A Ceremony was held in NSW Parliament House on Wed, 01 Sept 2010 where in NSW Premier Ms Kristina Keneally handed over a cheque of $500,000/- for the flood victims in Pakistan. The amount of donation was given to Red Crescent Society and UNICEF representatives for utilizing the same in Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by Mr. David Borger Minister for Roads & Western Sydney, Ms. Barbara Perry Minister for local Government, Ms. Virginia Judge, Minister for Fair Trading, Mr. John Hatzistergos Attorney General & Minister for Citizenship, Mr. Iftikhar  Rana President, Pakistan Association of Australia, Mr. Muhammad Asif Chief Executive Officer Citilink Finance , Mr. Abbas Rizvi and many other dignitaries.

NSW Premier Ms. Keneally, announced this donation in last week meeting with Mr. Hamid Asghar Khan, Acting Consul General of Pakistan who visited her office along with President PAA Mr. Iftikhar Rana &  Syed Zafar Hussain Editor-in-Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney.

The 2008 global financial crisis hit Pakistan hard with the Government urgently seeking more than $100 billion in aid in order to avoid possible bankruptcy. Aid was not forthcoming and Pakistan relied on more aggressive fiscal policies. Although the economic crisis is easing, the catastrophic rain and monsoon floods had devastated the Pakistani economy even further.

The United Nations General Secretary Mr Ban Ki-moon described the Pakistani flood as "heart wrenching". It was destruction on a scale that no-one has seen before with untold impact on 20 million people. At least 2,000 people have died and around 750,000 homes have been destroyed or badly damaged. Health experts warn that hundreds more will die from the threat of epidemics in flood-hit areas. The World Health Organisation has estimated that more than 10 million people are either suffering or at risk of infection, including cholera and diarrhoea, from drinking unsafe water. Many of those people would be children. Around 6 million people require immediate food aid and millions more are affected by public health issues as a result of this natural disaster.

 The flooding began more than two weeks ago in the mountains north-west of Pakistan and has swept south across a quarter of the country, including its agricultural heartland. The initial damage assessment for the relief and early recovery has been put at about $3.5 billion. It would take a number of years to construct new bridges, repair broken roads and damaged electricity pylons, and rebuild the homes and lives destroyed and the agricultural land and livestock lost. It is said that billions of dollars are needed in the long term. The United States has already donated $70 million. With the Saudi generosity comes a donation of $100 million in addition to continuous relief support for flood victims.

 Around half a billion dollars has now been pledged, including $35 million donated by the Australian Government and $500,000 from the New South Wales Government. Premier Kristina Keneally and the Minister for Western Sydney David Borger announced that the New South Wales Government will provide $250,000 each to the Australian Red Cross and UNICEF for the Pakistan flood appeals. Both organisations have been on the ground in Pakistan assisting with medical treatment, shelter, food and clean water, hygiene kits and tracing missing family members. In the coming months the New South Wales Government will also host a fundraising dinner at Parliament House to support relief efforts. A number of New South Wales councils will also donate. Canterbury council has donated $10,000 and Rockdale council will soon make its own pledge. I am pleased to announce that, with councillor Bill Saravinovski, the mayor of Rockdale City Council, Mr. Hamid Asghar Khan, the Acting Consul General of Pakistan, and Iftikhar Rana President of the Pakistan Association of Australia, I will be holding a fundraising dinner on 20 September to help the Pakistani flood victims with all moneys donated to go through Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA.

 I take this opportunity to thank all those who have donated as well as the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, The Lebanese Muslim Association, and all who have dug deep to help those in need. Special thanks to Pakistan's High Commissioner to Australia, Ms. Fauzia Nasreen, for her determination to rally the Australian community to help the people of Pakistan. I also thank the honourable President of this House Amanda Fazio for expressing her condolences and giving members of this House the opportunity to do the same on behalf of the people of New South Wales and stand for a moment of silence as a mark of respect for the people of Pakistan. Recently, the people of Pakistan celebrated the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day and today the people of Pakistan celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, but in doing so they remember their brothers and sisters who are suffering untold hardship. Our hearts go out to them and to the bereaved families of all who have lost loved ones and suffer as a consequence.

