By Anwar Ahmed, Alumnus 1986
On March 23, 2016, various Pakistani-Canadian organizations and alumni associations, including IBA Alumni Canada Chapter, with support from the Consulate General of Pakistan in Toronto, organized a gala evening to celebrate the contribution of Pakistani expatriates to Ontario and Canada. The guest of honor was Ontario's Premier, Honorable Kathleen Wynne along with the outgoing Consul General Pakistan, Mr. Asghar Ali Golo. Other dignitaries included Consul General of Iran and several members of provincial and federal parliaments. The evening honored and celebrated not only the Pakistan Resolution passed in 1940, but also the diversity and freedoms in Canada that has enabled Pakistani expatriates to help build healthy and prosperous societies.
The other highlights of the evening were performances by the legendary Pakistani music maestro, Sohail Rana, and folk songs and dances by children adorned in colorful traditional ethnic Pakistani dresses. The evening was capped off with a sumptuous traditional Pakistani cuisine.
The event was highly popular and successful with over 800 attendees, including over 40 IBA Alumni and their families. Alumni from other Pakistani Institutions included LUMS, UET, NED and ICAP, however IBA Alumni had by far the strongest presence. This resulted in great pride and recognition for the IBA Alumni, not only from the office of the Consul General and the event organizing committee, but also from various members of the Alumni itself. The Consul General of Pakistan, Asghar Ali Golo also awarded IACC certificate of appreciation for leadership & volunteering services for exceptional contributions for organizing the Pakistan Day event.
