Dr Geoffrey Shaw, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan has requested the interested individuals to immediately fill a survey form to show their interest to return to Australia.
The High Commission is looking into the feasibility of considering a non-commercial flight to take the Australians from Pakistan.
Highlights:
- Australian High Commission considering a flight option to take back Australian
- Interested parties asked to fill the survey form immediately
- Qantas Airlines flying three Corona rescue flights to Peru, Argentina and South Africa
In his social media message, Dr Shaw has said that the ‘option’ will only be possible if a 'minimum' number of Australians are interested.
“I know that many Australians and Permanent Residents are keen to get back home.
“We at the High Commission are considering feasibility of a non-commercial scheduled flight back to Australia.
“I need you to complete the survey by mid-day 10th April [Pakistan Standard Time], if you are interested.
The [flight] option would only be viable if a minimum number of Australians are interested.
One of the individuals, Aftab Ali* who filled the form earlier today told SBS Urdu that the survey mentions the price of a flight for one person to be 2,000 American dollars.
"I have two kids and my wife here. If I take 4 tickets, it will come around 13,000 which is too much for one way.
"Normally it is half the price; I understand the current situation but would like to request the government to subsidise the ticket price.
"We are already under tremendous financial pressure and can't buy such expensive tickets."
Earlier today, Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced three flights from Peru, Argentina and South Africa to bring Australians home during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are getting Australians home, we are harnessing our relationships overseas, we are leveraging our fantastic network," Senator Payne said on Thursday.
Flights from Nepal and Cambodia brought people back to Australia earlier this week.
*Name changed due to privacy.
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If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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