The Maldives has launched the Help Pakistan Telethon to help those affected by devastating floods in Pakistan.
The High Commission of Pakistan in the Maldives, Pakistan-Maldives Friendship Association (PMFA), the state-run Public Service Media (PSM), and other media outlets in the country jointly conducted the event held to raise funds to help those affected by the recent floods in Pakistan.
Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail inaugurated the telethon. Speaking at the event, Minister Fayyaz said relations with Pakistan are long-standing and said the neighboring has helped the Maldives in many ways over the years. He mentioned the assistance provided by Pakistan in the health, education, and social sectors.
Additionally, Minister Fayyaz said Pakistan is now facing a heartbreaking situation that the country has never seen before. Noting that the entire country has been devastated by heavy rains and floods, he said it was time for the people of the Maldives to remember the assistance given by Pakistan.
During the event, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the Maldives Vice Admiral Ather Mukhtar (Retd) said the entire world is under threat due to climate change and Pakistan is witnessing the same situation. He noted that heavy rains have affected one-third of Pakistan and millions of residents have been displaced. He also said that Pakistan appreciates the assistance being provided by international aid organisations and neighbouring countries.
The telethon is scheduled to run from 0800hrs to 0000hrs. Fund boxes have been set up at Artificial Beach, Villimale' Ferry Terminal, Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu, TVM Building, Republican Square, and Hulhumale' Phase 1 and Phase 2 to help Pakistan. In addition, donations can be made to the accounts of PMFA through Dhiraagu Pay and Ooredoo M-Faisa.
The telethon is the beginning of activities to help the people of Pakistan with more activities to be conducted in the future.