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PAA Organized a Dinner at Lighthouse Function Centre, Parramatta Sydney

On 28 November 2007 Pakistan Association of Australia hosted a splendid dinner in the honour of Ian Carnell Inspector General Intelligence Services and Dr Vivian Thom Acting Ombudsman for Immigration in Parramatta Sydney. Approximately 60 Australian Pakistani professionals, Doctors, Lawyers and Business men form Pakistani background attended this dinner.

Dr Shaukat Javed was the Master of Ceremony. In his opening remarks he introduced PAA by saying that PAA was formed approximately 45 years ago in Australia and Professor Hasshim Durrani was one of the pioneer of the Association. He said this dinner is an attempt to introduce Australian Pakistani Community to the main stream community and the top level of government policy makers.

President Pakistan  Association of Australia  (PAA) Ejaz Khan in his well come speech said, “Pakistanis living in Australia consider the country as their own homeland and making tremendous contribution towards peace, security and development.” Addressing a dinner at Lighthouse Restaurant, Parramatta on Wednesday, Ejaz Khan said, “Authorities particularly Australian security agencies should not discriminate against Pakistanis on the basis of their religion, race and country of origin and should be treated like all other local communities.” He mentioned that security agencies has threatened , harassed and humiliated in some cases Pakistani community in the past which is not acceptable. The President PAA said that there was some reservations among various sections of Australian Muslim communities with regard their treatment at the hands of Commonwealth security agencies. He said previous Government has deliberately attempted to isolate Australian Muslim Community form the main stream community. He said that official authorities particularly the heads of security agencies should make efforts to address these reservations. “There should be a proper check and balances in place for the security agencies including ASIO to ensure that they do not abuse their power and further alienate the Muslim community,” Ejaz said. Mr. Ejaz expressed the hope that the new political leadership in Canberra would not take the same line which their predecessors took. The new leadership shall try to resolve Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and listen to the Australian Muslim community leadership and address their concerns.

 The chief guest Mr Ian Carnell, while addressing the ceremony threw light on the roll of his department. He said, his department played a role of watch dog on the activities of various law and order agencies including ASIO.He also said that his department ensures that law and order agencies complied with relevant laws in full while carrying out their tasks. Mr Carnell said that his department is impartial, independent and not answerable before any Minister. His department also investigate complaints against the law and order agencies and advise appropriate course of actions.

The deputy ombudsman Dr Thom, informed the gathering about the role of their organisation. She said they deal with complaints related to federal agencies. The deputy ombudsman distributed handouts of their organisation and explained to the guests how they could seek address of their complaints through federal ombudsman’s office.

Pakistan Counsel General in Sydney Mr Azam Mohammed also addressed the dinner. He informed the gathering about the steps which Pakistani government was taking to establish a true democratic set up there and appreciate cooperation among the top level bearcats and Australian Pakistani community.

The attendee directed their question to the speakers, most of the complaints were about treatment they received at the airport from various agencies.At the end Dr Akram Hassan delivered the vote of thanks and presented shield to the chief guests. After the formal part of the program the chief guest went to every table to meet with the community personally. Ejaz Khan introduced our community with the chief guest. The dinner ended about 11: 00 pm.

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