MEMBERS of Ballarat\u2019s Pakistani community gathered in Queen Victoria Square on Friday for a flag-raising ceremony in celebration of the nation\u2019s independence day.<\/p>\n
The event was the City\u2019s first time acknowledging the date, which is in its platinum jubilee at 75 years.<\/p>\n
Pakistan-Australian, Obaid Noor has lived in Ballarat for 10 years, and said it was great to see his cultural background recognised.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiving in Australia, I\u2019ve adapted to the culture and learnt all the good things the people have to offer, but there\u2019s also a part of me that belongs in Pakistan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this were in Pakistan, there\u2019d be lights, fireworks, all that stuff, so just seeing that flag brings a lot of memories back. It means a lot.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth my daughters were born here. The only chance they get to visit Pakistan is during Christmas holidays, so acknowledging this day introduces them to the culture and values we brought here from the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Falling on 14 August, the day commemorates Pakistan and India\u2019s sovereignty from the British Raj in 1947.<\/p>\n
The event was followed with an afternoon tea in Town Hall, and further celebrations were held on Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
The City of Ballarat\u2019s multicultural ambassador for Pakistan, Anam Umar, revealed another development alongside the flag-raising first.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the month of March and April, we\u2019re going to form a Pakistani association of Ballarat, a formal organisation for the presentation of Pakistani members of the community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo welcome newcomers is one of our most important agenda because when you\u2019re new to a place you do not know about things.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MEMBERS of Ballarat\u2019s Pakistani community gathered in Queen Victoria Square on Friday for a flag-raising ceremony in celebration of the nation\u2019s independence day. The event was the City\u2019s first time acknowledging the date, which is in its platinum jubilee at 75 years. Pakistan-Australian, Obaid Noor has lived in Ballarat for 10 years, and said it […]<\/p>\n