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Hon.Victor Dominello,Minister for Citizenship and Communities was Chief Guest of the Pakistan Day Function in Auburn Sydney

The 23rd of March 2012 represented 2 firsts in the Australia – Pakistan community.Pakistan Association of Australia arranged a Pakistan day function in Auburn Sydney.The first precedent being after a long time the dinner was held on the actual anniversary date , Friday March 23 2012 at the same beautiful function centre in Auburn as the previous occasion.The second precedent was that dinner was served on time as promised by organisers by 9pm.Approx 350 people attended the dinner.

Nearly thirty local dignitaries attended the grand event from all sides of politics, government and non-government, educational and consular.

Hon.Victor Dominello,Minister for Citizenship and Communities Presenting Government of New South Wales’s Appreciations Certificate to the President PAA Mr.Iftikhar Rana.

The General Secretary of Pakistan Association of Australia Mr Ashraf Chohan commenced proceedings with introducing Maulana Nazir ul Hasan Thanvi to recite the Quran, also a special silence and dua/pray was made for the Mother of President, Iftikhar Rana who had past away in Pakistan the previous month.After which the National Anthems were of both countries were sung in person by Ms Mehreen.

Mrs.Aisha Amjad compared the evening introducing The Hon Victor Dominello Minister for Citizenship and Communities and spoke at length of the importance of multiculturalism especially since he was from a migrant background and that independence days of your home countries should be celebrated.

Then Hon. Amanda Fazio spoke at length of the importance of trade between Australia and Pakistan to improve as a lever to help improve the overall economic situation of Pakistan, and her fond memories of her visit.Mr Iftikhar Rana President of the Association spoke at length and his speech was published earlier (http://www.sadaewatansydney.com/iftikharrana-speech23march2012.htm)

Mr Azam Muhammed Consul General spoke about the importance of Pakistan Independence Day and the values of modern day Pakistan. Mr Azam kindly showed the value of democracy when two adults like Aisha and Azam can agree to disagree on the topic of contributions towards natural disasters.

Mr Kashif Amjad gave a quick briefing on the Pakistan Australia Business Council development and its importance in alleviating poverty and the economic situation of Pakistan as well as a quick update on the community centre project that is slowly but surely making traction , and requested NOT funds but to air voice to your local politicians to support this project.

Dinner was served on time and as always the Himalayas team of Asif, Arif and Mushtaq displayed one of our cultures rich traditions, a sumptuous dinner flowing with variety, taste , freshness and flavour.

Many awards were presented that night to people who had provided some great community services and support. The recipients were:
Mr. Usman Khan Trustee for inspiring and helping the community throughout the year,
Mr .Sadaqat Siddiq of Systronic IT Services for Best IT Support to the Community,
Mr Kashif Amjad of Slimtel for Best Telecommunication Services,
Mr. Atiq Manj of Mobilink and Anmol Ricemils for best mobile phone and rice provider and also
Mr. Shabbir Khan & Tariq Khan of Bright and Aluminium Glass for best glass and aluminium services.
It should be noted that Sadaqat Siddiq does the websites for many of our communities including www.pakistanassociation.com.au and www.pabc.org.au . Both Slimtel and Systronic have been long term supporters of the Association for many years and functions.

A raffle was conducted to raise funds and prizes were donated by Mr Nash Patel of The Good Guys Castle Hill including a Plasma TV and other electronics. Other prizes were rice from Anmol.

A music program was commenced by Mintu and his team and played songs till midnight when the event came to a close.

The Association would like to thank its media partners for its publicity of the event including Syed Zafar Hussain of Sada-e-Watan and Pak Link Magazine.

The Association would like to thank all that attended and its long standing support from the Consulate General of Pakistan offices , various State and Federal Government offices and from the sponsors of the Event including Citilink , Rana Finance , Systronic, Sydney Taxi Training, Silver Smash, Slimtel, Anmol Rice, Pakistan Australia Business Council and various individual Doctors who contributed.

The long list of dignitaries is below:

The Hon. Victor Dominello, Minister for Citizenship and Communities
His Excellency Azam Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan Sydney representing the High Commissioner of Pakistan.
The Honourable Ed Husic MP
The Honourable Amanda Fazio MLC
The Honourable Barbara Perry MP
The Honourable Mr Tony Issa MP
The Honourable Dr Geoffrey Lee MP
The Honourable Peter Primrose MLC
Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian Chairperson of NSW Community Relations Commission
Dr. Fawzy Soliman Senior Professor UTS
Harish Velj, Chairman ALP sub continent
Hicham Zraika, Deputy Mayor Auburn
Cr. Parbir Martia also representing The Hon Laurie Ferguson.