OTTAWA, Canada: Pakistani Canadians, in partnership with the Senator Salma Attaullahjan and I Am Pakistan-Worldwide Movement, celebrated Pakistan Day at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa in a befitting manner on Monday.
A Pakistani delegation comprising former Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Senator Faisal Javed and former federal minister Firdous Ashiq Awan also joined the celebrations which aimed at raising awareness for building water reservoirs in Pakistan.
In his opening remarks, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Raza Bashir Tarar expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in New Zealand and pledged that we will continue to uphold the spirit of peace and universal brotherhood embodied by Islam and will not strengthen the cycle of hate in any way.
The High Commissioner paid tribute to former Chief Justice of Pakistan for sensitizing the nation about the urgency and magnitude of the water problem in the Country.
Raza Bashir Tarar added that to his abiding credit Prime Minister Imran Khan had embraced and buttressed the initiative. He appreciated the efforts of the “I am Pakistan Worldwide Movement” founded and led by Ahmed Syed and his partners for rejuvenating the fund collection drive.
While addressing the gathering, the Senator Salma Ataullahjan said that the Pakistani Canadians should actively take part in Canadian politics and join all mainstream political parties.
Talking about New Zealand incident she said that Muslims should not be scared in Canada as it is their own home.
In his address, the former Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said that we are a proud sovereign nation and we will surely meet the challenges of poverty, illiteracy and nepotism by striving for virtues and by overcoming the evils in the society. He informed that the Supreme Court of Pakistan is the custodian of the Dam Fund and it will only be spent for dam, dam and only dam.
The former Federal Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan linked water crisis with the national security and emphasized that the only with Jinnah’s vision of unity, faith and discipline we can progress in the comity of nations. She appreciated the enthusiasm of overseas Pakistanis for causes which affects the masses in the Country.
In his address, Senator Faisal Javed Khan said that Pakistan’s contribution to World peace is second to none and that we have sacrificed over 70,000 precious lives for the sake of international peace. He highlighted the urgency of building reservoirs as the Country has only equivalent of 30 days storage of usable water in its dams.
The President I am Pakistan Worldwide Movement Ahmed Syed said that although we are Canadians but our hearts beat with Pakistan. He affirmed commitment that the movement will continue to raise funds till the completion of Diamer-Basha and Mohmand dams in Pakistan.
