Sada-e-Watan
Sydney ™
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Dr. Amjad,CG Azam, H.E. Tim George & Kashif Amjad
The High
Commissioner of Australia for Pakistan His Excellency Mr. Tim George attended a
dinner in Kenthurst Sydney at the Residence of Mr.Kashif Amjad
(Exclusive Coverage by: Syed Zafar
Hussain, Editor-in-Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney)
Friday the 4th of February 2011, marked a hot and humid, but historical day. His Excellency, The Hon. Tim George, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan attended an unprecedented event, hosted by Drs M & M.S Amjad in Kenthurst. It was the first time that an Australian High Commissioner informally met with key members and families of the Pakistani Community in Australia.
Members of the recent NSW Parliamentary delegation who visited Pakistan in December 2010 also attended including The Hon Amanda Fazio MLC and President of the NSW Upper House, The Hon Shaoquett Moselmane MLC and Mayor Rockdale, Justice Jo Harrisson. Dr Amjad's son Kashif was part of this delegation to Pakistan in his capacity as CEO of Slimtel and Senior Vice President Pakistan Australia Business Council.
Speeches were brief but centred around the theme of Pakistan-Australia friendship. The unique aspect of the dinner was the opportunity for all the guests to have a candid and informal open dialogue with the High Commissioner, and members of the delegation to Pakistan. In particular, the High Commissioner and delegation members were treated to an intimate and open audience with the ladies, who themselves were interested in listening to their opinions of and experiences in Pakistan.
Mr Kashif Amjad thanked the High Commissioner for his hospitality in Pakistan and for the High Commissioner being able to make time to meet people, with a brief overview of the trip taken in December 2010 and its purpose. The High Commissioner spoke at length about issues such as the increased co-operation by both governments including the dual flood relief efforts and made special mention of the flood relief work the community undertook here for Pakistan as well as Queensland by the local community. His Excellency also discussed the bilateral trade between the two countries, military and intelligence co-operation as well.
Ms Amanda Fazio also addressed the guests about her trip and thanked the High Commissioner and Government of Pakistan for their hospitality.The delicious food was catered by Himalaya Restaurant including a Tandoor on site producing fresh kebabs, chicken, prawns, naan and the discussions went well into night.
Guests included , Mr Iftikhar Rana President Pakistan Association, Parvez Khan Trustee Pakistan Association, Mr M Asif CEO Citilink, Mr Azam Muhammad Consul-General of Pakistan, Dr S F Wasti President Pakistan Medical Association, Mr Qamar Khan, Dr Shaukat Javed, Dr S M Habib, Dr Tufiq Shah, Dr Aman Khan, Dr Akram Hassan, Dr Tauqir Ahmed, Mr Minhas Zulfiqar CEO Crowne Plaza, Zafar Hussain Editor in Chief of Sada-e-Watan, Mr Noor Ahmed – Former Habib Bank Manager, Mr Athar Rahman, Mr Amir Khan visiting from Pakistan – NADRA Director, Mr Usman Khan, Mr Ashraf , and from the younger generation Mr Rehan Ahmed Investment Banker from Macquarie Bank , Mr Muhammad Shah and Mr Athar Rahman.
Drs M and MS Amjad would like to extend a warm thank you to the High Commissioner and delegation members who took time out of their busy schedule to attend this event, and are also grateful to all the guests who came at such short notice.
