86 overseas Pakistanis honoured for contribution to Covid-19 fight

FM Qureshi lauds exceptional selflessness and generosity of expatriates during pandemic

As part of his initiative to reach out to overseas Pakistanis and in the context of August 14 celebrations, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday honoured 86 overseas Pakistanis for making exceptional contributions to fight against Covid-19.

According to a statement of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFa), Individuals and Organisations that had assisted in alleviating the suffering of humanity during these challenging times in any form or manner were recognised for their efforts.

“Categories of honourees included those being recognised posthumously; medical professionals; donors; facilitators and associations,” read the statement.

While interacting with the honourees at a webinar hosted by MoFa, the foreign minister underlined that overseas Pakistanis were an important asset for the country.

Lauding their exceptional selflessness and generosity, he noted that their acts of kindness, performed without any consideration for reward or recognition, in the face of difficult circumstances, exemplified the true nature and spirit of the Pakistani nation.

Qureshi declared such individuals and groups of Pakistanis to be the heroes of the nation and the real ambassadors of the country.

The foreign minister apprised participants of the steps taken by the government to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, including inter-alia, the policy of TTQ (Testing, Tracing and Quarantine) and smart lockdowns, a stimulus to select industries; financial relief to the underprivileged in the shape of the Ehsas programme, and expediting the repatriation of over 412,000 Pakistanis from abroad through 478 special flights.

The minister thanked overseas Pakistanis for contributing to the efforts. Pakistan was faring better than regional peers, and was being cited as a success story in the fight against the pandemic.

Qureshi interacted with the families of two deceased medical personnel, based in the UK and Saudi Arabia respectively, who had laid down their lives while serving patients.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also held brief dialogues with heads of Pakistani community organisations in various countries.

The Foreign Minister’s Honours List is being launched as part of the Vision Foreign Office, aimed at expanding the reach and interaction of the institution with key stakeholders.

The honours list along with the gist of contributions can be accessed at the ministry’s official website.