JEDDAH, 18 December 2003 — An information desk is being set up at the Consulate General of Pakistan to deal with various issues concerning the community.
“The desk will also deal with the difficulties faced by the community in obtaining and completing Pakistan’s National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) application forms,” Pakistan’s Consul General Masood Akhtar told a community meeting here on Tuesday. “The NADRA forms will be printed locally,” he assured.
A community member, Dr. Asif, suggested the opening of a medical welfare fund for low-income people and their dependents.
“The consulate is aware of all issues and problems facing the community and trying its best to solve them. Of course, there are hurdles and delays due to various reasons, but an information desk set to open at the consulate will surely go a long way in addressing and redressing the community issues,” Akhtar, who presided, said.
He called for cooperation and tolerance among the expat community and praised its efforts and contribution in continuing to bring a good name to the country. “Every Pakistani here should live up to the country’s expectations and abide by the local law and regulations,” he said. Akhtar urged parents not to overlook the educational needs of their children, whether basic or advanced. He also had a word of praise for those who voluntarily supported the needs of underprivileged children in terms of their school fees and books. Members of the community should come forward and help the needy, and the consulate on its part would lend full support, he added.
“It’s a good gesture on the part of the community to donate SR11,000 to the Pakistan Embassy School, Taif, for upgrading its computer lab,” Akhtar added.
Referring to the sacrifices of Kashmiris, the consul general said that the “Kashmir Day” would be observed by the end of February at the Pakistan Embassy School in Aziziah. “We’ll not leave our Kashmiri brethren alone in misery,” he said and urged all Pakistanis to make this day a success.
“The consulate has tackled the cases of jailed Pakistanis,” he said and noted that despite the strong presence of the community here only 140 of its members were at the Breman jail for minor crimes. “This shows that Pakistanis are very peaceful citizens and don’t meddle in others’ affairs,” he said.
About the consulate’s welfare activities, he said cases of 200 Umrah pilgrims were successfully handled.
Welfare Attache Abdul Aziz Uquaili, who conducted the meeting, introduced Hassan Raza, the new head of chancery at the consulate.