REFERENCE the news report about the pathetic plight of an aged Pakistani couple trapped in war-torn Syria.

The elderly couple are 72-year-old Muhammad Fadel Akram and his 62-year-old wife, Sugran Bibi. They are trapped in the rebel-held province of East Ghouta, a suburb of the capital, Damascus.

I would like to add my voice to those appealing to the Pakistan authorities to assist this couple and evacuate them to a place of safety.

Alex Johnson

Sydney, Australia

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2017