By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI/KARACHI: On Sunday. 21 August 2022, Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi has held a blood donation program in collaboration with Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation (AMTF). The program indeed has been a custom developed by the Consulate as part of the commemoration of Indonesian’s Independence Day on every 17 August, which is the 77th this year. The event was attended by Commissioner of Karachi, Muhammad Iqbal Memon, and Consul General from Turkey, Thailand, and Head of Trade office of Vietnam, Pakistani colleagues from business and social culture community, as well as Indonesian Community in Karachi.
During his opening remarks, Indonesian Consul General, Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, has stated that this event constitutes a form of stronger relationship between Indonesia and Pakistan as two biggest Muslim countries and brotherly nations who had supported each other’s for their independence. This is also a form of tolerance from Indonesia community in Karachi and Pakistani society, by sharing their blood, especially for those who suffer from Thalassemia.
Commissioner of Karachi, Mr. M. Iqbal Memon had presented his highly appreciations to the initiative taken by the Consulate as part of the effort to strengthening bilateral relations between two countries. Further, he stated that Karachi Metropolitan Commission KMC always stands ready to build the bridge between the foreign mission and the Pakistani Government. He also express his concerns over the thalassemia suffered by Pakistani community especially those who are in Karachi.
Lastly, the CEO of AMTF, Dr. Asim Qidwai also delivered his appreciations to the Consulate for the established collaborations in organizing blood donation program annually. Further, Dr. Asim Qidwai expressed his readiness to collaborate further with Indonesia in fighting Thalassemia disease by efforts such as procuring less-costly medicine for Thalassemia and/or through collaboration with educational institution.
The blood donation program ran successful with participations from diplomatic and business community, Iqra University, and the Indonesian community in Karachi. With this program, Indonesia and Pakistan has not only two countries, but already become brothers-in-blood.
