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Pakistan Association of Wollongong’s Annual Dinner was held at Ribbonwood Centre Dapto
(Exclusive Coverage to Sada-e-Watan By:Asiah Malik)
The Pakistan Association of Wollongong celebrated their Annual Dinner 2009 at the Ribbonwood Centre, Dapto on Saturday 10th October. The Dinner was attended by guests from various parts of Wollongong and Sydney. Some guests had travelled distances as far as Canberra and Hornsby to attend the celebrations. The student body was also strongly represented by students currently studying at the University of Wollongong.
Asiah Malik was the host on the evening. Proceedings began by a recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr. Mustafa Chaudry. The President of the Association, Mr. Asif Malik then spoke a few words to the audience about various events that have been held during the year by the current committee such as 23rd March Function, poetry nights, Milad, iftaris, a cricket match and BBQs.
This was followed by light entertainment on stage. Imran Zafar recited some well written and thoughtful poetry. Anas Ahmad sang a rendition of Atif Aslam’s song “Yakeen” accompanied on his electric guitar. Adnan Bhatti mesmerised the audience with his flute music when he played “Chand meri zameen” and the classic film song “Sun wanjali di mitri taan we”. Being a Wollongong event, Dr. Shabbir Haider was invited to recite his wonderful poetry. As usual, the audience enjoyed him immensely. The first part of the evening finished off by a very entertaining item by four young boys, Fawad, Faraz, Bilal and Kaamil who sang the Junoon classic “Jazba Junoon”.
The major sponsors of the evening were Mr. Rashid Khan of Southern Gateway Centre, Mr. Kaamil Khan – ‘Bundu Khan Restaurant’ and Mr. Imran Butt of ‘Zayka Restaurant’. Other sponsors were Dr. Shabbir Haider, Dr. Raza and the management of ‘Money Transfer’. The delicious 3- course dinner was provided by Sohail Ahmad and the team at Regal Catering.
After dinner, the audience was entertained by the newly launched band “Dosti Unplugged”. The songs performed were old classics and new hits, both Pakistani and Indian. Applause received at the end of each performance by the various artistes was evidence of the fact that the crowd was taking pleasure of the night.
The Pakistan Association of Wollongong is nearly 25 years old. It was established by the founders, Dr. Shabbir Haider, Mr. Riaz Malik, Dr. Shafqat Mahmud (Late), Mr. Munir Hussain and Dr. Sultan Aly. Being a democratic body, it has gone through elected Presidents, General Secretaries and Treasurers. Quite recently a younger team has taken over the positions of the Executive Committee and revived the timely tradition of the Annual Dinner. The zest and energy of the younger generation was evident in the preparation and success of the evening of 10th October. All in all, it was an outstanding evening that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.