Pakistanis in New Zealand were told that Pakistan High Commission would start its operations from August 14, 2006. The newly appointed High Commissioner of Pakistan Mr Munawwar Bhatti announced this at a meeting with Pakistani community members in Auckland in June. Two websites representing Pak community in New Zealand - Pakistan Association of New Zealand and Sohni Dharti - highlighted this announcement.
Come August 14. Pakistanis celebrated 59th independence anniversary. Mr Bhatti while addressing at the independence day function in South Auckland, said that the High Commission has started operations in Khandallah, Wellington. But I wonder how many people in community know the contact details of the High Commission of Islamic Republic Pakistan in New Zealand. There is no official or unofficial announcement about this major development. People want to know hours for public dealing at the HC, details for issuance of visas, passports and National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistani, fees for different services, where to send applications, what is the physical address, phone numbers for public, bank details for depositing fees and various other details of public interest.
Both the websites are blank on this issue. Are we still doing things the Pakistani way. Quick to announce, slow to act. ------------Taj Muhammad Shaikh
4 comments:
You are right. I asked the same thing but got no response. That is why I contacted Pakistan High Commission Australia for Passport issue.
I also contacted the Pak High Commission in Canberra and got reply that if there is no hurry then can wait till Pak HC in New Zealand become operational.
Dear writers. The Ambassidor announced that the Embassy will start their job after 14th Aug 2006, Not on 14th Aug 2006. PANZ has clearly given thgis news on its web site www.panz.net.nz that the Embassy will start work after 14th August in wellington, In the mean time you can send your applications to canberra if its very urgent send it by D.H.L and call PANZ we will be more than happy to assisst you.As the settlement process is not an easy thing so it does take time. We should think about our self when we came here how long did it take us to settle down and than help others. As far as the Pakistan Association is aware the Pakistan house in Wellington is opening on 1st Sep 2006.Whatever information we get we pass it to the community, We have been waiting for this Embassy for decates and now they are here and will start with in days so we need some patience. For more details read www.panz.net.nz Pakistan Association of New Zealand
PANZ has come up with an excuse for delay in commencement of High Commission's operations. PANZ reminded individual Pakistanis about their problems and difficulties when they arrived in New Zealand. But there is an enormous difference between individuals and a government organisation. High Commission has all supports from not only government of Pakistan but also New Zealand government. So when a government organisation made an announcement it should take all pros and cons in consideration and try to complete task before the deadline.
I remember Auckland city council's announcement in 2001 regarding construction of Britomart that it would complete by July 2004. They met the deadline and in July 2004 held the opening ceremony. So planning and meeting deadlines are qualities of successful nations and people. Where do we stand!!!.....Taj Muhammad Shaikh
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