27th March 2009 saw a historic oath taking ceremony at the PAD. Following on from the record breaking election process another record was set at the Pakistan Association Dubai's oath taking ceremony.

Despite forecasts of a massive rain shower to hit Dubai, a huge crowd turned up at the PAD for the oath taking ceremony which was to usher in the new executive body at the association. But it was not only the turnout that was impressive. It was the gesture by the winning panel to invite the opposing panel and not only share the stage but also give a speech that set an example for all. Unlike normal post election scenarios where opposing candidates are shunned, the new team went out of their way to ensure they are made an integral part of the PAD. It was truly an amazing gesture and one that the winning panel under the leadership of Mr. Riaz Farooq deserve tremendous praise for and many Pakistani leaders need to learn from.

Lets also hope the panel that lost the election uses this opportunity to work together rather than as merely a chance for some photo-ops and press coverage! 

The night was a memorable one. The large crowd. The speeches. The MASSIVE MASSIVE RAINSTORM. The resiliance of the Pakistanis to not let rain get in the way of their dinner :-). 

YCP was there all dressed up and looking smart. We got a few snaps before the rains came down drenching EVERYTHING! Click on the link below to go to our Picasa Album.

YCP - PAD Oath Taking Ceremony

The Pakistan Association's Medical Wing held their second free medical camp for the Pakistani community on Friday 27th March 2009. The services offered at the free medical camp included, but were not limited to, blood pressure screening, sugar screening, basic dental screening as well as general consultancies in various areas of medical specialty including Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Orthopedics.

The camp was first initiative of its kind in UAE for the Pakistani community and YCP was proudly present as volunteers to help out the doctors. Dr. Zia, Dr. Zarqa, Dr. Zulfiqar, Dr. Shafqat along with a whole team of doctors are the driving fore behind this effort and they wanted a few young guys to be there to help in coordination work. Kaleem, Sami and Hamza decided to offer their services. Hamza was the first there right after Juma prayers (dressed immacuately i must add!!) followed by Kaleem and Sami an hour later. There was also a few volunteers from the doctor's own families.

An new addition from last time's medical camp was the setup of fund raiser food stalls where home made delicacies were sold to raise funds for charity.The mini-cup cakes, the samosas and much more proved very popular :-)

The first medical camp had around 20 doctors, with about 200 patients walking in. This time around there were about 25 doctors with almost 350 patients coming in for checkups. Encouraged by the success, the medical wing has decided to hold their next free medical camp on the 1st of May 2009. All Pakistanis are welcome to come to the Pakistan Association after Juma prayers on the said date between 2:00pm and 6:00pm.

To view a couple of pictures from the day visit our album on picasa: 

YCP - Medical Wing - 27th March 2009