that 23rd March reminds us about the unity and resolve of our forefathers. He noted that President and Prime Minister in their messages have also urged the nation to show unity, discipline, faith and passion to fight Coronavirus pandemic.
He specifically reiterated the solidarity of people of Pakistan with the people of Kashmir for their just struggle.
Ambassador also expressed concern about those Pakistanis who are affected by Coronavirus and prayed for their quick recovery.
سفارت خانہ پاکستان
پیرس۔ فرانس
پریس ریلیز
فرانس میں یوم پاکستان کے موقع پر علامتی پرچم کشائی کی تقریب
پیرس: 23 مارچ 2020، جناب معین الحق سفیر پاکستان برائے فرانس نے یوم پاکستان کے موقع پر پاکستان ہاؤس میں اپنے اہلخانہ اور گھریلو عملہ کے ساتھ روائتی قومی پرچم کشائی کی۔
فرانسیسی حکومت کی جانب سے کورونا وائرس کے پھیلاؤ کو روکنے اور کمیونٹی اراکین کی جانوں کی حفاظت کو یقینی بنانے کیلئے نقل و حرکت پر عائد کردہ پابندیوں کا احترام کرتے ہوئے یوم پاکستان کی پرچم کشائی کی تقریب کا انعقاد سفارت خانہ کے احاطہ میں نہ کیا جاسکا۔
سفیر پاکستان نے اپنی کمیونٹی سے مخاطب ہو کر کہا اگرچہ ہم آج پاکستانی کمیونٹی کے محب وطن اور وفادار اراکین کی غیر موجودگی میں یوم پاکستان منا رہے ہیں لیکن میں پاکستانی پرچم بلند کرتے ہوئے ان کے جوش و جذبے اور پاکستان سے بے پناہ پیار کو محسوس کر سکتا ہوں اور ان کے پاکستان زندہ باد کے نعروں کی گونجتی ہوئی آواز کو سن سکتا ہوں۔
سفیر پاکستان نے یوم پاکستان کے موقع پر فرانس میں مقیم تمام پاکستانیوں کو مبارک باد پیش کی اور کہا کہ ہم اپنے گھروں میں رہتے ہوئے ایک بار پھر عہد کریں کہ ہم پاکستان کو قائداعظم محمد علی جناح کے تصور کے عین مطابق مضبوط اور خوشحال بنائیں گے۔
سفیر پاکستان نے پاکستانی کمیونٹی سے درخواست کی کہ وہ اپنے گھروں میں رہتے ہوئے یوم پاکستان کو اپنے اہل خانہ کے ساتھ مل کر منائیں۔
سفیر پاکستان نے پاکستان میں کورونا وائرس کے پھیلنے کا ذکر کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ ان شاء اللہ پاکستانی قوم ہمیشہ کی طرح اس مرتبہ بھی اس چیلنج پر قابو پا لے گی۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ23 مارچ ہمیں ہمارے اباؤ اجداد کے عزم و اتحاد کی یاد دلاتا ہے۔ انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ صدر اور وزیراعظم پاکستان نے اپنے پیغامات میں قوم پر زور دیا ہے کہ وہ کورونا وائرس کے وبائی مرض کا مقابلہ کرنے کیلئے اتحاد، نظم و ضبط، ایمان اور جذبہ کا مظاہرہ کریں۔
انہوں نے اس موقع پر کشمیری عوام کے ساتھ انصاف کے حصول کیلئے خاص طور پر پاکستانی عوام کی یکجہتی کا اعادہ کیا۔
سفیر پاکستان نے ان پاکستانیوں کے بارے میں تشویش کا اظہار کیا جو کورونا کے وبائی مرض میں مبتلا ہو چکے ہیں اور ان کی جلد صحت یابی کیلئے دعا کی۔
TRAVEL ADVISORY – NOVEL CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
ISLAMABAD — The WHO has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Most of the countries have now reported cases of COVID-19. The Government is making all-out efforts to deal with a rapidly evolving situation which is a challenge, not only for Pakistan but the whole world. Proactive, comprehensive and coordinated steps continue to be taken to curtail the spread of COVID-19, with a view to ensuring safety and security of our nationals and people traveling to and from Pakistan.
