Pakistan Independence Day Dinner 2002

The Pakistan Independence Day Dinner was celebrated on Wednesday 21st August 2002, at the Panjea Restaurant, in Glasgow. A number of SPA members and their guests attended this event.

The guest of honour was the Pakistan High Commissioner to Britain, Mr Abdul Kader Jaffer (standing fourth from the left, in this photo)  
     
    The chairperson of SPA Dr Rose Mary Harley gave a historical account of the Pakistan's independence, highlighting the struggle of the Muslim people in the sub continent, led by their leader, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, for an independent state of  Pakistan.

On this 55th anniversary of the occasion, the High Commissioner spoke of the courage and leadership shown by the Father of the Nation and Quaid-e-Azam, Mr Mohammad Ali Jinnah in the creation of Pakistan. His Excellency also commented on the developing ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and the potential for new links between the two countries.

Other distinguished guests included the Rt Hon. Michael Martin MP - speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ian Davidson MP, Gordon Jackson MSP, Pauline McNeill MSP, Rt. Hon. Brian Wilson MP,the Duke and Duchess of Montrose, the Vice-Principal of Glasgow University, Professor Malcolm MacLeod, Professor David Tedford, former Vice Principal and Chairman of Court of Abertay University, Assistant Chief Constable John McLean, Procurator Fiscal of Glasgow Mr Joe Cahill, the outgoing Consul of Pakistan to Glasgow Mr Mushtaq Ahmed, and Businessman Mr Yuqub Ali.

 

In the end Councillor Bashir Maan, Vice Chairperson of SPA thanked the High Commissioner and other guests for attending the ceremony, and also the organisers for their tremendous efforts.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable evening added with the diversity of eastern culinary and dress.  

We much look forward to welcoming new and current SPA members to future events.