World Exclusive: Finnish Red Cross in hot water

Tins of pork meat which were sent
by Finnish Red Cross to Pakistan

In response to my informing the Finnish Red Cross by email that they would be sending Pork to Pakistan, Ms. Outi Sanmark, Assistant, Communications, of the Finnish Red Cross, tried to explain in her email to me the situation that the pork shipped to Pakistan was not as part of the Aid for the disaster victims, but that it was food meant for the field hospital staff who were going to Pakistan from Finland.

The TV Clips which were played day-before yesterday on Finnish Broadcasting Company's News Broadcasts did not convey this impression as the clips tried to spin that it was part of the aid for the disaster victims.

I do not think that donors to the Finnish Red Cross would have liked it very much if such shipments from their contributions were being used to feed the field workers.

However, this explanation from Ms. Sanmark, is even worse for the Finnish Red Cross.

I explained this in my email to Ms. Outi Sanmanrk earlier today.

Dear Ms. Sanmark,

Further to my reply of yesterday, may I draw attention to this fact:

"General Advice

Pakistan is a Muslim state. Importation of alcohol and pork products into Pakistan are forbidden by law. Homosexuality is illegal, as is co-habitation of a non-married couple. Close fitting and revealing clothing should be avoided.
It is advisable to carry a photocopy of the data page and Pakistani visa from your passport at all times.

Medical insurance must be taken out, including medical repatriation costs, for all travellers to Pakistan. Anyone trekking or climbing in northern Pakistan should be aware that recent changes to the helicopter rescue system mean a US dollar 6,000 bond must be paid before a helicopter search or rescue will be launched. Further details on the procedure for this can be obtained from Consular Division of the FCO in London or the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Islamabad.

This is from the website:

http://www.worldsurface.com/browse/static.asp?staticpageid=1366

Or this:

Customs

Pakistan is a strict Muslim state and therefore alcohol and pork products are forbidden by law. Homosexuality is illegal. Women in particular are expected to dress and behave decorously in public; even in the large cities shoulders and legs should be covered, and men should not wear shorts. Westerners should expect to be stared at - this is not considered rude in Pakistan, and is purely because you are new and different. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.

This is from the website:

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/travelguide/Pakistan/Index.html

There are several other references if you would like to have them.

Was the Finnish Red Cross not aware of this?

Yours sincerely,

Jacob Matthan

I pointed her to just two of many hundreds of web sites, both of which clearly indicated that it was ILLEGAL to import alcohol and pork into Pakistan.

If the Finnish Red Cross officials did not know that, then they are totally incompetent and do not understand the sensitivities of the countries to which they are providing aid and sending their staff.

A explanation from the Finnish Foreign Ministry is expected. None has come today. Only acknowledgement of my email to them has been received.

Stay tuned for further news on this world EXCLUSIVE!!