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Pak Consulate & PAA Jointly hosting Iftar & Community Meeting in Sydney

THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF PAKISTAN IN SYDNEY AND THE PAKISTAN ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA ARE JOINTLY HOSTING AN IFTAR COMMUNITY MEETING ON SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2010.THE FUNCTION HAS BEEN ARRANGED AT NO 5, GOOD STREET, GRANVILLE AT THE HIMALAYA RESTAURANT SYDNEY NSW. 

THE ACTING CONSUL GENERAL MR HAMID ASGHAR KHAN SHALL BRIEF THE COMMUNITY REGARDING ALL THE STEPS AND INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE CONSULATE TO RAISE FUNDS AND AID FOR THE RELIEF EFFORT AND WILL ALSO REQUEST THE COMMUNITY TO ASSIST  FURTHER SO THAT MAXIMUM AID  AND ASSISTANCE CAN BE PROVIDED TO THOSE IN DESPERATE NEED

 A BRIEF POWER POINT PRESENTATION GIVING AN OVERVIEW OF THE FLOODS, THE HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGE, THE ASSISTANCE REQUIRED AND THE CURRENT RESPONSE SHALL ALSO BE GIVEN.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE PAKISTAN ASSOCIATION MR. IFTIKHAR RANA SHALL BRIEF REGARDING HOW VARIOUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE CONTRIBUTED AND SHALL REQUEST THE ATTENDEES TO THINK OF ADDITIONAL WAYS OF MOBILISING THE PAKISTANI COMMUNITY IN SYDNEY AND OTHER CITIES ALL OVER AUSTRALIA.

IT SHALL ALSO BE DISCUSSED HOW BEST TO SOLICIT SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY AND ETHNIC BUSINESSES, ASSOCIATIONS, GROUPS AND CORPORATIONS BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT OVER TWO HUNDRED COMMUNITY MEMBERS SHALL ATTEND. THERE WOULD BE NO ENTRY FEE, HOWEVER PARTICIPANTS SHALL NATURALLY BE DONATING GENEROUSLY TOWARDS THE CAUSE.

More than 850 attended a PAA's Pakistan Independence Day Celebration in Sydney on Sat, 07 August 2010

A Transcript of the Speech of Mr. Iftikhar Rana, President Pakistan Association of Australia

The Hon. David Borger MP

Minister for Roads, Minister for Western Sydney, Member for Granville

 The Hon. Barbara Perry MP (Representing Premier NSW)

Minister for Local Government, Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health), Acting Minister for Juvenile Justice, Member for Auburn

 The Hon. John Murphy MP

Federal Member for Lowe

 The Hon. Nathan REES, MP

Member of the Legislative Assembly

Member for Toongabbie

The Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane MLC, NSW

 Her Excellency Ms Fauzia Nasreen

High Commissioner for Pakistan in Australia

 Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian AM

Chair of the NSW Community Relations Commission NSW

 Mr Hamid Asghar Khan

Acting Consul General, Pakistan Consulate-General in Sydney

 Ms Michelle Rowland

Federal Labor Candidate for Greenway

 Mr Brent Thomas

Federal Labor Candidate for Hughes

 Mr Ed Husic

Federal Labor Candidate for Chifley

 Mr Paul Stevens, National Franchise Manager

7-Eleven Head Office

 The Hon. Prof Dr. Salaman Fouzay

Professor UTS

 Clr Hickam Zralka

Lord Moyer Auburn

 Mr Harish Velji

President Sub Continent Labour Party

 Mr. Hasan Abbas Raza

Poet, Director Pakistan National council of the Arts

 Trustees Pakistan Association of Australia

 Distinguished guests,My dear Brothers and Sisters’

Aslam-a-Alaikum!

Today we are celebrating the 63^rd anniversary of the creation of our beloved homeland- PAKISTAN!

I wish every Pakistani a Happy Independence Day and pray to Almighty Allah! to shower his blessings and mercy upon our homeland and people.

On this auspicious occasion we must first reflect back on what has occurred in the past days. The human tragedy which was caused by the unprecedented floods in Pakistan have led to colossal loss of life and property. Please join me in praying for our affected brothers and sisters back home and in appreciating the hard work of our brave citizens and soldiers who are working around the clock in order to alleviate the suffering of those in need.

Also, I believe that all of us are Mourning for the death of many due to the unfortunate violence in Karachi. Also the victims of the tragic air crash in Islamabad which has caused the death of our dear friend Syed Ashiq Hussain Shah including 152 valuable lives.

