Sada-e-Watan
Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
PAA's
Pakistan Independence Day Function 2011 at the Sapphire Function Centre Auburn
Sydney
(Coverage by Syed Zafar Hussain & Aisha Amjad)
“The Story of Pakistan, its struggle and its achievement, is the very story of great human ideals, struggling to survive in the face of great odds and difficulties” – Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah founder and father of Pakistan.
To celebrates Pakistan’s 65th year of Independence,the Pakistan Association of Australia held a special function at the Sapphire Function Centre in Auburn Sydney.The evening was well attended by a number of prominent MP’s, and representatives from the Pakistani and Sub-continent communities.
His Excellency Mr. Abdul Malik Abdullah (High Commissioner for Pakistan) was the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included: Julie Owens MP (Federal Member for Parramatta); Tony Issa State MP for Granville (representing the Premier); Barbara Perry State MP for Auburn, Paul Lynch State MP for Liverpool; Shaoquett Moselmane MLC; Peter Primrose MLC; Stepan Kerkyasharian AM (Chair of NSW Community Relations Commission); Mr. Azam Mohammed Consul General of Pakistan; Mr. Harish Velji Chair of Sub-continent friends of Labor); Mr. Amarinder Bajwa President of United Indian Associations and Dr. J.S.Virk Chair of Global Organisation of people of Indian Origin.
The
evening was officially inaugurated with a prayer and passionate speech by
Maulana Nizam Ul Haq Thanvi. This was followed by an amazing performance by a
young talented Pakistani singer Ms. Mehreen Javed who sang both the Australian
and Pakistani National Anthems. 
Mr.
Ashraf Chohan, General Secretary of the Pakistan Association delivered an
introductory speech welcoming all the guests, and praising Pakistan on its
achievements as a Nation and a community. He also gave an insightful update on
the Association and its recent activities and events.
The MC of the evening, Aisha Amjad led the rest of the evening’s proceedings and introduced Mr. Iftikhar Rana, President of the Association to deliver the opening address.
Mr.Rana’s speech made a number of critical and crucial points – that celebrating the important milestone of 65 years of independence includes paying tribute to the strength, courage and sacrifice of its people. Mr. Rana also discussed the need to adhere to Quaid-e-Azam’s founding principles of Unity, Faith and Discipline as a community and as individuals in the broader Australian society. Mr.Rana’s speech was also commendable in that he talked about the Association’s activities and urged the community to foster stronger ties through active participation and investment in events, fundraising and business opportunities.
The Hon.Tony Issa who was there on behalf of Premier Barry O’Farrell delivered a speech which he said was ‘straight from the heart’. He spoke about the essence of multiculturalism and successful communities in particular, the Pakistani community in Sydney.
The Hon.Julie Owens, who has been attending various Pakistani functions since she was elected in 2004, spoke about her experiences with the Pakistani community and how important events like the Independence Day function are for the immediate community as well as for the broader Australian community.
The Hon.Barbara Perry spoke at length about multiculturalism and the various contributions Pakistani’s and the community have been making. She praised the Pakistani community and its representatives for their tireless efforts and hard work in bringing everyone together and celebrating important events. She also quoted an excerpt from the Pakistani Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar’s recent address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which was impressive and invaluable in the observations and assertions it made to Pakistani’s all around the world.
The Hon.Shaoquett Moselmane, who like Barbara Perry and Julie Owens has been a constant and consistent supporter of the Pakistan community, spoke about his visit to Pakistan and his various fundraising efforts in helping victims of the Pakistani floods. His words were not only encouraging but also valuable in acknowledging all that the Pakistani community has done and will continue to do.
Mr.Naeem Babar then gave an update on Community Land Project and expressed again the need for a centre which could be used for a number of purposes for the community.
Mr.Stepan Kerkyasharian,Chair of the NSW Community Relations Commission delivered a speech which was notable in its commendations of the community and its contributions.
The High Commissioner to Pakistan His Excellency Mr.Abdul Malik Abdullah delivered the keynote address.His speech was well received and well applauded throughout.The High Commissioner spoke of the need to stick together as a nation, to stand up to allies who threaten Pakistan and to keep the faith in ourselves as an outstanding nation with outspoken citizens in relation to our rights and responsibilities.
After the speeches, a delightful and delicious dinner was served, thanks to Himalaya restaurant Granville.
The wonderfully talented Mrs Shagufta Zia kept the audience entertained with a few of her uplifting songs. Mrs Zia has been named as a ‘golden voice’ of Pakistan and has won awards from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and also runs singing classes in North Sydney.
A special moment during the night was the awards segment during which trophies were awarded to honour five outstanding members of the community.
Mr.
Usman Khan, trustee of the Association introduced each of the recipients, and
spoke about their achievements and contributions. The recipients were:
Usman Ashraf (17 years old) – in recognition of outstanding achievement in Academics, Public Speaking and Leadership Skills.
A special fundraising appeal was initiated after the awards, and President PAA Mr.Iftikhar Rana, Consul General Azam Mohammed and the High Commissioner Abdul Malik Abdullah came on stage to ask people to donate generously.
Around $9,000 was raised on the spot!... a truly amazing and wonderful effort by all. Thanks especially to Mr.Umer Ghani for drawing out the much needed donor’s from the audience.
Prizes for a raffle draw were also generously donated by the talented artist Mrs
Fatima Rehman (Islamic Abstract Art – first prize); and vouchers for Himalaya
Restaurant. 
The evening concluded with an amazing and spiritual performance by the pride of Pakistani Sufi Music,Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan. Mrs.Noshi Gillani and Mr. Raja Taseer gave a beautiful and eloquent introduction and during the last hour of the function,the audience were treated to an evening of sensational music and soulful singing.
