Pakistan’s 59th Anniversary was celebrated in grand style on August 13th, 2006 by Pakistan-Canada Association. Over 600 people attended a free event, organized by PCA with the help of numerous sponsors, highlighted by the beautiful sounds of local group Aavaz (aavazband@gmail.com).

This upstart band of local musicians stole the hearts and voices of the audience as they pumped out Pakistani hit after Pakistani hit. President Raza Mirani delivered an empowering speech urging all Pakistanis to come together and continue the dream and vision of our Great Leader, Quiad-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, by supporting Pakistan-Canada Association in establishing a Pakistan Community Center. Mr. Aftab Alam shared his thoughts on Independence Day and encouraged everyone in attendance to take part in the political process. Honourable Sukh Dhaliwal brought greetings from the Federal Government and Mr. Aziz Khaki shared his views on the state of the Muslim world at this time. The stars of the show were the members of the musical group Aavaz. Coming back to a raucous crowd they continued their set of Pakistani songs and motivated the usually subdued crowd to clap, cheer and sing along with the group. Master of Ceremonies Tarik Kiani kept the show moving along and paused only briefly to allow for speeches, Maghrib Namaaz and acknowledgement of sponsors. Chairman Munir Riasat put together an event to be remembered and the capacity crowd left late in the evening after Shahid Ali Khan, nephew of the late great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, wrapped up the event with three beautiful Qawwalis. Special thanks to all the sponsors of this event and to all members of the Pakistan-Canada Association for making this event a grand success.