Members of Hong Kong's 25,000-strong Pakistani community reacted with mixed feelings to news of the coup yesterday. The Pakistan Association quickly distanced itself from what its chairman called a political dispute. 'We are a social organisation and do not involve ourselves in politics,' chairman Khurshid Hanafi said. 'Nothing has happened there so far. What help do you expect us to offer?' he said, adding that he was concerned about his country and would support a government with the people's interests at heart. 'If it is better for the people as a whole, I will support it, be it a military or civilian government,' he said. Amanat Shah, an office assistant, said he supported a military government for 'temporary peace'. 'I am not against the premier, but for the time being I don't feel bad about the coup. 'It will give the people temporary stability,' said Mr Shah. On the lack of democracy under military rule, Mr Shah said: 'What's the use if democracy is achieved by bloodshed? I'd rather have peace.' Consul-General of Pakistan Azmat Ali Ranjha was not available for comment. Meanwhile, no requests for help by SAR residents or tourists had been lodged with the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, a government spokeswoman said. There was no immediate information on how many Hong Kong citizens might be in the country, although a spokeswoman for the Security Bureau said there was a 'limited number'. There are no direct flights between Pakistan and Hong Kong.
