Tennis update; “There is more to life than tennis,” says Qureshi on his return after visit to flood affected areas in Pakistan
The 30-year-old Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi on his comeback from a one day trip to Gilgit-Baltistan said on Friday that his visit was a real eye opener as he got to know so many new details regarding the flood victims in Pakistan. The UNDP goodwill ambassador said
that media as well as government are not portraying the exact situation of the flood affected areas.
On his very first visit to the flood-affected regions of Northern areas in Pakistan, the 2010 United States Open doubles runner up, Aisam, described his entire experience as ‘memorable’ while talking to the reporters on Friday.
“There is more to life than tennis; this trip has been an eye-opener. I am amused to see the people’s patience, courage and will to get back. If I were to put myself in their place, I do not know what I would have done,” reflected Aisam while adding that
the visit has made him realize the difficulties of life these people are facing under cold conditions.
While talking about the role of government and media, the right handed tennis star from Pakistan said that the focus needs to be put back on the flood rehabilitation as it is a lengthy process that requires long-term planning and proper governance.
“There is no news about the floods anymore and we feel as if the disaster is over. Far from it. We are not acting as a nation; people are always aspiring to move out of Pakistan,” declared the highest ranked Pakistan tennis player.
Currently ranked number seventeen in the South African Airways ATP Doubles list, Aisam also appreciated the contribution made by the youth of Pakistan and wishes to utilize his status to spread awareness through media and address the international community
to continue their aid for flood victims in Pakistan.
Asiam also made an announcement that $10,000 donated by the number one doubles duo, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, will be utilized in responding to the needs for providing basic necessities of life in Gilgit- Baltistan.
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