Coverage By: Syed Zafar Hussain, Editor in Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney)
H.E. Jalil Abbas Jilani
President Iftikhar Rana
Pakistan Association of Australia Organized the Pakistan Independence Day Function in Castle Hill Sydney. PAA celebrated the Pakistan day function in a fascinating fashion on 08th August 2009 at Pioneer Grand Room Castle Grand. The High Commissioner of Pakistan His Excellency Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani was the chief guest. Approximately 700 people from the Australian Pakistani community attended this function including two national players from the Pakistan Hockey team.
Tilawat e Quran was recited by Maulana
Thanvi. The guests were welcomed by General Secretary of PAA Insaf Khan. This
was then followed by speeches by Councilor of Liverpool Mr. Ghulam Abbas Jilani,
Stepan Kerkyasharian Chairman Community Relations department, Mr. Iftikhar Rana
President PAA & H.E. Jalil Abbas Jilani High Commissioner of Pakistan to
Australia.
The President of PAA and Executive Committee presented a cheque of AUD$20000 to
the High Commissioner of Pakistan for a deposit in the Prime Minister of
Pakistan SWAT victims fund. Awards were then presented to Sergeant Syed Abul
Qasim Naqvi who worked in airbases Maripur-Karachi and Drigh Road-Karachi,
Sydney boy Waqas Qudrat Selected in Pakistan Customs Team and Javeria Jamal for
receiving a Bronze Medal in an International Turkish language competition.
The formal function was followed by a scrumptious dinner catered by Zyka Restaurant along with musical performances by local Pakistani artists enjoyed by the audience. A fundraising auction was held in which prominent Pakistani Wing Commander (R) Usman Khan purchased a hockey stick autographed by the Pakistani Hockey team for $800 which will be used for PAA funds.
