MAKE INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATION MEMORABLE

BY JAVED ZAHEER

        TORONTO: 

Preparations are in full swing to celebrate the Independence Day of Pakistan on Sunday, August 14, 2005,in Toronto in a befitting manner. Pakistanis of all ages joined by their friends of other communities are anxiously waiting for the prestigious day.

        The Consulate General of Pakistan in Toronto and the Independence of Pakistan Parade Committee have invited all Pakistanis to attend the programs organized by them in very large numbers and make them not only successful but memorable. The slogan is `Celebrate the Independence Day together with Unity, faith and Discipline’.

        The venue of celebration is Nathan Phillip Square (Toronto City Hall), 100 Queens St. West. Flag hoisting will be held at 1:00 PM (Sharp). The Independence Day Parade will start at 1:30 PM (Sharp). The route will be Toronto City Hall (Nathan Phillip Square), University Avenue, Elm Street, Bay Street, Queen Street West and back to the Toronto City Hall (Nathan Phillip Square).

        Those who want to join the parade with decorated vehicles have been asked to register at: reg@pakistanforever.com. Those interested in volunteer services can contact: volunteer@pakistanforever.com. Those interested in more details of the programs can contact: Dil Mohammad (416)826-4543 dilm@pakistanforever.com, Mehboob Shah (416)723-2938 mshah@pakistanforever.com, A.H. Waqar (416)732-4678 waqar@pakistanforever.com.

        MUSIC: The Musical Program will start at 3:30 PM in which leading artistes from Pakistan and local as well will entertain the gathering, which is expected to be in thousands.

        Large numbers of dignitaries and renowned personalities participate in all the programs and fully enjoy it. This helps in better relations, understanding and awareness. Pakistanis too not only actively participate in Canada Day Celebrations but themselves hold functions to celebrate the day. All the functions are attended in large numbers. This is because Pakistanis consider Canada also as their Motherland. This is a good tradition to share and celebrate. Pakistanis are never behind and are always ready to contribute in all ways. The Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, Ghalib Iqbal, and his team always remain in the forefront to support and lead the people. The focus is on unity and welfare of the community.

        AWAMI MELA 2005: On Sunday, August 28, 2005, Diamond Promotions are holding the famous annual exhibition called Awami Mela to celebrate the Independence Day of Pakistan. The venue like always is Markham Fair Grounds, 10801 McCowan Road, Markham. The organizers are Javeed Malik and Saif Sheikh.

        The Awami Mela 2005 will be held from 12 Noon till Midnight. Flag raising ceremony will be held at 4:00 PM. Large number of dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion. For the kids there are helicopter, electrical and mechanical rides and lots of other entertainments. There will be an Open Air Concert. Other varieties available include delicious Halal food, fashion, clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, audio and video.

        FREE BUS SERVICE: This annual event has gained tremendous popularity and attended by thousands of people of all communities. Free hourly bus service will be available from McCowan and Steeles from 2:00 PM till 11:00 PM. 

        Many other functions are being held in the city by renowned Pakistani personalities to celebrate the Independence Day.

NOTE:  WITH PERMISSION TO ETHICALLY PRINT AND USE.

            Javed Zaheer (Masters in International Relations), Canadian of Pakistani Origin (CPO), Professional Freelance Journalist, Veteran Active Member (VAM) of Toronto Press Club, Council Member of Karachi Press Club, served as Senior Sub-Editor of Pakistan’s leading English Daily DAWN (1986-1999). Address:  1709-35 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M4H 1J3, Canada.  Tel  # (416) 696-0981.