Pakistan Day 09

To celebrate the Pakistan Day 2009, Pak Cultural Society held a cultural evening on 22 March 2009 from 1800 to 2200 hrs, at Asian Centre Waltham Forest, Orford Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9LN. Deputy High Commissioner Manzoor-ul-Haq was the chief guest. The program highlighted the importance of 23 March 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 with a group of young children singing the national anthem, followed by milli naghmas, speeches, live performance by children and artists, poets and singers. 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, Dr R 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.

The Deputy High Commissioner, Manzoor-ul-Haq 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. He 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 Pakistan movement and 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 Zaka Ahmed, a Civil Engineer delivered thought provoking ideas of Pakistan as they saw it.

A live mushaira was held by poets of Pakistani origin
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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.

Famous singers, Haji Ameer Ali Qawal, Rabayyat Jehan, Aneel and Rafiq Hazarvi 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 sponsors M/s Syed Qamar Raza, Javed Khan, Raja M Yousaf 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.