On August 18, thousands of people came together to celebrate 73rd Pakistan’s independence at British Columbia’s 8th Pakistan Festival in Tsawwassen Mills. With Pakistani and Canadian flags fluttering in the air, there was a huge turnout of Pakistani Canadians, estimated at 8,000 people in total. The new location immensely added to the exquisiteness of the event in that particular area.
The event provided a window into Pakistan’s arts and crafts, cuisine, fashion and music. As the first Pakistani Festival, the tradition was continued this year by individuals representing Pakistan-Canada Association, Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association, Pakistani Youth Council and Pakistani Canadian Women’s Society along with Pakistani businesses and the Pakistani community at large, all with the great contribution and supervision of Consulate General of Pakistan in Vancouver. Ilearn DL Secondary School was the title sponsor for the event and other business and media sponsors also played their role well in the success of the festival.Once again, the goal was to strengthen the community and to share their unique culture and heritage with their fellow Canadians. Members of the local business community, both Pakistani and non-Pakistani, extended their helping hands by giving money and time to the festival. The presence of vendors from other communities was also a good sign, showing the increased popularity of the event across communities. Planning for this event began many months prior to the event. Allhumdullillah the motivation and enthusiasm of all hardworking volunteers and management committee paid off. The parking lot of the mall was filled with many tents along with a massive stage and sound system set up for a variety of entertainment. Food vendors from the community brought the event to life with the aroma and flavour of traditional Pakistani cuisine.
The reception was given in afternoon inside the mall which was attended by many dignitaries. The official celebration started with a colourful Parade and a procession of special guests and dignitaries led by young kids dressed in cultural dresses holding Pakistani flags and women carrying a big Pakistani Flag throughout the Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Mall and to the stage. The festival was conducted beautifully by Ms. Saima Naz, Ms. Bushra Ahsan and Mr. Haroon Khan.
The program started with Talawat e Quran, and then a welcome address was given by the organizing committee, including Dr. Mohammad Tariq. Many speeches were delivered by honourable dignitaries, including Senator Salma Ataullahjan who had come from Ontario.
Next segment was a collection of beautiful and colourful presentations by children on national songs. On the musical entertainment side, Mr. Sunny Khan performed classical music. After that, guest artist from Lahore Mr. Tariq Tafu performed some of his favourite hits which were enjoyed by all.
The highlight performance of the event was Abrar ul Haq, king of “Bhangra” and a legendary Pakistani artist and philanthropist. He riled up the crowd with Pakistani pop and folk songs.
A Special thanks go to the City of Tsawwassen, sponsors and dedicated team of volunteers whose cooperation made this event a huge success. This festival has been a major step for the Pakistani community under the leadership of entire Pakistani Consulate General Team, who continues to make bridges between local Pakistani Associations and many other individuals and the community hopes for it to continue for many years to come.
The Miracle Media congratulates all 2019 Pakistan Festival committee members and highly appreciates their day and night efforts of many weeks to host at such a beautiful venue in
Tsawwassen.
