PAKISTAN Canada Association and Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver are presenting a family event and dinner on Monday (November 10) at 7 p.m. at Surrey’s Grand Taj at 8388 128th Street. Tickets: $15 and free for children aged 10 and under.
In a statement they said: “The program coincides with two very important days in Pakistan and Canada:
Remembrance Day Ceremonies will be held worldwide on November 11 and this year is all the more poignant with the knowledge that Canadian forces have joined a coalition of international countries in a military campaign against ISIS/ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq. We as Canadians show solidarity for our troops who are in harm’s way.
“We all mourn the loss of our fallen soldiers Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo and we will observe a moment of silence to honour their memories and pray for their families, our troops and for the safety of the civilians in conflict areas.
“Our community along with all Canadians are in shock from these vicious attacks in Quebec and Ottawa. As Muslims we are deeply outraged that the perpetrators of these acts used their deviated understanding of Islam as a justification for their actions. These deluded individuals and groups must be stopped.
“This evening is an opportunity for our community to take up the world wide call for peace and justice as well as to promote the real meaning of Islam and what it is to be a Muslim.
“We have reached out to our wider Muslim community to attend as Muslims United Against Terrorism and Extremism and together we will publicly make a stand against those who promote falsehood and terror.
“Iqbal Day is a National Holiday in Pakistan and we will present selections of his world famous poetry in Urdu and English in tribute to the national poet and co-founder of Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
“We are honoured to present His Excellency Muhammad Tariq, the new Consul General for Pakistan in Vancouver to the community as our chief guest.
“The evening will include a special commemoration for the achievements of the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Malala Yousafzai who has inspired people the world over to care for and promote equality, rights to education and to live in a world free from terror and persecution.
“Lastly, we will bring together Members of Parliament and the BC Legislature as well as candidates running in the upcoming civic elections to speak, and to be recognized for their commitment to public service and to spread the message to vote!”
