Talking to SBS Urdu, the Pakistani High Commissioner said that the tragic incident took the lives of nine Pakistanis and affected many people.
“The High Commission is constantly in touch with the families of Pakistanis who died or were affected by the incident.
“We have ensured that no victim or the family is left in this tragedy. We are in touch with all of them."
On 15 March 2019, 51 people died and 49 were injured in a shooting attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during Friday prayers.
Highlights
- Pakistan community played a major role in staying positive and inclusive after the incident
- New Zealand PM Jacinda Adern acknowledges the role of the Muslim community
- New Zealand government provided financial support to the victims' families
According to the High Commissioner, they have assisted a few of them who were settling here.
“There are several families who took up the generous offer by the New Zealand government to move to New Zealand.
“If a Pakistani citizen is arriving in New Zealand and settling here, there are several processes involved including proper documentation. We looked after them.”
Around 9,000 Pakistanis or people with Pakistani background reside in New Zealand mainly in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
“They are mainly skilled workers with a focus on the IT sector, Telecom, and accountants.”
“We don’t have a large trading partnership with New Zealand but a very cordial relationship at a political level.” Dr Abdul Malik said.
Pakistani High Commissioner to New Zealand, Dr Abdul Malik. Source: Supplied
None of the Pakistani family members of the victims left New Zealand
The High Commissioner said that most of the victims had a permanent residency in New Zealand.
“The government is providing life-long stipends to those families who were the main source of income.
“They have also helped the victims and their families in getting housing, so they don’t have to face any problem living in the country.
“The New Zealand government through their actions have highlighted the point that they are part of us.”
New Zealand government acknowledges the role of Muslim community
In a media briefing on the upcoming 1st anniversary of Christchurch incident, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has acknowledged the role of the Muslim community not only on the impact the incident of 15th march had on them but also on the generosity the community has shown.
“We have now removed more than 60,907 prohibited firearms. That was only the first part that we wanted to do, to reform our gun legislation.”
“New Zealanders have once again reaffirmed that access to firearms in New Zealand is a privilege and responsibility, not a right.”
On the question of the concerns of fear and safety of the citizens and if any actions were taken by the Pakistani government, the High Commissioner said that several measures have been taken by them and the New Zealand government.
“The Muslim community responded very positively to the gestures and initiatives by the government.
“They are working with the New Zealand government on how to improve the situation.
“There was a concern that there could be a retaliatory response by the community or an “individual but I think the community has come of age.
“They have shown maturity and have responded very positively.
“All the initiatives by the government have been taken very maturely and participated in them.”