2. As the situation evolves, the Government continues to review the measures/ arrangements in place, including the WHO recommendations to keep its population safe.
3. Against this backdrop and after carefully examining all options, the Government of Pakistan has decided to suspend operation of all international passenger, chartered and private flights to Pakistan, effective from 21st March 2020 (2000 hrs PST) to 4th April 2020 (2000 hrs PST). This is a temporary suspension imposed due to exceptional circumstances. Upon resumption of international passenger, chartered and private flights to Pakistan, RT-PCR test certification from points of origin will not be mandatory.
4. Diplomats and special/ cargo aircrafts are exempted from the conditions above. However, they will be subjected to appropriate health screenings on arrival. They can also be isolated / quarantined as per advice of health professionals.
5. The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of its people. COVID-19 is a global challenge entailing a global response. Individual responsibility is critical for collective security. Your safety lies in keeping others safe.
(Abdul Sattar Khokhar)
Senior Joint Secretary
Spokesman
Aviation Division
Paris 28th February 2020. Pakistan actively participated in organizing the Asia Pacific (ASPAC) cultural evening 2020 under the theme “Celebrating Diversity” at the UNESCO Headquarter Paris, yesterday.
In his welcome address, the Ambassador of Pakistan to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and the incumbent chairman of ASPAC Group thanked the ASPAC member countries for actively participating and showcasing their cultural through their traditional food, folk dances and music.
He said that ASPAC being the largest group of UNESCO in terms of landmass and population is also the most diverse in terms of its physical and cultural landscapes. He reiterated commitment of ASPAC member states to UNESCO’s mandate and reassured their collective and constructive role will continue to play its active role in celebrating cultural to promote global peace and stability for the wellbeing of future generations.
The Deputy Director General of UNESCO, Mr. Xing Qu while highlighting the significance of ASPAC group said that the combine population of ASPAC group was 4.1 billion which makes it the largest UNESCO group in terms of cultural and social diversity. He hoped that ASPAC group would continue to play its role in celebrating cultural diversity and to pursue peace and harmony in the world
Pakistan was elected as Chairman of the ASPAC group for the year 2020 in January this year.
سفیر پاکستان نے کہا کہ اے ایس پی اے سی خطے اور آبادی کے اعتبار سے یونیسکو کا سب سے بڑا گروہ ہونے کے ساتھ ساتھ یہ گروپ ثقافتی مناظر کے لحاظ سے بھی منفرد ہے۔ انہوں نے یونیسکو کے مینڈیٹ سے ایشیاء پیسیفک کے رکن ممالک کی وابستگی کا اعادہ کیا اور اس بات کا یقین دلایا کہ اس گروپ کا اجتماعی اور تعمیری کردار آنے والی نسلوں کی فلاح و بہبود کیلئے عالمی امن و استحکام کو فروغ دینے اور ثقافتی جشن منانے کیلئے اپنا بھرپور کردار ادا کرتے رہیں گے۔
یونیسکو کے ڈپٹی ڈائریکٹر جنرل جناب ژنگ کیو نے ایشیاء پیسیفک گروپ کی اہمیت کو اجاگر کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ کہ ایشیاء پیسیفک گروپ کی مشترکہ آبادی 4.1 بلین ہے جو ثقافتی اور معاشرتی اعتبار سے یونیسکو کا سب سے بڑا گروپ بنتا ہے۔ انہوں نے امید ظاہر کی کہ ایشیاء پیسیفک گروپ ثقافتی جشن کو منانے اور دنیا میں امن و استحکام کے حصول کیلئے اپنا کردار ادا کرتا رہے گا۔
پاکستان کو اس سال جنوری میں سال 2020کیلئے ایشیاء پیسیفک گروپ کا چیئر مین منتخب کر لیا گیا ہے۔
