PAKISTAN DAY 2007 CELEBRATIONS IN CANBERRA

24 March 2007 - PAFA And Pakistan Cultural Association Celebrated the Pakistan day in the record setting way. The Function and program was ranked the best ever function in PAFA's history included the great music by Jazba group, delicious Gala dinner catered by Taj Agra Restaurant and special appearence by versatile PTV actress Uzma Gillani. Some 430 people attended this function from young to old all ages enjoye dthe function. His Excellency High Commissioner of Pakistan Mr. Babar W. Malik, Director Multicultural Deptt. Nick Manikis, Senior Multicultural Advisor Vic Rebikof, were present. QNLDR Tim Strickland, Lachlan Sinclair, Tanya Bennett & LTCOL Isaac Seidl represented the medical team of Australian Defence Force involved in the Operation Pakistan Assist during the earthquake relief efforts.

• The program started by Qirat by Muhammad Adnan.
• The MC job was very well done by PAFA secretary Saad Hafiz and Shumaila. Their humourous quotes and well balanced style kept the audience laughing and well involved.
• President of PCA and PAFA Khawar Saleem Khan gave the welcome speech he also made the presentation on the past and current activities of PAFA. He Also introduced the Pakistan cultural Association's Vision.

He also introduced the short term goals of PCA as following:

Short-term goal activities of PCA:

1. Initiating a PCA media watch group.
2. Organizing URDU writing and reading courses.
3. Creating the "Pakistan reading room" in Canberra.

He told that PCAs vision is about keeping the urdu alive in Australia and also promoting good will for Pakistan. He called for volunteers in these activities. He said that the success and achievements of these associations are dependent on volunteers, any period of time, regardless of how much, be it an hour a day, an hour a week or a month, dedicated towards the betterment of our community can make a difference. He urged all to come together and unite for one course.

Khawar Saleem Khan also Announced the Prize money of $150 for the Essay competition for the topic "Why Pakistani-Australians must keep Urdu alive". Later on during the program Mr. Vic Rebikof announced to sponsor this prize money.

• Muhammad Adnan gave a presentation on Pakistan Day and its importance.
• Muhammad Adnan also introduced the URDU radio program (91.1 FM) AWAZ-E-DOST.
• Nick Manikis, SQNLDR Tim Strickland addressed the audience on the importance of the day and multicultural aspects of Canberra and Australia.
• His Excellency High Commissioner of Pakistan Mr. Babar W. Malik also made a speech on the importance of Pak Australia relationship and how Pakistani Australian should live in Australian way while holding on to Pakistani traditions and culture. He announced that his tenure in Autralia is nearly over and he enjoyed his time here and praised Pakistani community in Canberra.
• Hasan Sheikh Gave a little touching presentation on Pakistan Cricket team's coach BobWoolmer and also a minute of silence was observed.
• Last speech was given by Uzma Gillani she made everyone laugh she praised the community and congratulated the organisers on putting up such a great show. She also made an appeal for volunteers for the PCAs new innitiatives.
• 4 course Delicious dinner was served.
• After Dinner Jazba group from Sydney made the evening memorable.
• 10 FM radios were drawn for the and awarded sponsored by the AWAZ-E-DOST urdu radio program (91.1 FM - 3.00 -4.00 pm - Sunday & 6.00 Pm - 7.00 Pm every Tuesday).
• every one enjoye dthe evening and majority ranke dthis function the best ever function in Canberra's history.
• PCA & PAFA, thanked their sponsors, exeutive members and volunteers who made this night possible.

 

This Pakistan Day Function was organised by

Pakistan Cultural Association & Pakistan Australia Friendship association

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