National Federation of Pakistani Canadians Meet in Ottawa

It was a memorable occasion. Marked by the attendance of Canadian Parliamentarians and a former high profile Pakistani Parliamentarian, Chief Guest for the evening Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, the National Federation of Pakistani Canadians (NFPC) continued the celebration of Pakistan Day in our nation’s capital.
The event was held at the centrally located Centerpointe Theatre in Ottawa on Saturday May 5th. Pakistani Canadian Pioneers from BC, Alberta, Winnipeg and Toronto attended among other places. Hundreds from the Ottawa region attended as well.
Among the Canadian dignitaries included the Hon. Andrew Leslie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Canada/US Relations), Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya (Nepean) and MP Mona Fortier (Ottawa-Vanier). They all complimented the gathering of the umbrella organization and were encouraged by its commitment to advocating on behalf of Pakistani Canadians.
Mr. Tanveer Ahmed, President of NFPC welcomed guests to the evening and spoke about the challenges and opportunities leading an organization such as NFPC presents. His message was one of hope; hope that a government that celebrates diversity will once again make a commitment to hear from diverse Canadian communities as it contemplates policy direction and legislation.
The NFPC took some time at this gathering to recognize excellence and service. While acknowledging excellence and service locally, the NFPC also recognized some of its founding members who made the trek from across the country, including Mr. Iqbal Cheema from Surrey British Columbia, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Chaudry from Edmonton Alberta and Mr. Saleem Janjua from the GTA. These pioneers dedicated countless hours towards pulling the community together and giving voice to the many issued faced by the community across the country.
Mr. Iqbal Cheema is no stranger to our community in BC. He has given most of his life here in Canada to public service and did so with no expectations of recognition. Mr. Iqbal Cheema is known to help people of all walks of life for no other reason other than to help. God bless these pioneers we have among us.
Also in attendance from BC were Mr. and Mrs. Ehsan Malik, who also serves as a founding member of the NFPC and Mr. Bilal Cheema who continues to uplift the community across Canada through positive engagement and motivation.