Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, the Honorary Consul General of Morocco in Pakistan and a renowned figure in the business world, has issued an urgent appeal for immediate relief to be extended to Morocco following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last Friday.

Mr. Baig stressed the critical need for swift assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Moroccan people.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8 and a depth of 18 kilometers, shook Morocco, with its epicenter situated 72 kilometers away from the picturesque tourist hub of Marrakesh.

This catastrophe inflicted significant damage on tourist attractions, reducing many iconic landmarks to rubble. Additionally, aftershocks measuring 4.9 in magnitude occurred just 19 minutes later, further compounding the destruction.

Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, recognized for his philanthropic endeavors, underscored the significance of international solidarity in times of natural disasters.

Ishtiaq Baig Statement

He remarked, “Whenever a natural calamity, such as an earthquake or a flood, befalls a nation, that nation looks to other countries for assistance.”

The Honorary Consul General expressed his regret that, despite the gravity of the situation, no aid had been forthcoming from any Muslim country to support Morocco.

He emphasized that, although countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, and Japan had declared their intention to provide aid, it was imperative to move beyond verbal commitments and swiftly initiate aid operations.

Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, the former spouse of the late Pakistani singer Nazia Hasan, stressed the importance of extending assistance in accordance with the principles of Islam, stating, “Our faith guides us to aid our fellow beings in times of adversity, and our fellow Muslims in Morocco are eagerly awaiting our support.”

Regarding the urgency of the situation, Mr. Baig explained that the next 72 hours were critical, as the death toll had already surpassed 2000, and many people were still trapped beneath the debris of collapsed structures.

Mirza Ishtiaq Baig also expressed his concerns about certain nations’ hesitancy to provide aid to Morocco, drawing parallels with past international relief efforts.

He highlighted that during crises, countries like Pakistan had rapidly dispatched aid teams to nations in need, citing the mutual assistance that had occurred between Pakistan and Turkey. However, he expressed unease over the fact that the interim Moroccan government had not officially requested international aid.

Baig stressed the immediate need for international aid teams to converge on Morocco and assist earthquake victims, similar to the proactive response witnessed in Turkey, where Pakistani aid teams played a vital role in rescue operations and the establishment of essential aid camps.

He emphasized that a similar approach was essential in Morocco to address urgent requirements, including rescue teams, medical supplies, healthcare expertise, sustenance, and shelter.

In response, Mr. Baig advocated for the global community to take action without waiting for Morocco’s government to formally request assistance, underlining the critical nature of meeting these fundamental needs to alleviate the suffering caused by the disaster.

Referring to Pakistan’s efforts to assist Morocco, Mr. Baig mentioned that he had been in contact with the Al Khidmat Foundation and had assured them of his full support in matters related to travel, immigration, and visa consultation in Morocco.

He also discussed coordinating with private medical associations from various parts of Pakistan to establish voluntary medical camps in Morocco.

Concluding the interview, Mr. Baig drew attention to the significant economic repercussions of the earthquake on Morocco, a country heavily reliant on its tourism sector. He noted that the devastation of key tourist destinations and infrastructure had dealt a severe blow to Morocco’s economy, underscoring the urgent need for international assistance to aid in the country’s recovery efforts.

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