From: <bravemedia.karen@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Dec 23, 2015 at 1:22 PM
To: peter.duDon.mp@aph.gov.au
Cc: hcparepcanberra@internode.on.net; dhcpahiccanberra@internode.on.net; cg@pakistan.org.au
Subject: Urgent appeal – the case of Pakistani cancer patient Hassan Asif
Dear Hon. Minister Mr. Peter Dutton,
I write with urgency and deep concern about the case of Pakistani student with terminal illness, Hassan Asif and the rejection of his plea for granting a temporary visa on compassionate grounds to his family to travel to Australia to be with Hassan as his condition deteriorates.
As an Australian having visited Pakistan this time last year and being shown unparalleled hospitality, care and friendship during a national tragedy—I feel dismay, disappointment and embarrassment in the Immigration department’s decision rejecting this young man’s genuine appeal.
Over the past few years I have come to meet many Pakistani students at the University of Sydney via the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies and newly formed South Asia Study group, with whom I have developed enduring friendships, as well as strong people-to- people links with citizens of Pakistan following my first visit to the country upon kind invitation.
I urge you to reconsider this decision and at the very least, grant a temporary visa urgently to Hassan’s mother, who should be by her son’s side at this hour of need.
As an Australian citizen of conscience with deep and enduring ties with the Pakistani people, I would find it unconscionable if this decision was not reversed expressly.
The denial of Hassan Asif’s dying wish would be a stain on Australia’s national character and having sensitivity to the profound importance of the family system in Pakistan’s deep culture, would also surely dent Australia-Pakistan relations immeasurably.
Sincerely,
Karen Collier
Chair, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies Council,
University of Sydney
bravemediaaus.com 