Good Afternoon and Assalam Alaikum,

 I would like to first acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we are meeting. I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Elders from other communities who are here today.

                            General Secretary APMA Dr. Shamsul Arfeen, President APMA Dr. Sayeed Khan and Chief Guest CG Abdul Aziz Uqaili

 Dear Australia Pakistan Medical Association members,  their families,  my respected colleagues, President of Pakistan Association Mr Shahid Iqbal,  President of Australia Pakistan Business Council Mr Kashif Amjad and  Respected Consul General of Pakistan,  Mr Abdul Aziz Uqaili and all other guests. On behalf of APMA, I welcome you all to our annual Meet & Greet function.

At the same time, I would like to share with all of you, our joy and happiness on our 66^th Independence Day and Eid ul Fitr.

As there are many new medical professionals, students and families here today, I would like to give a very brief introduction to our association.

APMA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation Incorporated in NSW, Australia with no political or religious affiliation or activities.

APMA supports and facilitates medical professionals of Pakistani descent to pursue education and their development to provide better healthcare services in Australia and Pakistan

APMA provides assistance and guidance to newly arrived medical professionals from Pakistan to gain entrance into medical profession.

APMA participates in medical relief and other social activities both in Pakistan and Australia.

APMA encourages and supports education and delivery of better health care in Pakistan. APMA intends to arrange medical lectures, tours and conferences in Pakistan in collaboration with Pakistan Medical Association and other institutions.

                   Dr Mazhar Hamidi,Dr.Sayeed Khan,Dr.Akram Hassan,Dr Nurjehan Hussain, CG Abdul Aziz,Mrs.Dr Qamar Khan & Syed Zafar Hussain

And above all, APMA is bringing all medical professionals in NSW together on one platform, for one voice with the vision to provide leadership, support and guidance to pursue and enhance their academic objectives and excellence. APMA aims to involve the Pakistani medical community and their families in social cohesion, cultural activities and community work.

Whether you are a long standing member of the Pakistani medical community, or a newly joined APMA member, we all have one thing in common: We all love Pakistan. All overseas Pakistanis owe a lot to Pakistan, especially medical professionals. Pakistan has given us excellent education and training, but due to socio economic conditions we needed to leave and migrate to other countries.

Australia is our new home and we serve this community with our hearts and mind, but at the same time our heart aches for Pakistan.  We strive to do whatever we can to improve the miserable lives and health of those in our home country. It is not an easy task, and often we are disheartened to see the sad state of affairs in Pakistan, and we question ourselves – how much difference can a small group of people like us make? But I am proud to be part of an organisation of Medical Professionals, who are Committed and Progressive and  are all working hard towards a common goal – serving the community here and in our home country, Pakistan.

Once again I would like to welcome you and thank you for joining us  Lunch this afternoon. I’m sure you will enjoy this lovely day in this beautiful city venue surrounded by great company. Thank you.