Pakistan-Canada Association held a memorial service and press conference for the late Benazir Bhutto, who was brutally assassinated on Thursday December 27th. A book of condolences was made available for people to express their grief and admiration for the late Benazir Bhutto. A few prepared comments were made by President Farrukh Alam and Trustee Haroon Khan and then the floor was opened for comments from the public. MLA Harry Bains, Penny Pridy expressed their sadness and expressed their hope for democracy to prevail in Pakistan. Members of the Indian community showed their solidarity and support of the Pakistani community and members of the Pakistani community expressed their admiration, love and devotion for a great Pakistani leader. A question and answer session was held with members of the media and general public which lasted approximately 45 minutes. Global TV, CBC, CTV, Channel M, News Radio 1130, Radio India, Asian Star, Miracle Newspaper, Canada Times and several other media outlets were in attendance. Pakistan-Canada Association wishes to thank those members of the community for attending our memorial service and for sharing in the grief and sorrow that has not only gripped Pakistan but the World.

Links to media reports will be provided as they become available:

Radio Canada Telejournal

mytelus news service

News 1130

CBC.ca

News 1130 2nd Article

CKNW 980

Canada.com

CBC.ca Memorial Service Article

Globe and Mail

Abbotsford News

Pakistan-Canada Association and the Pakistani Community of the Lower Mainland are deeply shocked and saddened at the assassination of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson (PPP) and Two-Time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto after a political rally in the Punjab city of Rawal Pindi at the hands of an apparent suicide bomber. The Late Benazir Bhutto was a tireless worker for the benefit of Pakistan and made the ultimate sacrifice to bring moderation and democracy back to the people of Pakistan. Whether or not you supported her politically her death has struck a cord with all Pakistanis and it is only after her tragic death that her importance to Pakistan can now be truly felt. It is our wish that a full investigation into her assassination be held and those responsible be brought to justice. Not unlike the Ghandi family in India and the Kennedy family in the United States, the Bhutto family has been a force politically and a tragic reminder of what happens when one stands up for their beliefs. Pakistan-Canada Association joins the people of Pakistan in a state of mourning and pray to Almighty Allah to forgive any shortcomings of the Late Benazir Bhutto and give her a place in Heaven, Amen.

A Press Conference will be held at Pakistan House (12059 88th Avenue, Surrey) on Friday December 28th at 3:00 pm.

Please note that our Eid Mela has been cancelled because Eid may be celebrated on Wednesday December 19th.

Please download our information flyer with full details of Consul General Services being provided in Vancouver starting December 2007.

Pakistan-Canada Association
Proudly Hosts
A Celebration of Sir Allama Mohammad Iqbal

Poetry, Prose and Reflections on the Life of One of Pakistan’s Greatest Personalities
Sunday November 11th, 2007
6 pm at Pakistan House (12059 88th Avenue, Surrey)
Light Refreshments will be served (no dinner)
Free Admission

Thursday October 11th at Pakistan House - Chand Raat

Eid Day - Namaaz at Pakistan House and Vancouver Jamia Masjid (8 am)

Sunday October 14th - Eid Milan Party at Pakistan House: Doors open at 6:30 pm, tickets are $10 per person (children 5 and under free)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Inshallah, the Jamia Vancouver Masjid will host Iftari during the Blessed Month of Ramadan.

The funds and/or in-kind donations needed to cover costs for hosting the Iftari at the Vancouver Masjid for the whole 30 days is approximately $18,000.00. Our food costs per person is at $5 to $7 per person x 75-100 people.

We have received commitments for donations and in-kind sponsorships to cover the first 10-12 days and we urgently request our individual community members to fill the gap to ensure that we are able to provide Iftari this and every year Inshallah. We also urgently require local volunteers living in the Vancouver area to assist in preparation, set up and clean up. Please email Br. Haroon at khanproperties@gmail.com to schedule for volunteering or if your family would like to sponsor a day among the thirty days for $500.00 per evening.

May Allah SWT reward you for your kind contributions during the most blessed month of Ramadan.

For further information, please contact:

Br. Haroon Khan: (604) 720-8054
Br. Jamil Chaudhry: (604) 21-3717
Br. Salim Karim: (604) 874-0160
Br. Sadiq (604) 874-5849
Br. Tariq Tyab: (604) 715-4096

Jazakala

Sunday August 19th will go down as a day to remember for many in the Pakistani community. The day long mela brought throngs of people to Pakistan House, many for the first time. For the first time the flags of both Pakistan and Canada were raised and flew proudly over Pakistan House and to top it off, Salman Ahmad of Junoon brought the crowd to an absolute frenzy with his energetic and patriotic music.

Thank you to everyone for attending this event and thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success.

On Sunday August 19th starting at 1:00 pm on the grounds of Pakistan House, Pakistan-Canada Association will be organizing a free outdoor Mela for all to enjoy. Food, clothing, jewellery, mehndi and much more will be available. Over 20 stalls will be setup outside Pakistan House (12059 88th Avenue, Surrey) and will be running throughout the day as part of Pakistan-Canada Association’s Independence Day celebration. In the evening inside Pakistan House, our very special guest and friend, Salman Ahmed (from the legendary Pakistani band Junoon) will be here to perform for us and join PCA in celebrating Pakistan’s 60 years of Independence. Tickets for this tremendous musical event are only $10 per person. More information can be found by calling Farrukh Alam at 604-276-2999 or Raza Mirani at 778-859-9469.

If you would like to book a stall for our outdoor Mela or would like to help volunteer at our event please call Farrukh Alam by Wednesday August 15th or e-mail us directly at info@pakcan.com.

Featuring:

* Special arrangements for prayer in the park.
* Kids’ shows.
* A designated Halal food vendor is assigned to serve
quality BBQ meals (provided by Pitt Meadows Halal
Meats).
* A large Islamic goods bazaar.
* VIP picnic area available exclusively for the Muslim Community.
* Unlimited access to Playland’s Major Amusement Park Rides and Attractions (the world famous wooden rollercoaster, mini-golf and rock climbing).
* Each guest will also receive 6 tokens for the electric city arcade to play video games.

Insha Allah, this event promises to be a joyful day of Muslim community unity.