Pakistan Overseas News

 

 

 

BRUTAL attacks on Asian workers
by anti-government protesters have been condemned by APOO (All Pakistanis
Overseas Orgenaization) described foreign & Pakistani workers as a key
component of the national economy, but said many had been forced to leave their
homes like ‘refugees’ to escape attacks.

 

More than 40 Asians had been attacked and injured by anti-government
protesters last week, three of whom remain in a critical condition in
hospital.

 

A police source said at least four Asian expats had died since
anti-government protests started on February 14 – an Indian, a Pakistani and two
Bangladeshis, although one is thought to have died after being hit by a stray
bullet.

 

The situation was so bad that members of the Asian community took out
an advert last Tuesday appealing for protection from “brutal and savage
attacks”.

 

“We are very upset with all the attacks on the poor Pakistanis and
Bangladeshis,” APOO  ” GCC board of Governer Mr.  Zahid Sheikh on behalf of All
Pakistanis Overseas Orgenaization GCC region .

 

“It is not fair that migrant workers who are not part of the conflict
get attacked.

 

“I heard a group of people attacked cold stores and samboosa shops
and said: “Close the shop or we will beat you.”

 

“These people are voiceless, they are too scared to say anything so
they close the shop.

 

“They can’t work, they are too scared.”

 

Mr. Zahid said those targeted were mainly Muslims from Pakistan and
Bangladesh, who were earning low salaries and living in labour camps based in
poor villages.

 

He said it was thought that anti-government protesters attacked them
because they mistook them for naturalised citizens working for the police force
or Bahrain Defence Force.

 

“They aren’t in the army and they aren’t Bahrainis, just Pakistanis
and Bangladeshis who come to work in Bahrain,” said APOO (ALL PAKISTANIS
OVERSEAS ORGENAIZATION) GCC Board of Governer Mr. Zahid.

 

“In Islam you shouldn’t beat weak people, you should take care of the
poor and needy.

 

“These are people earning BD50 and BD60 salaries, but they got all
anger directed at them.”

 

More than 250 Pakistanis staying in downtown Manama have been given
temporary shelter at the Pakistan Club, in Manama, and the Pakistan School, in
Isa Town.

 

“It is very painful to hear that most of these workers have left
their accommodation in the villages and are staying in temporary shelters,” he
said.

 

“But how long these people can live like refugees?”

 

He called on all members of the community to support and protect
innocent workers who are being targeted by gangs.

 

“I’m asking people to be more compassionate to them,” he
said.

 

“Usually Bahrainis are very kind and love and appreciate people who
work with them.

 

“I think if nothing is done they will start leaving and, when
labourers leave, it becomes a crisis for the economy.

 

“I know the government can’t take care of everything and the police
are already working to the limit, but if you have a neighbour at least give him
some support.”

 

INFORMATION
DEPARTMENT

 

APOO
WORLD

(ALL PAKISTANIS OVERSEAS
ORGENAIZATION)

GCC, REGION
CELL Bahrain +973-33680756
UAE.+971-50-2426648

Pakistan Independence Day Celebrations (Jashn-e-Azadi) in Australia

By: Mohammed ALI

Pakistani community in Australia every year on 14 August starts celebrations of Pakistan’s independence even before Pakistani citizens in Pakistan start it. This year again it was no different. When it was 5 AM in Pakistan (9 AM in Australia) a big group of Pakistanis had gathered at the Pakistan High Commission in Canberra to mark the 62nd Independence Day.

Exactly at 9 AM, the freezing morning of the leafy green Canberra experienced melody of the National Anthem of Pakistan and the frosty environment

started melting from the warmth and soft glow of the rising Pakistani flag. As the flag was rising so were the emotions of all present, including men, women and children, some in their national dress and some in official clothes. A large group of university students was an added flavour to the inspiring ceremony.

The ceremony started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Waatasimo behablillahi jameeaoon wala tafarraqu was the message from Quran emerging

through the lips of Mr Mushtaq Khan. Can any one doubt the need of unity at this juncture in the ranks of Pakistanis in Pakistan or abroad?

The messages of the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister were read by the Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Tasawar Khan, who was also

master of the ceremony.

High Commissioner of Pakistan, His Excellency Jalil Abbas Jilani in his address emphasised the need to unite and do all possible to raise the image

of ‘dharti maata’, the beloved motherland. He stressed there could be disagreements, however, these should not reflect themselves when we talk about our country outside Pakistan.

On behalf of Pakistan Students Association Australia, Mr Kashif presented a check of $3.300 to the High Commissioner towards IDPs Fund. Kashif also made a brief and moving speech on the occasion. The High Commissioner applauded the efforts and spirit of the association.

The celebrants later enjoyed a ‘pur takalluf’ (over the top) reception, which had all components of tradition and taste. Who can say no to delicacies like
samosas, aaloo cholas , and dahee barays besides cake and cookies. All these with informal discussions was a true reflection of a loving, cohesive,
wonderful nation that we are.

Similar ceremony was held on the day in Sydney. Other centres like Melbourne, New Castle and Perth have also planned full on independence day programs during the month of August. Earlier on 1 August, Canberra staged a live show of Pop Star, Fakhir Mahmood, who came all the way from Pakistan to celebrate the Independence with the fellow Pakistanis in Australia. This was a heavily attended program organised by the Pakistan Australia Friendship Association and Pakistan Cultural Society. –