Press Release

“Pakistani diaspora residing in Belgium and Luxembourg should continue to follow health and safety guidelines, provided by their respective governments, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” advised Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Mr. Zaheer A. Janjua in a video message to the community.

Ambassador Janjua appreciated Pakistani community for respecting specific preventive measures, which were introduced by the government during the Holy month of Ramadan. He underlined the need to sustain care and precaution in all the areas of activities with the opening of businesses in phase wise gradual lifting of restrictions, as announced by the Governments of Belgium and Luxembourg.

The ambassador further said that, with the efforts of the Embassy of Pakistan, 16 Pakistani nationals, stranded in Belgium and Luxembourg were able to leave for Islamabad via Amsterdam on Wednesday. He expressed gratitude to the governments of Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation,while restrictions on travel within Europe are still in place. 

Highlighting the efforts of the Government of Pakistan in fight against Corona pandemic, which involves huge expenses in connection with support to jobless people and treatment of patients, the ambassador appealed to affluent Pakistanis in Belgium and Luxembourg to contribute in Prime Minister of Pakistan’s COVID – 19   Relief Fund 2020.

As the effective communications play a significant role in the times of crises like COVID- 19 pandemic, the ambassador called upon Pakistani diaspora to get themselves registered with the Embassy. This would facilitate quick action by the embassy in case of any unforeseen emergency.

The embassy of Pakistan has enhanced its outreach to the Pakistani diaspora in the wake of crises situation caused by COVID-19 pandemic. Two separate WhatsApp groups have been created for communicating efficiently with Pakistanis residing in Belgium and Luxembourg besides regular posting of information on the website of the Embassy and its Facebook page.

The Ambassador has issued several messages for the Pakistani community, recommending them to contact the embassy in case of any emergency. Two officers of the embassy have been designated as focal persons on 24/7 basis to respond to emergency needs and assist Pakistani community in the scenario of COVID-19 pandemic.

Brussels
May 7, 2020