Pakistani envoy in NY assures help to virus-hit community

Consul general Ayesha Ali reveals plans for holding virtual town hall meetings with Pakistani Americans

NEW YORK: The Pakistan consulate general in New York is planning virtual town hall meetings in an effort to reach the large number of the Pakistani-American community members and discuss steps to enhance cooperation in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

In a video message, Consul General Ayesha Ali assured the Pakistani community of the consulate’s continued support and assistance as New York city battles the spread of deadly contagion.

Consul General’s message (1 of 3)#PakistaniAmericanslead #FlattenTheCurve @ForeignOfficePk @asadmk17 @SMQureshiPTI @PakPMO pic.twitter.com/1bmEwj3sIh

— Pakistan Consulate General New York (@PakinNewYork) April 13, 2020

New York is the worst affected region of the US, where close to 7,000 people had died of Covid-19. A number of Pakistani-Americans were also among the fatalities, however, no official figures specifically for the community were yet available.

According to Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University, New York City’s confirmed coronavirus cases surpassed a grim milestone of 100,000 to reach 103,208 by Monday noon, with a death toll of 6,898.

Pakistan's consul general Ayesha Ali said in the video message that several Pakistani-American organisations were engaged in this humanitarian effort. She appreciated the "indomitable spirit of our community members who have been in the lead in providing relief”" she said.

Ali said that the consulate was providing essential services to the community online, and that an emergency hotline was available round-the-clock. she added she was also planning virtual town hall meetings to reach larger number of community members.

“I pray for all the families who are going through the most difficult time in their lives dealing with the loss of their family members and friends,” she said. “I also pray for the speedy recovery of all who are affected by this disease.”

https://twitter.com/PakConsulateNY/status/1249493571557896193?s=20