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An Eid Celebration to Remember
7-12-2016
July 10th, 2016 will forever be marked as the day a sitting Premier of British Columbia celebrated Eid with the Pakistani Community of the Lower Mainland. Pakistan-Canada Association proudly hosted a celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr with Chief Guest Premier Christy Clark.
The event was sold out before it began thanks to the strong support of the Pakistani Community. A video homage to the late Muhammad Ali and late Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib began the evening festivities. A poignant Quran recitation and Du'a for Edhi Sahib was conducted by our very own Haji Naumani Sahib. Children from the Tri-Cities Pakistan Club graced our stage with a heartfelt rendition of Jasba Junoon followed by a mini Mushaira. A big thank you to the Tri-Cities Pakistan Club for their participation.
Islamic Trust Chairman Ihsan Malik welcomed the capacity crowd by highlighting PCA's efforts during Ramadaan highlighted by our 10th Ramadan Spirit Campaign. Consul General Dr. Mohd. Tariq conveyed his good wishes and encouraged further participation and community engagement.
President Haroon Khan, in attendance despite a tragic loss for the Khan family, spoke from the heart speaking about his late nephew Shahzad Khan and the indomitable spirit of care and giving displayed by him. The audience was swept away by Haroon's passion and power.
A small pause in the event allowed all in attendance to prepare for the arrival of our Premier. President Haroon Khan once again arose and introduced Premier Clark as she entered the Taj Park Convention Center. Flanked by the Pakistani Community the Premier made her way to the stage where she delivered an impassioned speech highlighted by her appreciation for the contribution of the Muslim Community and how bridges should be built instead of walls.
The Premier was then presented with a gift of a traditional shawl on behalf of Pakistan-Canada Association presented by Vice President Shaukat Khan along with thanks for her attendance. The Premier then went table to table meeting the community only stopping for conversation and photographs. Those in attendance were all provided an opportunity to meet the Premier, as difficult as it may have been to break through the circle of well-wishers.
The Premier's departure only marked the midway point of the evening's program as dinner was promptly served. Acknowledgement of community members Laila Akbar Hussain, seeking the NDP nomination in Surrey-Whiterock, and Sikander Hayat, seeking the Liberal nomination for Surrey-Newton, were made by Master of Ceremonies Raza Mirani. Mr. Mirani introduced both candidates highlighting their past contributions and encouraging community support for both potential candidates.
After an impromptu singing of Happy Birthday by Raza Mirani and co-MC Adeel Hussain our main event began. Sur Taal, a band brought together by the Canada Urdu Association, took the stage and thundered through a full 2-hour set of Pakistani classics and hits. Local singer Sharan Kaur made her debut performance and mesmorized the audience. Songs from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Noor Jehan and Amjad Sabri soothed the artistic soul of the audience and capped off a historic event for the Pakistani community.
Pakistan-Canada Association made its triumphant return to center stage and we could not be more pleased with the results. A big thank you to our sponsors Pak National Foods, Diamond Carpets, Realtors Ashraf Maitla and Waseem Afzal and Ke Cabinets. Thank you to MP's Joe Peschisolido, Sukh Dhaliwal and Randeep Sarai, MLA's Amrik Virk, Peter Fassbender, Harry Bains and Bruce Ralston for their attendance. Finally a big thank you to everyone that joined us and made this event a highlight for us all.
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