SBS Urdu to host radiothon in support of UNICEF Australia’s Pakistan Flood Emergency Appeal

SBS will host a radiothon on Sunday 18 September to raise money in support of UNICEF Australia’s Pakistan Flood Emergency Appeal, and to share the message, “Pakistan, we stand with you and support affected communities.” The radiothon will be broadcast live via radio, Facebook and SBS online, and feature high profile guests including Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja, senior community leaders and other public figures.

Donations are tax deductible and can be made via the UNICEF Australia website pakistan.unicef.org.au/sbs until Sunday 2 October.

Devastating rains, floods and landslides have affected a third of Pakistan and more than 33 million people. There are reports that more than 1,200 people, including 400 children, have lost their lives in the disaster. Many families are now homeless and living without adequate shelter or access to basic necessities. Medicine, vaccines, clean water and sanitation supplies are urgently needed.

SBS’s Urdu language program will bring audiences live coverage from around Australia and Pakistan in a mixture of English and Urdu from 6pm-8pm AEST. The radiothon will feature interviews and international messages of support from Urdu-speaking community members, local leaders, and UNICEF Pakistan’s team on the ground.

David Hua, Director SBS Audio and Language Content, said: “SBS recognises the importance of banding together during times of need. Many Australians are very worried about the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan and want to help, but don’t know how. I hope that SBS’s radiothon provides a way for the community – especially Australians with links to people affected by the floods – to feel connected through a common cause. SBS is pleased to be partnering with UNICEF Australia again, knowing that whatever money gets raised will go directly to those in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.”

Alice Hall, Head of International Programs for UNICEF Australia, said: “Pakistan is suffering enormous destruction from flooding, but there is also very high risk from contaminated water and water-borne diseases. UNICEF is already on the ground delivering critical life-saving support, including deliveries of clean water, medical supplies, hygiene and nutrition kits. Millions of families have lost everything and schools and hospitals have also been lost. As well as immediate health needs, UNICEF is helping restore a sense of normality for children with the establishment of temporary classrooms and space to play. Every dollar raised through the radiothon will make a difference to people in Pakistan and we thank the community for their support so far.”

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja, said: “We know the effects of this massive flooding will be felt for years to come. Families’ lives have been turned upside down and they don’t have the benefit of the support systems we have in Australia when disaster strikes. I urge the community to support this appeal. Your generosity will make a difference.”

His Excellency Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia, said: “The unprecedented flooding in Pakistan requires a global response to help us cope with this climate change-induced disaster that has left behind a trail of destruction. We are a resilient nation and we will build back better. Given the scale of damage, we are seeking support from the international community to supplement our efforts.”

Listen to the SBS radiothon, Sunday 18 September 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST via SBS Radio or the SBS Radio app.  

Watch via the SBS Urdu language Facebook page here from 6pm to 8pm AEST.

For a PDF version of this media release, click here.