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The Pakistani community of the lower mainland has grown considerably since the creation of Pakistan-Canada Association in 1963. Initially the purpose of PCA was to provide an opportunity for Pakistani-Canadians to meet one another and to celebrate our common culture and heritage. As an association we continue to bring the community together through events and outreach and maintain this as one of our key objectives.
With a growing community comes a growing level of complexity. The needs of the community have diverged considerably from those simply needing guidance to settle in a new land to those that require political or social activism to combat a seemingly growing negative interpretation of our homeland. The Pakistani community still suffers growing pains as we continue to define our role in society and weave in and out of engagement and disengagement with the mainstream. We become highly active when issues impacting Pakistan come to the forefront like the recent floods. We have also recently engaged with the political process in Pakistan by inviting the likes of Imran Khan and Pervez Musharraf to meet with the local community.
The establishment of a Pakistani consulate in Vancouver is an indication of the growing numbers and strength of the local community. Thanks to the consulate the responsibility of Visas and attestation of documents no longer falls onto members of Pakistan-Canada Association. Through the guidance of the consulate two highly successful festivals were arranged and took the community to new heights of recognition and pride. But what else is needed?
What are the next steps for our community? People ask what the role of Pakistan-Canada Association and aside from the afore mentioned community gatherings the role of PCA is constantly being defined. Here are a few thoughts:
1. A consistent community strategy on how to engage government: It has become more than apparent that Pakistan and Islam are under the microscope and have been for a considerable amount of time. It does not appear that this will change anytime soon and it is incumbent upon us to respond when our motherland or faith are challenged. It is important to develop a strategy that can be employed quickly and consistently when the need arises. Many members of the community has taken the initiative to respond to various issues but this is being done in isolation and being repeated constantly. It is time for us to join hands and develop a common platform to engage the mainstream.
2. Identify what our needs are: What is it we are looking to achieve as a community? Is the successful election of someone to provincial or federal government a priority? Is establishing programs for youth, women and seniors a priority? Is achieving a level of media recognition a priority? Is establishing our own radio station a priority? Is the organization of a large scale celebration a priority? Many of us have different perspectives on what is a priority for our community. Establishing a common goal can go a long way to bringing people together under a common initiative and focus.
3. Become involved in mainstream events: It’s true that when Pakistan is in need the community comes together for the greater good. But what about the needs of our local community? Food banks, homeless shelters, charitable foundations, hospitals and hospices all run fundraising events and campaigns throughout the year and generate a great deal of publicity in the process. There is something to be said for selfless generosity but there is also something to be said for acknowledged contributions. Engaging the mainstream requires us to be active participants in issues of concern to the mainstream. Adopting a cause like Canuck Place and raising funds throughout the year will generate interest, goodwill and recognition from the mainstream.
4. Youth engagement: This is something that has been discussed at nauseam. How do you engage the younger generation in community life? The easy answer is to lead by example. If you are involved there is a much higher likelihood your children will be. You also have to recognize that engaging younger members of the community means listening to them and their ideas. Looking at things from a different perspective is healthy and needed if growth is to occur.
5. Agreeing to disagree: This tends to be our biggest downfall as a community. Our quick judgement and dismissal of people that disagree or oppose us. It is important to acknowledge that you will never get 100% agreement on every issue and from time to time you have to proceed down a path, that you may not agree with, if it is for the greater good. Once we are able to move beyond our own need for platitudes and self-ingratiation will we be at a point where the community as a whole will benefit from the collective wisdom and strength of those that take on leadership roles.
