Dr Shaw says the High Commission is working hard to help the Australians in Pakistan during the Coronavirus crisis, but there are “limitations”.
“I know that it is a difficult time for Australians to get back home.
“I understand there are several PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) flights operating over the coming days and I suggest you monitor these. They will be limited and demand will be high."
Several Australians are stranded in Pakistan since the start of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic and trying to reach home.
Commercial airlines also cancelled their operations resulting in many Australian unable to leave Pakistan.
SBS Urdu spoke to a few families stuck in Pakistan who were hoping if there was a possibility of a chartered flight by the Australian government to assist them to travel back home.
However, the Australian High Commissioner has said that there are no plans for any chartered flight.
The Australian government is clear that it has no plans for tax-payer funded distant departures for Australians overseas. If you want to return home you need to find a commercial flight, when available.
Ratna Khan’s husband is one of the many Australians who are stranded in Pakistan.
She told SBS Urdu that it has been a challenge living without his husband in Sydney during the current crisis.
“It is not easy; my husband is in Pakistan where COVID-19 cases are rising and there is a complete lockdown.
“Similarly, the children and I are here in a lockdown too.”
Ratna said her husband’s flight was cancelled even it was booked early.
Pakistan is in complete lockdown since last two weeks amid Coronavirus pandemic. Source: EPA/Nadeem Khawar
“It is difficult to get out of Pakistan because the commercial flights are limited and get cancelled at the last moment.”
It is very stressful to not have your loved one with you during the COVID-19 crisis.
In the South Asian region, the Australian embassy in Nepal has facilitated a chartered flight to bring back the Australians from the mountainous country. The cost of tickets is being borne by the passengers.
On 21st March 2020, Pakistan suspended all its international flight operations for two weeks till April 4 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The High Commissioner has asked the Australians in Pakistan to contact the Islamabad High Commission and the Smart Traveller website for the latest information.
“The consular and passport services are still open and available at the Islamabad office.
“Consular service is available via email at consular.islamabad@dfat.gov.au or via phone in Pakistan (051 – 8355500) and internationally at +61 2 6261 3305).”
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
Find more news and information on Coronavirus from https://www.sbs.com.au/language/urdu/coronavirus-updates
