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PCA Republic Day Celebrations
4-06-2015
The following is a report on the event and will conclude with personal remarks by the President of Pakistan Canada Association, Haroon Khan
Pakistan Canada Association 75th Anniversary Republic Day Celebration was held in great style and tradition as a family event held at the Grand Taj Banquet Hall in Surrey on March 28th, 2015.
The evening was emceed by PCA Directors Imran Gehlan and Shaukat Khan.
Zahra Khan, daughter of Shaukat Khan composed and read an inspiring history of Republic Day essay for the occasion.
Pakistan Canada Association President Haroon Khan and Past President Malik Irfan presented a shield of appreciation and very special thanks to Bruce Kehler, President and CEO of Canex building supplies who accepted the honour alongside his team: Mukhtar Jat Sahib, Brett Sherwood, Ken Thind, and Zahir Mahil
We would like to thank our tireless volunteers who helped make the event a great success including Mrs. Fareena Raza who brought a touch of elegance to the program and Mrs. Ayisha Azam who narrated a video presentation of the Republic Day parade held March 23, 2015
Miss Furyal Khan produced a moving video tribute to the child victims of the Peshawar attacks. The presentation included appearance onstage by a group of children who held candles in tribute to the fallen.
Pakistan Canada Association Past President and General Secretary, Mr. Raza Mirani announced confirmation of the upcoming Pakistan Festival to be held on August 16, 2015 at Holland Park in Surrey.
A number of guests from the Provincial & Federal Government attended and gave greetings including:
Jasbir Sandhu, MP
Bruce Ralston, MLA
Sending Greetings, Jinny Sims, MP
Addressing the audience
Candidates for Member of Parliament:
Sukh Dhaliwal
Harjit Sajjan
Special Guest, Dr. Gulzar Cheema
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MC Imran Gehlan gave special thanks to Mr. Farooq Rai, a pioneering member of the Pakistan Canada Association who graciously donated copies of his Landmark book "Pakistan to Canada: A journey – A Canadian of Pakistani origin shares his experience" Mr. Farooq Rai shared a poster detailing Pakistan Canada Association's Republic Day celebration from 1967 that will be reproduced on our Website and Facebook.
His Excellency, the Consul General for Pakistan Dr. Muhammad Tariq spoke eloquently on the occasion of Pakistan's Republic Day and was accompanied by Vice Consul, Mr. Fahad Amjad and other members of the consular team.
Pakistan Canada Association President Haroon Khan took the stage and spoke at length about the history of Pakistan's Republic Day, the state of Pakistan today, our community's role in supporting youth to aspire to public service and public office. The speech included references to our recent 50th anniversary, trip to Pakistan by PCA Board members, commitments to deepening trade ties between Canada/BC and Pakistan among other developments.
Special acknowledgement was given to Mr. Saraj Khan, Brother of the late Riasat Ali Khan and a co-founder of the Pakistan Canada Association and Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver and the late Riaz M. Tyab.
A gourmet full course dinner including appetizers was served and a children's area featuring face painting and balloons kept kids entertained.
Dr. Asifa Maherali our musical guest accompanied by percussionist Jyoti on Tabla regaled the audience with two sets of ghazals and patriotic songs concluding the evening near midnight.
President's Message
On behalf of the board and trustees of the Pakistan Canada association I would like to thank all who supported and attended our celebration of Pakistan's Republic Day 75th anniversary.
It was on March 23, 1940 the Lahore resolution was made. Inspired by the great poet Allama Mohammed Iqbal and galvanized into action by our national leaders led by Quaid -E- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. We will be forever in their debt.
By great personal sacrifice, Unity, Faith and Discipline our great nation was formed on August 14th, 1947.
Pakistan has grown over these past several decades and continues to evolve as a nation rich in resources and a dynamic people whose great potential is being realized more and more each and every year.
This year's celebration of Pakistan's Republic Day was a special occasion for the entire community and also marked the final program of this year's term for the Board and Trustees of the Pakistan Canada Association
Board Members:
Haroon Khan, President
Ihsan Malik, Vice President
Raza Mirani, General Secretary
Liaqat Ali Khan, Director Public Relations
Saif Pannun, Treasurer
Kamran Hayat, Director
Farrukh Alam, Director
Malik Irfan, Director
Shaukat Khan, Director
Imran Gehlan, Director
Amaran Tyab, Director
Trustees, Islamic Trust
Sabir Pannun, Chairman
Jamil Chaudhry
Saleem Gehlan
Farrukh Alam
Farooq Khan
It has been an honour and privilege to work with my fellow board members and trustees over the past year and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for their hardwork and dedication.
Our community is a growing one and the needs of the community are evolving as well. Pakistan Canada Association will carry on its tradition of service to Canadians of Pakistani origin and the greater Islamic community through the management of the Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver
As a new board and executive will come forward in the coming year we are excited to welcome new faces and voices and to embrace new and innovative ways to serve the community.
Long Live Pakistan!
Long Live Canada!
May the Allmighty Allah SWT bless and keep us all.
Haroon Khan
President
Pakistan Canada Association
Trustee
Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver
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