On Wednesday May 16th, Canada-Pakistan Business Council hosted a Reception to celebrate “South Asia Heritage Month” at the Bayview Golf and Country Club. Over a hundred guests and dignitaries attended the event. Present among the leading businessmen, professionals and bankers were also the executives of SNC Lavalin, Magna International and Mr. Muslim Hassan, President of Habib Canadian Bank.

The chief guest was Hon. Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. The Minister spoke about her recent visit to Pakistan and the overwhelming welcome and affection she received during her visit. She highlighted the business opportunities which exist in various sectors between Canada and Pakistan and urged the businessmen to consider Pakistan as a long term business destination which offers a high rate of return on investments. The Minister also spoke about her commitment to help a school for mentally challenged kids in Islamabad which was visited by Mrs.McGuinty during her visit. A steering committee has already been formed and soon a dinner will be organized to raise funds for this cause. Andy Merchant is part of the steering committee along with several reputable members of the Canadian Community.

The Consul General of Pakistan, Mr.Tassaduq Hussain spoke about South Asia’s civilization being one of the oldest in the world. He gave a brief account of the region’s history and the role of various rulers who came from different parts of the world in the last one thousand years. They left behind big impressions of their unique cultures, architectures and religions. Hence, today South Asia enjoys a variety of fascinating languages, cultures and religions which makes it an interesting place in the world.

Earlier, Andy Merchant welcomed the guests and spoke about CPBC’s continued role in the celebration of the South Asia Heritage Month since its declaration. He also spoke about the Council’s business activities and the two successful Trade Missions to Pakistan within the last one year. CPBC will be celebrating its 24th Anniversary on June 22nd at the Bayview Club where the Minister of Finance for Ontario, Hon. Greg Sorbara will be the chief guest.

Samir Dossal, director of CPBC played the role of Emcee and acknowledged the sponsors of the Council for their continued support. He also recognized the following distinguished guests in the audience: Hon. Sinclair Stevens, former ambassador Mr.Karamat Ghori, Mr.Naeem Hasan, former ambassador and Secretary General of SAARC, Mr.Naiyer Jamal, General Manager of PIA, Mr.Kam Rathee, president of ICCC, Faiza Batta of IFC Mr.Mohammad Habib CEO of Habib Canadian Bank, Mr.David Cohan, councilor of Richmond Hill and Deputy Minister Mr.Fareed Amin.

At the event, Mr.Bashir Nasir was recognized by the Business Council for his last ten years of ongoing services and was presented with a plaque.

 A classic collection of the replicas of ancient artifacts from Mohanjodaro and Texila, depicting the five thousand year old civilization of South Asia was displayed by Salim Khan, a well known artist and a former curator of a museum of Pakistan. The exhibition also included stamps and coin collections as well as his own paintings and that of famous Pakistani artist such as Ahmad Pervez, Bashir Mirza, Moazzam Ali etc. A documentary on the historic and attractive tourist places of Pakistan was also shown.

Mrs.Ismet Dossal displayed her personal collection of paintings by Gulgee and the books of well known authors like Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz etc. In addition, beautiful garments, Jewelry and handicrafts were also on display which was greatly admired by the guests.

The room was also filled with the presences of elegant ladies dressed in beautiful Saris and costumes. The melodious sounds and music of South Asia, with Kunal on Tabla and Jittu on Flute and Rubab gave the eastern ambience and flavor to the atmosphere as if one was visiting South Asia without the passport and suitcases.