PIA NEWS VOL.6 Issue 07

daRida1992

PIA News Vol.6

3rd April 2016 T

IN GRIEF WITH NATION PASSION, INTEGRITY & APNAPAN

The Easter holidays have ended in pain and tears in Pakistan as terrorists targeted a park in Lahore

killing women and kids. The support and messages of condolences from within Pakistan and worldwide

have been constantly coming in. The way international media has portrayed this incident and

commentaries have been made is as if it is Muslims attacking Christians however it should not be

forgotten that more Muslims lost their lives in the incident. It should also be noted that Christian

Pakistanis make almost 80% of the nursing staff in Pakistan and provide healthcare to the country and if

a mass casualty occurs during Easter or Christmas, it is really difficult to manage with most of the staff

on holidays. In Australia, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Sydney (title photograph) and Pakistan

Australia Association Melbourne in collaboration with Pakistan Association of Christians arranged events

to show the solidarity with the victims. Our High Commissioner has also issued a press release which is

included in this newsletter (p.2).

GROUP UPDATE

It is now time for the Annual General Meeting 2016 to receive the report for last year. The AGM is

planned for 30th April, 2016 at 4 pm and all the paid members have been sent notice by post on 31st

March. Similarly the gift vouchers for the winners of bike week are now in mail and should be received

by Tuesday. One more grant was submitted this week so we have four grants in waiting while Maria is

working on the acquittal for Bike week. Rida Ahmed attended the Pakistan Day dinner hosted by the

High Commissioner with two other volunteers.

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HIGH COMMISSION FOR PAKISTAN

CANBERRA PRESS RELEASE

THE AUSTRALIAN EXPRESSION OF SOLIDARITY IN THE WAKE OF RECENT BOMB BLAST IN LAHORE.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government in collaboration with the National Capital Authority has illuminated the Kings Avenue overpass in Canberra in the green and white colours of the Pakistani flag. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop,while condemning the horrific terrorist attack in Lahore ,has conveyed her condolences to the people and Government of Pakistan. Pakistan is deeply touched by this gesture of solidarity by Australia in the wake of the recent bomb blast in Lahore. This is indeed a moment to stand united to condemn all forms and manifestation of terrorism and to show to the terrorists that their cowardly attacks on innocent civilians will only further strengthen our resolve to eradicate this global scourge. Naela Chohan High Commissioner for Pakistan to Australia 4 Perth Avenue , Yaralumla , ACT 2600 Email : hcparepcanberra@internode.on.net Telephone : 02 62731114 Fax : 02 62731199

MORNING TEA WITH THE WA POLICE COMMISSIONER

Thanks to Constable Zainoon and her team on

organising the morning tea which was attended by

the community leaders. During informal

discussion we have recommended to the Deputy

Police Commissioner that all nominations received

for the WA Police Excellence Awards held in

collaboration with Channel 9 should be notified so

they know that their efforts are not left

unrecognised by the community.

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This was a perfect opportunity for networking with

other organisations. We were also informed that there is

another case of domestic violence affecting a Pakistani

woman. We have offered to provide support if the lady

wishes to however so far we have been unsuccessful.

We have also proposed the cricket match to Brother

Latheef Ibraheem as the boys are keenly waiting for an

opportunity so will keep fingers crossed for an update

from the Multicultural Community Engagement Team.

Hina Arshee with Umneea Khan at the morning tea.

CONGRATULATIONS TO HON. ANDREA MITCHELL MLA

Hon. Andrea Mitchell is one of the new ministers announced last week and she will hold the portfolio of

mental health and child protection. From our group, heartiest congratulations to her. We have a close

association with her as our group is registered within her electorate and she has always been very

supportive of the community organisations.

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WHEN PAKISTAN TOOK ON STAGE

As the much awaited conference came to an end on 23rd March, Pakistan took on centre stage when Dr.

Rehan was officially declared as the host of next conference and presented an overview. Pakistan will

host the International Conference along with Ottawa 2018 in Abu Dhabi. The feedback from delegates

was already commendable.

MAKING US PROUD

Congratulations to Dr. Khurram Kayani who has been awarded “Pride of Pakistan – Excellence Award

2016 by He Mrs. Naila Chohan on behalf of Pakistan Association of Australia. This award was granted to

recognize contribution in the field of Education as being the first Pakistani to receive PhD with

Distinction and Outstanding Alumni Award from a Leading Australian University. He also received GMS

Award from Commonwealth Bank Australia and Prime Shield Award from BHP Biliton.

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EVENTS IN SYDNEY

GET READY FOR EID

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK

National Youth Week is an annual celebration of the positive contributions of young people to Western Australia. In 2016, National Youth Week will take place from 9-17 April. - See more at: https://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au/CommunityInitiatives.

E-NEWS FROM HON. LIZ BEHJET

We are also in receipt of a newsletter from her office however there is no web link provided so were unable to forward it to the subscribers.

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READ THE CURRENT ISSUE

The April issue of Australasian Muslim Times is out now and as always contains informative articles and news around the region. The issue can be accessed at http://www.amust.com.au/.

Special service arranges by Pakistan Australia Association Melbourne for victims of Lahor bombing.