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Pakistan Association hosted Eid Milan Party at the NSW
Parliament House Sydney
(Coverage by: Syed Zafar
Hussain,Editor-in-Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 marked the 6th annual Eid Milan in the NSW Parliament House, which was kindly hosted by Barbara Perry MP (member for Auburn).
Although it was budget week, many Members took the time out to attend, with most of them staying until the end. The chief guests were The Hon. Victor Dominello (Minister for Citizenship & Communities) and John Robertson, the Leader of the Opposition. Both delivered thought provoking, insightful and inspiring speeches.
Other politicians included: Nathan Rees MP, Amanda Fazio MLC, Shaoquett Moselmane MLC, Paul Lynch MP, Nick Lalich MP, Dr.Andrew McDonald MP, and Guy Zangari MP.
It should be noted that a number of prominent people from other organisations and cultures were also present including Amarinder Bajwa (President United India Associations) and Dr. Moninder Singh (Sub-continent Friends of Labor); as well as members of the jewish and catholic communities.
Mr. Ashraf Chohan, General Secretary of the Pakistan Association initiated the proceedings. Mr Chohan formally welcomed the participation by the dignitaries and guests. He further added that celebrating Eid in the Parliament house during the last six years has now become the tradition and regular feature of the PAA. He thanked the members of parliament in facilitating and assisting the PAA to organise this event.
The programme started with the recitation from Holy Quran by Mr.M.Asif, CEO Citilink Finance Australia.The MC for the event was Aisha Amjad who introduced each of the guest speakers and ensured the evening progressed smoothly.
Mr. Saud Rana, the son of Mr. Iftikhar Rana (President of the PAA) was the shining star of the night and showed that he is truly a future PAA President in the making! Saud’s speech was confidently delivered and outlined the importance of Ramadan and the philosophy of fasting in Islam. In his speech, he said that the purpose of fasting is to teach patience and modesty, and to remind people to help all those less fortunate, the poor, and those in need.
Mr. Iftikhar Rana, President PAA in his address highlighted the significance of Ramadan. He said that the spirit of fasting is not limited to remain hungry and thirsty, but it’s month of tolerance, patience, compassions, respect for others and remembrance of those millions of poor who sleep hungry and thirsty every day. Finally he thanked the Australian government and people of Australia for providing opportunity to serve this country. He extended his special thanks to honourable Barbara Perry for hosting and facilitating in holding this function in the parliament house.
The Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Azam Mohammed, expressed his views on fasting in the month of Ramadan and concluded that fasting in the month of Ramadan is in fact a test of one’s patience, sincerity and commitment to one’s religious obligations.
The Hon Victor Dominello, Minister for Citizenship and Communities, was representing the Premier of NSW the Hon. Barry O Farrell. In his speech he said that he is happy to see Multiculturism is being promoted by communities. He said that holding such events in the parliament is a healthy activity and assured government support in this connection.
The opposition leader the Hon. Mr. John Robertson was very impressed by the speech delivered by young speaker Mr. Saud Rana. He encouraged the youth to participate in the political activities by joining the political parties and becoming active in a number of ways. He also praised the Pakistani Community for its friendship, tolerance and diversity.
Mr.Naeem Babar gave an update on the Community Project, and a detailed handout was provide for all guests to explain where we are up to in relation to this.The evening ended with some comic relief provided by Furjad and Khurram, who with their outfits and witty lines had the crowd (including the MP’s) in stitches.
A special and sincere thank you goes to Barbara Perry MP for organising and hosting the function.This year again illustrated how closely the Pakistani Community is attempting to work with politicians and members of other communities to increase and promote participation, dedication and appreciation of our country and culture.PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.
