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PCA Presented Certificate of Appreciation by the Government of British Columbia.
12-02-2014
The Pakistan Canada Association and Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the Government of British Columbia.
The details of this honour were read out in the house of the Legislature by Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Theresa Wat during a sitting session of the Government of BC and the official opposition recognizing the occasion as the "50th Anniversary of the Pakistan Canada Association founded by the late Riasat Ali Khan and for the establishment of the Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver, the first Masjid in British Columbia."
Recognized and greeted by the minister and leader of the opposition were President of the Pakistan Canada Association, Haroon Khan, the Consul General for Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Tariq and Mr Farooq Rai, the former Deputy Minister for Multiculturalism of British Columbia.
Members of the board of Pakistan Canada Association on hand were Ihsan Malik, Farrukh Alam, Malik Arfan, and Amaran Tyab.
Members of the BC Muslim Association were present including Azhar Syed, David Ali and Farida Bano Ali.
A wide cross section of the Pakistani-Canadian and Muslim community were also present and each attendee was introduced and recognized at the Reception held directly after the session in the legislature hosted by Minister Theresa Wat. Haroon Khan honoured his Father, the Late Riasat Ali Khan during his remarks and made it clear that while this occasion in the Legislature was made to mark our history, plans and actions are afoot to strengthen our present and future and that the President and Board of Directors will expand efforts to take the Pakistan Canada Association forward in the months and years ahead and affirmed the continuing community, Islamic and interfaith projects with the Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver.
Mr. Khan also initiated efforts with the minister, as well as Leader of the opposition John Horgan and Minister of Finance Mike DeJong to formalize plans for a trade mission to Pakistan with the Government of BC in cooperation and consultation with the Pakistan Canada Association.
The Consul General for Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Tariq also addressed the minister and attendees on his inaugural visit to Victoria, British Columbia.
Mr. Farooq Rai, a prominent member of our community has recently published his book in a limited edition – "Pakistan to Canada: A Journey: A Canadian of Pakistani origin shares his experience" and was asked to present his book to the Honorable Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Multiculturalism. She particularly recognized Mr. Rai's contribution in the process of establishing the Multiculturalism Act of British Columbia.
The President of the Pakistan Canada Association pointed out that it is a matter of pride for the community to hear of this. Furthermore, Mr. Rai also happens to be the first Assistant Deputy Minister appointed for the Ministry responsible for Multiculturalism and Immigration for the Province of British Columbia. The book was also presented to the Government House Leader, Honorable Minister of Finance, Mike de Jong and Opposition House Leader John Horgan.
Mr. Khan was presented with the Certificate of achievement by Minister Theresa Wat and the assembled guests enjoyed the reception and refreshments provided by program organizer Parm Bains and met with the many Ministers who came to join the community for the occasion.
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