Islamabad- Pakistan in the World -Ms Aysha Farooqui, Spokesperson MOFA Pakistan has said that Italy is home to about 150,000 Pakistani nationals, concentrated mostly in the North of Italy (Lombardy region with its capital as Milan). Our Embassy in Rome and Consulate General in Milan are in constant contact with the Pakistani community.
In her weekly press briefing on 19 March 2020, she said that the Embassy as well as Consulate General had set up 24/7 help lines to provide services and information to the Community at the start of the outbreak.
Our Embassy and Consulate General are also coordinating with educational institutes where Pakistani students (1500-2000) are studying. So far we know about the unfortunate death of one Pakistani origin person who lived near Milan, Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed.
To a question, the Spokesperson shared that the Ministry has also established a Crisis Management Unit for coordination on Covid-19 under the supervision of Special Secretary (Administration) to liaise with the diplomatic corps in Pakistan as well as with our Missions abroad and their respective outreach to our Diaspora communities worldwide. Hotline numbers of the Crisis Management Unit have been shared on our website.
Pakistan Embassies and Consulates have established 24/7 hotlines and nominated focal persons to facilitate our overseas communities in their respective countries. All these contacts details are available on our social media platforms and on the website of the Ministry.
We advise our Diaspora communities to exercise caution and personal responsibility for their personal health as well as of those in their family and communities in line with the advisories of local authorities wherever they may be. We also advise all our community members abroad to avoid all non- essential travel as well as avoid public places and points of congregation and practice social distancing in a responsible manner for their own safety and the safety of all around. The role of the media in building public awareness on safety and precaution during this difficult time is crucial and deeply valued. This challenge can only be tackled through collective action.
She said that visa services have not been suspended by any Pakistani Missions abroad. All Missions are providing essential consular services to overseas Pakistanis. Our community members have been advised to obtain consular services through online mechanisms and to try and avoid all non essential travel and visit the Embassies/Consulates only in emergency situations after obtaining appointment.
Pakistani overseas communities (including students) have been advised to comply with advisories by local authorities and take necessary precautions.
