Over 100 bikers drum up support for Pakistan community centre

It was an unusual sight outside the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD): Hundreds of riders vroomed their super bikes into the association's parking area in a recent event.
In a show of tolerance, brotherhood and solidarity for PAD's upcoming not-for-profit Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC), which will serve people of all nationalities, over 100 bikers went on a 12km ride from Enoc Petrol Station in Ras Al Khor to PAD in Oud Metha.
Part of the association's 'Own a Brick' campaign, the event, 'Bike and Brick', aimed to involve every segment of society in the PMC project.
Led by Sheikh Sohail bin Hasher Al Dalmook, men and women bikers wore their boots and threw on their leather jackets that bore the names of their respective bike clubs. Stylish Harley Davidsons, Choppers, Sling shots, Honda goldwings, Harley baggers were among many others that were part of the ride.
One of the few female bikers at the event was Dubai resident Dana, a Yemeni national who lauded PAD's PMC project that would serve all people in need, irrespective of their nationalities and backgrounds.
"I have seen so many people unable to get treatment for themselves or their families due to lack of funds, and they also cannot afford insurance. This is a touching initiative and this community was thoughtful enough to think not only about their people but humanity as a whole," said Dana.
About 10 bikers from the Sikh community said it was their first time to visit PAD's premises and see the upcoming PMC.
"It is a wonderful gesture by our Pakistani brothers, and we have always felt very close to the Pakistani community as we share the same culture - even our language is similar. This is what giving back to the community is about, one where we not only look at our own communities. We extend our full support to PAD and will take it forward," said Gurnaam Singh, from the Sikh bikers' community.
Bikers received refreshments and a warm welcome at the Pakistan auditorium.
Then, they were shown a short video explaining what the association does and what it intends to do through the medical centre.
The event was also attended by Consul-General of Pakistan Ahmed Amjad Ali, who applauded the efforts of the bikers' community.
"It is a beautiful sight seeing all of you gather together and support the cause of a healthcare facility that will benefit people across all nationalities. We are glad to see so many nationalities come together and become part of this noble cause."
Dr Faisel Ikram, president of PAD, said: "The 12km ride that you undertook for the PMC is a reflection of your commitment to community service. PMC, which will be the world's largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis, is itself a model of tolerance. This event shows the true spirit of tolerance this beautiful country has imbued in all of us."
The bikers also got to witness the monthly free medical camp at PAD, conducted by its Medical Wing. Each medical camp has approximately 300 patients and all of them are assisted by volunteer doctors.
Since 2009, 26,000 patients have been served in over 115 free medical camps.
saman@khaleejtimes.com