PIA NEWS VOL.

Issue 11

PIA News
Vol.6

29th May 2016

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WELCOME TO THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMZAN

PASSION, INTEGRITY & APNAPAN

Dear All,
Welcome to the newsletter and apologies for delay as we were waiting on certain documents which
are attached with this newsletter in URDU Language.
We have now received the grant from the Department of Social Services in our account which will
support the purchase of basic equipment. The other delightful news is the funding received from City
of Joondalup for our new project Supporting Active Ageing through Healthy initiatives (SAAtHI). The
first event will be held on 14th August so mark your diaries please. We are now waiting for the grant
outcome from Office of Multicultural Interests.
Last week we raise 150 dollars for Australian Biggest Morning Tea and we have also received
donations for 8 sleeping bags in our account from members to be donated to homeless people.
Meanwhile on social media we are regularly updating the employment opportunities received from
the members so please keep yourself in touch if you are looking for an opportunity or scholarship.
And last but not the least, in one week time the Muslims around the world will welcome the holy
month of fasting so on behalf of PIA a blessed Ramadan to you all. The holy month of fasting also
includes Zakat (a form of alms-giving and religious tax) which is one of the pillars of Islam and requires
every Muslim (who meet the necessary criteria of wealth) to help families in crisis.

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DESI LAUGHTER TURNS TO DESI TRAGEDY

Pakistani artists from Showbiz regularly come to Australia to perform and it is a great way to
showcase the cultural aspects of Pakistan however it is also not uncommon for the allegations of
mistreatment to surface in the events which are organized for the commercial purpose.
Last month there was a delegation that visited Australia and performed at major cities in
Australia.

On their return, a trail of accusations from two sides has surfaced on the social media. Pakistanis
in Australia received several complaints as well. We acknowledge that irrespective of whether the
promoters in Australia or manager in Pakistan are at fault, the fact remains that the delegation
comprises performers from Pakistan. This is a vulnerable group of people who are the
breadwinners of their families in Pakistan and when they travel overseas they are already
sacrificing their regular income in Pakistan. They become victims between two parties and are no
doubt exploited with no voice of their own and how to lodge a complaint because of fear of
further victimization.

When the news of this dispute surfaced on PIAs social media, we received some derogatory
comments stating that PIA should not interfere in this matter as this will bring community in
disrepute and because PIA has nothing to do with these events. Pakistanis in Australia are mainly
law abiding citizens of Pakistan who come here as skilled migrants and students which is
acknowledged by all. We are also aware that these shows are not part of community service but
are held as commercial events with sponsorship deals and sales of tickets. Similarly, PIA
disseminated the information about these events through the newsletter and the organisers
regularly use our platforms to publicize their events so if a complaint is made, PIA is within its
rights to inform the members and raise its voice so it does not happen again.

It is extremely important that Australian government including Department of Border Force and
Australian Taxation Office ensure that no one is exploited on its soil and measures are in place for
their protection when visas are granted. Similarly Pakistan High Commission should also ensure
that its citizens are not exploited by anyone and have means to ensure the safety and protection
of the artists.
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MR. ABDULLAH KHAN HONOURED.

Congratulations to Mr. Abdullah Khan, Head of Australian
Islamic College, who was one of the eighty-five educational
leaders from across WA to receive the Honorary Fellowship
Award from Australian Council for Educational Leaders.
This award is given to the leaders to recognise their
contributions as passionate, influential and bold leaders of
WA. Hon Peter Collier, the Minister of Education,
Aboriginal and Electoral Affairs presented the awards to a
well-deserved member of the Pakistani and Muslim
community.

HOMELESS RUN PERTH By Abdul Rahman

Assalamu Alaikum (peace be upon you).
As Muslims living a privileged life in Perth, Alhumdulillah (all praise and thanks be to Allah), it is our
duty to look after and provide for those less fortunate than us, "And they give food in spite of love for it
to the needy, the orphan, and the captive,..." (Qur'an: Al-Insaan (76:8)).
Homeless Run Perth is an organisation focused on actively seeking out the homeless people of Perth
and providing them with food and supplies but not only that, we also take the time to sit down and have
a chat as we are all human and all equal. Muslims as a whole are being portrayed negatively by the
media so it is up to us to show the community what Islam and Muslims really stand for.
We meet up every Friday night and go out into Perth city actively seeking those who are sleeping rough
so we can provide them with supplies and also have a chat to show them that we really care.
If you would like to donate supplies or come along on the run please leave a message to the Facebook
group and we will get back to you InshaAllah (God willing).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PIONEERS IN WA

Applications are now open for the Young Social Pioneers Program. This six-month incubator program
is designed to support young emerging social innovators, entrepreneurs and change-makers aged 18 29
years. This years program has a strong focus on diversity and social impact. More information is
available at the https://www.fya.org.au/our-programs/young-social-pioneers/ Applications close on
Wednesday 15 June 2016.
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COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK: ONE YEAR ON

Many of you will remember that Pakistanis in Australia was the part of network comprising ethnic
organisations. This network was initiated soon after Nepal Earthquake last year to help the disaster
affected area.. Suesha Rana was the liaison person who was already working in Nepal and many of you
donated in kind stuff to be sent back to Nepal through her. In addition, there was a fundraiser to collect
funds. It is a pleasure to include this photograph ( more can be found on our facebook page) which
shows that the funds have been used to provide furniture to Shree Sunkoshi Higher Secondary School in
Sindhupalchok through Uplifting Nepal project.

LEADERSHIP SESSION IN MELBOURNE FOR LADIES

Shaheens in collaboration with Leadership Victoria brings a one day seminar for females only. It will
focus on leadership skills like communication, goal setting, community engagement etc. Limited seats
available on first come first serve basis so hurry up and register ASAP!
For registration please visit: http://shaheens.com.au/female-only-leadership-seminar/

For further details please contact: Syed Ariz

syed.ariz@shaheens.com.au
0415779780
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