(Coverage by Syed Zafar Hussain)
Safdar Hamadani
Ejaz Khan
Jalil Abbas Jilani
Michael Richardson
Barbara Perry
Memona Habib
Maulana Thanvi
Paul Barber
Irfan Bhatti
Maryam & Faraan
First of
all we thank Allah who gave us the Land of Pakistan. It is always
true that wherever we live, Pakistan is always in our heart. This
year, PAA organised 61st Independence Day of Pakistan in Castle Hill
Sydney on 16th of August 2008. It was a proud moment for all
Pakistanis living in Sydney Australia for celebrating this historic
day with the same enthusiasm as if they were in Pakistan. The hall
was decorated in the colours of our National flag by Taj Mehal
Events.
More than 500 families were present to mark this historical eve. People belonging to all walks of life actively participated in celebrating the 61st Independence Day with PAA. HE Jalil Abbas Jilani, High Commissioner for Pakistan was chief guest on this occasion. Minister Barbara Perry, Parramatta Mayor Paul Barber, Michael Richardson MP Castle Hill (representing Barry O’Farrell, NSW Opposition leader), CRC Chairman Representative were also present to celebrate Pakistan’s 61st Independence Day.
Function was full of information, entertainment and social interaction.
• It started with Talawate -e- Quran recited by Maulana Thanwai.
• After that the Pakistani talented kids Maryam Mirza & Faraan Mirza sang Pakistani & Australian Anthem.
• PAA new General Secretary Mr. Irfan Bhatti was introduced by former General Secretary Mr. Latif Chaudhary to the community and then he took the charge of stage. He spoke about the initiatives PAA has taken since he assumed as General Secretary.
• Ms. Memona Habib shared PAA history, current and past activities with participants.
• Minister Barbara Perry, Parramatta Mayor Paul Barber and Michael Richardson spoke with the Pakistani community and appreciated efforts PAA is carrying out in bridging gaps between communities. Speakers also acknowledged the role of vibrant Pakistani Australian community in making Australia a true multicultural country.
• Event major sponsors Citilink Finance and Best and Less Travel’s representatives were invited to stage to appreciate their support.
• Pakistan High Commissioner Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke about political history of Pakistan, present political situation in Pakistan and policies of current government. High Commissioner admired PAA role in bringing the Pakistani community together.
• PAA President Mr. Ejaz Khan highlighted PAA achievements and thanked all guests and participants.
•Famous Broadcaster & poet of London Safdar Hamadani presented a Nazm for Pakistan
• PAA team was invited on stage for a group photo with High Commissioner.
• All participants enjoyed splendid dinner served by Himalaya Catering.
• During dinner time, Shafqat Ali, played Pakistan multimedia show about Pakistan history, culture and people.
• A Laptop and Pakistan Return Ticket were auctioned.
This programme did not end at that point, many different types of entertainment programs were arranged by Mr. Zahid Minhas (Dosti Multicultural Arts) who presented them through local artists.
• Live national Songs were performed by local artists.
• Kids Quiz Competition was conducted by Shafqat Ali and Tahir Farooq.
• At the end, FREE show bags were distributed which were sponsored by many Pakistani businesses.
Celebrations were concluded by the words of “Pakistan Zindabad”.
More than 500 families were present to mark this historical eve. People belonging to all walks of life actively participated in celebrating the 61st Independence Day with PAA. HE Jalil Abbas Jilani, High Commissioner for Pakistan was chief guest on this occasion. Minister Barbara Perry, Parramatta Mayor Paul Barber, Michael Richardson MP Castle Hill (representing Barry O’Farrell, NSW Opposition leader), CRC Chairman Representative were also present to celebrate Pakistan’s 61st Independence Day.
Function was full of information, entertainment and social interaction.
• It started with Talawate -e- Quran recited by Maulana Thanwai.
• After that the Pakistani talented kids Maryam Mirza & Faraan Mirza sang Pakistani & Australian Anthem.
• PAA new General Secretary Mr. Irfan Bhatti was introduced by former General Secretary Mr. Latif Chaudhary to the community and then he took the charge of stage. He spoke about the initiatives PAA has taken since he assumed as General Secretary.
• Ms. Memona Habib shared PAA history, current and past activities with participants.
• Minister Barbara Perry, Parramatta Mayor Paul Barber and Michael Richardson spoke with the Pakistani community and appreciated efforts PAA is carrying out in bridging gaps between communities. Speakers also acknowledged the role of vibrant Pakistani Australian community in making Australia a true multicultural country.
• Event major sponsors Citilink Finance and Best and Less Travel’s representatives were invited to stage to appreciate their support.
• Pakistan High Commissioner Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke about political history of Pakistan, present political situation in Pakistan and policies of current government. High Commissioner admired PAA role in bringing the Pakistani community together.
• PAA President Mr. Ejaz Khan highlighted PAA achievements and thanked all guests and participants.
•Famous Broadcaster & poet of London Safdar Hamadani presented a Nazm for Pakistan
• PAA team was invited on stage for a group photo with High Commissioner.
• All participants enjoyed splendid dinner served by Himalaya Catering.
• During dinner time, Shafqat Ali, played Pakistan multimedia show about Pakistan history, culture and people.
• A Laptop and Pakistan Return Ticket were auctioned.
This programme did not end at that point, many different types of entertainment programs were arranged by Mr. Zahid Minhas (Dosti Multicultural Arts) who presented them through local artists.
• Live national Songs were performed by local artists.
• Kids Quiz Competition was conducted by Shafqat Ali and Tahir Farooq.
• At the end, FREE show bags were distributed which were sponsored by many Pakistani businesses.
Celebrations were concluded by the words of “Pakistan Zindabad”.