The 14^th August is for serious reflection where we should remember all the sacrifices which have occurred in order to make the creation of Pakistan possible.

This day should not only remind us of our past but also inspire us towards a better and brighter future. We as a nation must follow the teachings of our founding father Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Honour the sacrifices of our forefathers who gave up so much so that we may have a free homeland.

In the short time since the independence of Pakistan, Our country has been through many challenges and difficult situations. The brave people have always risen to the occasion and have always come forward and contributed to the national cause.

All Pakistanis have high hopes of the democratic government which has come into power due to the struggle of the common man. We hope that they will evolve a clear vision and devise people friendly policies which will alleviate the sufferings of all. This leadership should evolve policies which would lead to social justice, equal opportunities and economic prosperity for the masses.

 The Pakistani community settled here in Australia is peaceful, law abiding and well settled. Our educated workforce is contributing significantly to the local economy.  And is well integrated in Australian society. The presence of our Australian friends who are senior political figures indicates the warmth of the relationship that exists. I would like to especially thank all of them for being here and joining us on this special occasion.

We as a people should strive for piety, honesty, and personal integrity, but equally important are the virtues of tolerance and generosity of spirit. We must learn to tolerate dissent and to coexist peacefully despite religious, ethnic and social differences. This is a continuous process in which both the people and the government will have to play their role so that the coming generations may grow up in a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.

On behalf of Pakistan Association of Australia I would like to thank our sponsors, especially our Association members who helped a lot in organising this function. Also our dear friend Syed Zafar Hussain Shah Editor-in-Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney, who is providing us great media support to the Australian/Pakistani community.  Please give a big hand for Syed Zafar Hussain Shah and Sada-e-Watan…………………………!

 Most of you are aware that the PAA is a non-profitable organisation. Since I came as president I’ve never received any funds from any department. We have orgainsed many events in the past and this year such as like this evening.  It will cost us a lot of money however we generate the source of funds from our executive committee members and our friends.

It is indeed wonderful to see so many families gathered here to celebrate the occasion.

Before ending I would also urge all of you to Please donate generously to the Prime Minister of Pakistan's Flood Relief Fund in order to help those back home who are in desperate need for food, medicine, clothing and shelter. You may do so by sending cheques directly in favour of the Pakistan High Commission Canberra.

Once again I pray to Allah!  for the safety and prosperity of both our nations – PAKISTAN AND AUSTRALIA.  May Allah Almighty grant us and our leaders the wisdom to move away from the mistakes of the past.

Thank you all.

Allah Hafiz!
Pakistan Zindabad

President PAA Iftikhar Rana meets Minister for Housing & Western Sydney David Borger

The representatives from the Pakistan Association of Australia (PAA) President Iftikhar Rana, Trustee Pervez Khan and Member Atiq Manj, met with the Hon. David Borger, Minister for Housing and Western Sydney. The meeting was arranged by the PAA to be held at the Minister’s office in Merrylands, NSW. But the Minister’s office rescheduled the meeting so it was held at the Western Real Estate offices in Parramatta.

The meeting agenda focused on two important points

• Land for Community centre
• Land for Cemetery (at least 100 acres)

The PAA President Mr.Iftikhar Rana welcomed the Minister for Housing and thanked him for giving us the opportunity for this meeting. He briefed the Minister on the problems the Pakistan community face and requested that the PAA be given land to establish a Cemetery for sub continent people, as they have difficulty finding a cemetery that is within reach and affordable for the average person. A grave plot can cost $10,000, but if the Pakistan community gets the land we are planning for, we will reduce this cost down to $1000.

 Trustee Pervez Khan also emphasises the difficulty facing our community, telling Hon. Borger how important it is that our land requirement be fulfilled, for the sustainability of our community’s cemetery.

Hon. Borger promised to look into the options for our community. There will be a big project in Campbelltown which he will nominate us for, and he says he will talk to the concerning bodies to find some land for our community.

We also requested land for community centre. The Minister suggested some land for us in Granville, which he is still trying to find more information about. When he knows more, he will come back to us.

At the end of the meeting, President Iftikhar Rana conveyed our thanks to the Minister, and praised him for his contribution to our community. Hon. Borger replied that whenever we need any assistance from the Housing Minister’s office,he would be more than happy to help our community.

