Dubai: For a community organisation that began as an informal set-up with a handful of bankers way back in 1987, the Pakistan Professionals Wing (PPW) has come a long way. So when it marked its 30th anniversary in Dubai last weekend it was a milestone celebration.
As the wing’s chairman Irfan Malik pointed out, the group has not only enabled a meeting of minds over the years, it has also created a credible platform for its 180-plus members – practising doctors, lawyers, engineers, chartered accountants, consultants, businessmen and others – to reach out to Pakistani expats who may find themselves in difficult circumstances. From paying school fees and house rents to providing medical aid, food packages, air tickets and legal support, the PPW has stood by thousands of less fortunate Pakistanis in their hour of need and helped restore their dignity.
Education
Malik said, “The PPW launched its Education Support Programme in 2000 and has provided 1,987 students with financial assistance for their tuitions so far. We have given Dh10.40 million to schools in Sharjah, Fujairah, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, thanks to funds generated by PPW members and distinguished Pakistani expats.
We have also been giving away gold medals to outstanding UAE-based Pakistani students who excel in their intermediate board exams.” He said PPW, which supports Pakistani schools, has donated computers, air conditioners, classroom furniture and funds for maintenance. “In Abu Dhabi for instance, PPW raised Dh1.1 million for the expansion of the Pakistani Community Mussaffah School. We also organise training programmes for teachers at community schools so they are tuned to the standards required of them.”
Malik said PPW members extend financial help to expats in need, besides helping them find jobs. “We have assisted over 500 Pakistani nationals find employment here. Recently, PPW helped secure the release of a young professional from jail by paying his dues for overstaying. He was later flown back to Pakistan.”
According to him, PPW has donated over Dh500,000 to the development of the new Pakistani Auditorium at the Pakistan Social Centre, so the community could have its own space for large-scale events.
“Last year a landmark community project - the Pakistan Medical Centre, Health and Fitness Centre - was announced,” he said, noting that the PPW is helping raise funds for the project.
He said the PPW holds annual picnics and get-togethers so that community members can meet and bond with each other.
It also holds informative sessions and discussions with prominent scholars, businessmen and entrepreneurs from back home, so the expat community is kept up to date with developments in Pakistan.
