PIA NEWS VOL.

Issue 13

PIA News
Vol.6

14th July 2016

T

AND PAKISTAN MOURNS

PASSION, INTEGRITY & APNAPAN

Dear All,
Eid celebrations were still on when we receive the news of one of the greatest social workers of the
world who has been the face of humanitarian services for many decades. The news of his demise was
received with great sadness in Australia and social media as well as personal messages to each other
were filled with gratitude for him.
Even during his final journey he has donated his corneas to restore vision for two members of the
community which will go a long way in promoting organ donation in Pakistan. There are no words to
pay tribute to him. A Condolence Book at the Pakistan High Commission will be opened for signing in
honour of Mr. Abdul Sattar Edhi on Friday, 15 July 2016 from 1000 to 1200 hours and 1430 to 1600
hours.
There has been an increasing demand among Pakistanis to recognise his services. An initial suggestion
was to dedicate the newly built Islamabad Airport. We as community are deeply concerned that he
started his services from Karachi and his footprints are felt everywhere so Karachi should be at the
forefront when it comes to the recognition of his service. This will ensure that the future generation
will remember him and he will stay forever in the hearts of Pakistanis. Our member Mr. Iqbal Khan has
started a petition to rename Karachi as Edhi city and we as a group endorse it. Please promote it
https://www.change.org/p/prime-minister-of-pakistan-speaker-and-governor-of-sindh-renamekarachi-to-edhi-city.

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EID MILAN ON 7th JULY 2016

Thanks to all the guests who attended the eid dinner. This is first time we had celebrated Eid after 2013
when Eid and independence day coincided with each other. The feedback has been great and we will
keep it as a regular event while Independence day will now coincide with our Annual General Meeting
from 2017.
This year our special guests included Hon. Andrea Mitchell, Minister for Mental Helath and Child
Protection, Dr. Anis Ahmed who is the Vice Chancellor of Riphah Univeristy and was visiting Perth,
Ms. Elizabeth Hoffman, the regional director of the department of Immigration and border protection,
Assistant Commissioner Duanne Bell on behalf of the Commissioner WA Police and Dr. Sheerobeen
the National Community Engagement Officer from SBS, Sydney with academics and leaders from
various community organisations.
Our volunteers included Aiman Sabir, Anum Sabir and Alizeh Waseem with Nasir Shah. The
photographs of the event are now uploaded on the facebook and if you are not the facebook member,
please access them at https://www.youtube.com/c/piachannel1
Pakistanis in Australia Inc. is an incorporated group to support students and migrants from Pakistan in their settlement and
to initiate projects in Australia and Pakistan that promote mutual collaboration between two countries and promote a
positive image of Pakistan and Australia Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/pakistanisinaustralia
Twitter @PIAInc

Website: pakistanisinaustrali.wix.com/piainc

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 13

MAKING US PROUD: AUSTRALIA PAKISTAN FRIENDSHIP INITIATIVE

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Hon. Andrea Mitchell provided certificate of excellence to the following recipients this year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Earlier this year the historic WA town of Yarloop was wiped out by a bushfire that razed at least 95
homes, with another six towns under immediate threat. This tragedy touched everyones hearts and like
all fellow Australians, Pakistani community also came forward for a fundraising dinner. This dinner
would have not been possible because of the generosity of three key collaborators who provided the
food for the event and were acknowledged.
a. Caf Punjabi:
Mrs. Naveed Mirza
b. Platinum Restaurant: Ankat Chopra
c. Curry Corner:
Mahvish Zahid
EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS: HIRA NAVEED
While cricket and hockey are well known sports from Pakistan, there are other games where
community members have excelled. This category recognises one of the most talented young player
from Western Australia. She won at both the 2015 Dunes Medal and Victorian Junior Masters events,
was second at the 2015 Tasmanian Open and 2015 Victorian Junior Championships and third at the
2015 Srixon International. She was the top 17-year-old at the 2015 Aaron Baddeley International
Junior Championship, and helped Australia to the team victory. She competed at the 2015 Western
Australian Open, a mens event, and set course records at Cypress Lakes Golf Club (-7) and
Rockingham Golf Club (-8). She also went undefeated in the 2015 Australian Teams Interstate Series.
Currently in the United States of America, her certificate of Excellence was received by her sister Alina
Naveed.
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS: ASIM SHEHZAD
With WA going through employment crisis, there is need for local businesses to create employment
opportunities. A number of Pakistanis are involved in businesses and have taken lead in the innovative
projects. One such business that has created d opportunities for fellow Australians and has led to
replication of similar projects around Australia is Perth After Hours Medical Service which has also
been nominated for the Ethnic Business Awards 2016 and we will keep our fingers crossed
EXCELLENCE IN VOLUNTEERING: ANITA KINKELA
The last certificate was provided to some one who has worked tirelessly for community. Whether it is
supporting Earthquake victims in Nepal, Yarloop Bushfire victims or collection of reading glasses for
Pakistan, she has been a support that we can count on.
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WELCOME TO THE CONUSL GENERAL YOUSAFANI

MR.ABDUL MAJID YOUSAFANI has assumed charge as the CONSUL GENERAL OF PAKISTAN in
Sydney from Today. He is from Pakistan Customs group. He has also served as Commercial
Counsellor in Embassy of Pakistan in Mexico and promoted bilateral trade between Pakistan and
Mexico. His publications include "Export Potential of Pakistani Mangoes", "The Mexico guide",
Special report on "spread of International Financial Crisis in Mexico and its effects on Pakistan."
This is perhaps right time to thank the outgoing Consul General Aziz Uqaili who has been one of
our great supporters and whenever we needed his intervention he helped us in many ways. We
wish him success in his future postings.
And also thanks to Mirza Salman Baig, the Deputy High Commissioner on his new position in
Japan.

BRIEFING FOR HAJJ

We will be attending an information session for Hajj travelers before the next issue and will update the
members accordingly. If you have any questions do let us know. In addition we will be attending
multicultural briefing on upcoming Census in 2016 on 9th August, 2106.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
We are now getting ready for event on 14th August with the grant received from the
City of Joondalup which will be followed by the cricket match in September + Eid
BBQ and the literary eve in November so watch the space.

CONGRATULATIONS TO USMAN KHAWAJA ON HIS ENGAGEMENT WITH

MISS RACHEL MCLELLAN.