On Sep 29, Mr. Bilal Cheema, in collaboration of Friends of Pakistan (FOP) Directors, organized a public meeting with Hon. Chrystia Freeland Minister of Foreign Affairs at Punjab Banquet Hall in Surrey. A large number of the Muslim community were present. Liberal’s Re-Elect Candidates Ken Hardie, Sukh Dhaliwal, and Randeep Sarai were also present there. Mr. Cheema and Ms. Saima Naz coordinated the program. Hon. Chrystia Freeland explained the approach to Canadian foreign policy for issues such as trade and human rights. After that, the floor was open to the public for a few questions. The siege of Kashmir was a big issue raised by local Kashmiri Canadians. Question was also raised about the government’s opposition to BDS movement. Minister Freeland offered some explanation for Canada’s involvement at the International level to condemn human rights violations in places like Kashmir, China and Myanmar. MP Dhaliwal also confirmed that on behalf of his constituents, he personally delivered more than 10,000 signed postcards in support of Kahmir to PM office. At the end President (FOP)Mr. Abdul Rauf and G, Sec(FOP) Mr. Waqar Farooq thanked the Hon. Minister and guests. While some were expecting more concrete answers, everyone was glad and thankful for the opportunity to raise foreign affairs matters that were important to the community.
