Independence Day 09

Pak Cultural Society held a cultural evening on 14 August 2009 from 1900 to 2200 hrs, at Asian Centre Waltham Forest, Orford Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9LN. Counsellor (Welfare) at the High Commission for Pakistan, London Mrs Shehnaz Pir Mazhar was the chief guest. The program highlighted the importance of the two nation theory and independence movement in the history of Pakistan and the need for expatriate Pakistani community to provide opportunities for the young generation to keep in contact with their roots.

The program started withrecitation from holy quran, followed by naat sharif and national anthem. A group of young children sang the national anthem and in a stunning performance ,several milli naghmas. The speaker highlighted the need for working hard to build and support Pakistan in its difficult times. The live performance by children and other artists received standing ovation by the audience.The speakers presented a detailed analysis of the history of Pakistan movement. A live musical concert was also held.

Welcoming the Pakistani community, the President of Pak Cultural Society, Rashid Akhtar briefly explained the aims and objectives of the society and stressed upon the need for Pakistanis living in the UK to educate their younger generations not only in modern science but also the rich and proud culture of Pakistan. He said that the aims of the Society were to provide platform for expatriate Pakistanis to celebrate days of importance in their lives here in the UK.

The Chief Guest praised the Pakistanis living in the UK for their efforts to promote the name of Pakistan and also stressed the importance of education in the lives of a nation. She advised the Pakistanis to make full use of the opportunities in the UK.

Mr Tariq Choudhary, a renowned businessman and former President of the UK-Pakistan Chmaber of Commernce shed light on the principles of Unity, Trust and Discipline and said that wePakistanis must make sure that we follow our Quaid and stressed its importance in the life of the British Pakistanis, specially the youth.

Other speakers included young children namely Adeel and Amer, who gave very beautiful account of Pakistan in their view. Imran Muqarrab Khan, a young professional banker and Taimur Qureshi, a student a GCSE delivered thought provoking ideas of Pakistan as they saw it.

The children dressed in colourful clothes sang milli songs:

- Lab pay aati hay dua ban kay tamanna meri
- Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan
- Teri wadi wadi ghumun
- Is parcham ke saye tale
- Dil Dil Pakistan.
- yeh tera Pakistan hai
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Famous singers Rabayyat Jehan, Rafiq Hazarvi, Kiran Tanoli and Faisal Tanoli gave a thrilling concert at the end. Their performance created a very entertaining and lively atmosphere.

At the end, the President of the society thanked the audience and the sponsors of the program. He expressed deep appreciation for generous support given by M/s Syed Qamar Raza, Raja M Yousaf, Tariq Chaudhary, Habibsons Bank Ltd and others for extending financial support to the society. He also praised the audience for their attendance and making the day a success. He also thanked the team of young boys who worked very hard to make this day a success.