Asian Network revisits Pakistan for week of special flood reports

BBC Asian Network returns to Pakistan in the aftermath of the floods for a week of special programming, starting on Monday 15 November.

The station’s news programme, Asian Network Reports, will have coverage from Pakistan at 12.30pm and 6pm each day, investigating the aid efforts, the country’s progress and hears from the victims who are now starting to rebuild their lives after the devastating disaster.

The network also speaks to Dragons’ Den panellist James Caan about his efforts to help the victims and there will be content on the station’s languages programmes (8pm) throughout the week.

Asian Network Reports

Kicking off the week, Monday’s Asian Network Reports will be at one of the hardest hit areas in the country and will explore how a Blackburn-funded project is trying to restore the region back to normality.

It will also visit a water purification plant, which has been provided for the Pakistani Christian community, who are said to be left out of any aid plans.

On Tuesday, the news programme will spend time with the Midlands Aid Trust, who are helping to rebuild a village, and will also speak to James Caan about his involvement in the relief projects, finding out what he has done to help the country’s flood victims.

On Wednesday our reporter goes back to a city that was left completely under water after the flood and explores how the aid efforts have helped to restore it to a fraction of it’s former self.

Asian Network Reports comes live from a medical camp run by Islamic Relief on Thursday and, on Friday, our reporter sees how the Circle of Life charity is providing new livestock to families to help rebuild their livelihoods.

Language Programming

Throughout the week, at 8pm, the Asian Network Languages programmes will bring listeners six exclusively commissioned reports, where listeners will hear further stories of those who have suffered, losing their homes and lives, and also from those who have survived the floods.

On Monday, the station looks at the impact that the devastating floods have had on Pakistan’s rich agricultural belt – the Punjab. Being so hugely significant for Eid al-Adha (the festival of Sacrifice), the report investigates how the dwindled livestock and lack of cattle will affect the Eid celebrations across the country.

On Tuesday, the special report looks at the orphans of the flood. As the devastating disaster destroyed families, futures and livelihoods, we hear remarkable tales of resilience and determination.

On Wednesday, the show will be inspired by stories of those who have survived the floods. With whole villages being wiped out and destroyed and thousands of people made homeless, listeners will hear amazing stories of survival from the victims.

On Thursday, the programme will spotlight Commonwealth gold medallist Azhur Husaain who, after seeing his village submerged under floodwater, went to Islamabad to continue training to go on and win the gold medal in Wrestling, despite little or no contact with his family.

On Friday, the station investigates the efforts of British Muslims, who have been particularly commended as aid contributions and relief efforts continue to pour into Pakistan.

The station rounds off the week on Sunday with a report looking at politics and the perception of Pakistan. When the floods first engulfed the country, President Zardari continued his visit of Europe – the Pakistani government failed to get a grip of the magnitude of the crisis and aid was slow in coming – all compounded by a lack of coordination from the government.

The report asks if this has damaged Pakistan as a nation and whether its credibility has suffered on the international stage.

You can listen to Asian Network on bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork, DAB and on Digital TV: Sky 0119/Freeview 709/Freesat 709/Virgin 912.


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The Asian Network provides a distinctive mix of British Asian, Bollywood, Bhangra, music, news, debate, languages, entertainment and live events with a real focus on promoting and highlighting British Asian talent. It plays host to the best in Asian talent including presenters Tommy Sandhu, Sonia Deol, Nihal, Noreen Khan, Gagan Grewal, Bobby Friction, Raj & Pablo.

The Asian Network Reports brings listeners the latest daily news and the documentary strand is committed to exploring relevant topics from all areas including arts, news, health and business. The station supports a range of new music and supports emerging artists – especially those from the UK and is committed to bringing the best in live music to its audience. It has a presence at 12 Melas across the UK in summer 2010.

The Asian Network is multi-platform, enabling young audiences to connect through the web and interactive services – offering new ways to listen, watch and find great content from the station.

The Asian Network was recognised at this year’s Sony Radio Academy Awards, winning Best Speech Programme for Nihal’s afternoon show and the Bronze Award for the Asian Network Reports – Passport To Murder News Special.