PIA NEWS VOL.

Issue 07

PIA News
Vol.6

3 rd April 2016
T

IN GRIEF WITH NATION

PASSION, INTEGRITY & APNAPAN

daRida1992

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.

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 07

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.

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 07

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.

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 07

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.

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 07

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.
5

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 07

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.