PAA celebrated the second Eid Al Fitar in the New South Wales Parliament with grace and harmony. A large number of Australia Pakistan Muslims, executive team of PAA, Indians, Bangladeshi and Lebanese heads of community organisations were among these guests.

Honourable Barbra Perry Minister for Juvenile Justice was the chief guest along with other dignitaries Honourable John Aquilina Leader of the House, Honourable Virginia Judge Parliamentary Secretary for education, science and small business, Honourable David Borger Member for Granville, Honourable Ms Gladys Member for Willoughby, Azam Mohammad Consul General Pakistan, Nadeem Jaffar General Manager PIA were the other dignitaries.

The ceremony was started with the recital of Holy Quran recited by Nazir ul Hassan Thanvi.

Mr Ejaz Khan President of PAA formally welcomed the dignitaries and guests. In his address he asked every one to observe one minute silence for them who lost their lives in Bali, Earthquake in Kashmir two years ago, Iraq, Afghanistan and our two Australia Soldiers fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ejaz thanked the NSW Government particularly Honourable John Aquilin and Virginia Judge MP to paved the way for the Australian Pakistani Muslims to celebrate their Eid in the Parliament House. Ejaz said in his speech that PAA will extend this event to other Muslim communities settled in Australia which will help our society to eradicate isolation and sense of depravation among the Australian Muslim communities caused by the serial of world's events. Ejaz said that Australian Pakistani Muslims once again celebrated Eid with heavy hearts this year because unfortunately war on terrorism has not concluded and thousands of innocent people and soldiers including two of our fellow Australians lost their lives worldwide. PAA never supported invasion on Iraq and will not support any kind of terrorism in any way or shape in the world he added.

At the end of his address Ejaz urged the community to think before casting their votes this time in Federal Elections. He said vote is a power in democratic society and we should use this power wisely particularly this day and age. He said we should keep in our minds children over board events, Iraq invasion and other events took place in the last 10 years.

Honourable Barbra Perry , John Aquilina and Virginia Judge greeted the community for their Eid Festival and on behalf of the NSW Government welcomed gesture put by Ejaz Khan to extend this event to other Australian Muslim communities and retreat their support for Multicultural society. They later mixed with the community and met with them individually. They also provided opportunity to everyone in the Hall to have photo with the honourable guests.

The whole event was enjoyed by every one participated. The role of MC was performed by Latif Chaoudhary General Secretary PAA. The guests were served with traditional snacks, tea & coffee. The programme ended at 9:00 PM

Honourable Virginia Judge MP delivered her speech on the Parliament Floor and mentioned this event for the Public Record.

 

 

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