Pakistan Association hosted a Farewell Dinner for Consul General Azam Mohammed

Friday 16th July a farewell dinner was hosted by the Pakistan Association of Australia in Himalaya’s Restaurant Granville upper function rooms for outgoing Consul General of Pakistan Azam Mohammed. Over 75 people attended the dinner and dignitaries included The Hon John Murphy – Federal Member for Lowe, Mr Tasawar Khan Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Hamid Asghar Khan Consellor and the Pakistan Association Executive Team including President Iftikhar Rana. Several other familiar faces from the community were present as well.

The MC was Kashif Amjad. The Deputy High Commissioner spoke of Mr Azam as a thorough gentleman who was an outstanding officer to the government of Pakistan and very much liked by the community and played a major part in the reintroduction of visa and consular services in Sydney. The Deputy High Commissioner travelled especially from Canberra for this occasion.

President of Pakistan Association of Australia, Iftikhar Rana said the occasion was not a joyous one as it was farewelling the Pakistan Consul General Azam Mohammed. The gathering was told that Mr. Azam Mohammed has been the most admired Pakistan Consul General amongst the local Pakistani community. Consellor Mr Hamid Asghar Khan gave a very moving speech on the qualities of Mr Azam and some of the projects he has been working on including the introduction of the importation of Pakistani mangoes to Australia. Mr Hamid also advised the Mr Azam is going to the prestigious National Defence University before his next more senior role in the Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan. The Hon John Murphy gave a few words of support and congratulations. Mr Azam gave his speech last and spoke about how he felt Sydney had one the best Pakistani community living abroad he had come across from all his postings. He said he always had an open door policy to anyone and everyone and would always remember Sydney, and that anyone that visits Pakistan do pay a visit to him in Islamabad. A shield was presented to Mr Azam by the Hon John Murphy from the Association. The musical program by Miss Mehreen started at this point and delicious dinner was served by the Himalaya team.

The Association would like to thank all that attended, Mr Mushtaq of Himlayas and his team and in particular thanks to Mr Tasawar Khan who came especially all the way from Canberra, and The Hon John Murphy who came at short notice and only arrived that morning from Canberra.

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Iftikhar Rana hosts a dinner in Honour of the delegation of General Ashfaq Kayani
Coverage By: Syed Zafar Hussain,

On Friday 9th July 2010, the President Pakistan Association of Australia Mr. Iftikhar Rana hosted a dinner in the Honour of the delegation of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani who was on an official visit to Australia. The dinner was held at the Neptune Palace, Malaysian & Chinese Halal Cuisine at Circular Quay Sydney. The dinner was attended by Lieutenant General Khattak,Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad, Deputy National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Authority Pakistan, Mr. Jamshaid Iftikhar, Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad Pakistan, Captain Mel SCHMIDT, Defence Advisor Australian High Commission Islamabad Pakistan and other dignitary guests. The Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Azam Mohammed welcomes all guests and thanks for attending a community function from the delegation’s busy schedule. The President Pakistan Association of Australia Mr. Iftikhar Rana thanks Brig. Babar Mansoor Virk, Defence Advisor Pakistan High Commission Canberra, Consellor of Pakistan Consulate Sydney Mr. Hamid Asghar and all other guests for attending a dinner on working day & short notice. The President PAA Mr. Iftikhar Rana has praised sacrifices rendered by Pakistani Army and Security Forces. He said that Australian/Pakistani community values the role rendered by Pakistani Army to eliminate terrorism from the region and to ensure security.

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PAA Hosted a Dinner for Kashmala Tariq MNA Pakistan
(Coverage by Syed Zafar Hussain)

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H.E. Fauzia Nasreen attended a PAA Dinner at Spice of Life Harris Park Sydney

Pakistan Association of Australia hosts a dinner on Friday 11^th June in the Honour of High Commissioner of Pakistan Mohtarma Fauzia Nasreen. The dinner was sponsors by Mr. Ishtiaque and Mr. Rashid, Business Partners Spice of Life Restaurant & Function Centre Harris Park Sydney. The Spice of life is an Australia’s Biggest Pak/Indian Restaurant which is located at 116 Wigram Street Harris Park Sydney. Spice of Life has an Exclusive sultan lounge with outdoor dining. The Rang Mahal Banquet hall is with complete Facilities for Functions & Celebrations for up to 400 people. For more Information, Please visit the website: www.spiceoflife.net.au

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