WINNIPEG, Canada: In honour of Pakistan founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a park named ‘Jinnah Park’ was inaugurated in Canada’s Winnipeg, Manitoba – a first such in the region.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Canada Tariq Azim Khan inaugurated the park.
Speaking on the occasion, the high commissioner praised the vibrant Pakistani-Canadian community in Manitoba for successfully naming the first ever Public Park in North America after Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan.
The high commissioner, while appreciating the struggle of the Pakistani community, referred to a quote of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile you cannot achieve”. He said the Pakistani community in Winnipeg has always promoted and showcased Pakistan’s culture and projected a soft image of the country by holding cultural galas. They act as a bridge in promoting understanding between communities, he added.
He said that this is the moment for us to pay tribute to the great sacrifices rendered by our founding fathers in order to have a separate homeland for Muslims in the subcontinent.
He said that the community in Winnipeg is promoting Pakistani culture and soft image through organising cultural galas, “which is acting as a bridge in promoting understanding between communities.”
Community Leader Dr Rashid Bahri who led the campaign for Jinnah Park said that Jinnah is close to the heart of people of Pakistan and this park will remind our future generations about the great leader.
Pakistani Students Association (PSA) Manitoba President Masroor Khan said today is a historic day for Pakistanis in Canada and naming a park after Jinnah’s name shows their affection towards the founding father.
Terry Duguid and Iqra Khalid, Members of Canadian Parliament, also addressed the ceremony and congratulated the Pakistani community in achieving this milestone.
City Councillor Janice Luke was delighted to work with the Pakistani community for the maintenance of the park and aims to make it worthwhile for the families to visit and holding cultural galas in the park.
