The recent Novel Coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm. Out of nowhere, the disease has found its way to almost 5 continents. Thus, being registered as a fatal pandemic. With over 3000 deaths across the globe, there is no doubt that it is the biggest health emergency of our times. Today, we discuss how Rehman Malik has played his part in helping bring Pakistani students back from China.
The virus, which initiated by Wuhan, China as its epicenter, saw international citizens storm out of China as soon as it became an epidemic. Similarly, Pakistanis living in China, especially Wuhan, desired coming home as well. However, with the govt’s interests lie elsewhere, the process has not been kept transparent at all.
Initially, dozens of Pakistani students stranded in China due to Coronavirus came out on social media with their pleads. The students requested, begged the govt to facilitate their repatriation. However, since then, the issue has died down completely.
Source: urdupoint
But it is pertinent to note here that thousands of Pakistanis, including students, are still trapped in China. There is a decent number of people stuck in Wuhan as well. With flights halted, to provide them relief, and bring them home, there is only ONE Pakistani politician who is working for the cause.
Just as on so many other issues, the only politician raising his voice for the stranded students in China was Senator Rehman Malik. On January 31st, for the first time, Rehman Malik gave his opinion on the issue. He asked the govt about safeguarding the rights of Pakistani citizens and students in China, bringing them home in time.
Rehman Malik’s plight for students stranded in China
Rehman Malik pointed out that these people can be brought back home through Khunjerab to Gilgit by road. Moreover, he also asked the govt about measures for proper/screening check-ups of students coming home.
Again, on February 12, Rehman Malik reiterated the issue in his tweet.
The Govt must expedite the evacuation of these students .@ImranKhanPTI must pay special attention to resolve this issue of our students -I under stand there are diplomatic and health hazards but a positive step has to be taken to give relief to the students and their families https://t.co/jzbLz1rM5D
— Senator Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) February 12, 2020
Five days later, on February 17, Rehman Malik informed me that he was still pursuing the cause. He met the Health Minister & Advisor, trying to find a proper solution for Pakistani students stuck in China due to the Coronavirus epidemic.
Senator Rehman Malik even defended the government’s slow action on the issue on social media.
Maj Gen Harsha kakar , are you ok ?How can u link my book on Kashmir with our students stuck in China .They will be back very soon.I do not expect from a Retd Maj Gen to be so mean iwho is trying to exploite our students?Are you really retired Gen ? U must have been sacked ? https://t.co/vHPkFX2isD
— Senator Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) February 18, 2020
Even Pakistanis knew that no other politician was interested in their discourse. Thus, they too took to social media tagging Senator Rehman Malik, asking for his help.
this happen today.. parents of student at Wuhan China.. protest in front of Minstor for health @zfrmrza and @syedzbukhari1.. Plz help us in bringing back of our siblings..@SenRehmanMalik @TalatHussain12 @SaleemKhanSafi @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/tqh3xjY4kB
— drkhan (@Khandr1122Gul) February 19, 2020
We are really great full Sir @SenRehmanMalik our patience is going to end. Why Pakistani govt want us to sell out. China needs resources and help then @zfrmrza and his team and @sayedzbukhari should personally come here and rescue them what they r doing there in Pakistan. https://t.co/K9jXIF3QlR
— Sajid@Rauf (@SajidRa98467640) February 20, 2020
Continuing his work for the students stranded in China, Rehman Malik did not ignore the issue. In his capacity, being a Senator, he reiterated and urged the government to expedite the process of bringing stranded Pakistanis home.
I hope govt will adopt a course to expedite to evacuate the students from china to give relief to students and their parents back home .
I will once again raise the matter in the house and present the matter more aggressively
Senator Rehman Malik https://t.co/csesE3Ks23— Senator Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) February 22, 2020
On February 28th, Rehman Malik informed that all his hard work and the people’s concern were being addressed by the government.
Dear students struck in china,I brought matter of your return back home from China.
The plan has from govt- Govt will submit a progrsss report on SOS basis. Rehman Malik https://t.co/whyifyqlgN— Senator Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) February 27, 2020
No other politician, being in their personal capacity or being in the government, voiced the issue as much as Senator Rehman Malik. His untiring will and empathy for Pakistanis stranded in China due to Coronavirus should be inked with golden words.
To the Senator, we tip our hats and pray that he continues to work just as he has, for the betterment of Pakistanis worldwide.
