PIA NEWS VOL.

Issue 14

PIA News
Vol.6

25th July 2016

T

YOU NEED TO BE COUNTED #MYCENSUS

PASSION, INTEGRITY & APNAPAN

Dear All,
Please note that the census is upcoming and it is compulsory. A Multicultural briefing was arranged by
Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday to brief the communities.
From next week onwards every household will receive a letter in mail with a code that will be used to
fill in the form. It is encouraged to fill the form online however if you do not feel comfortable please
do not hesitate to ask for a paper version or assistance.
If you have a new addition in the family please do note that the newly-borns are also to be counted in
the census and need to be included. If you are not in Australia at the time of census, do not worry the
Department of Immigration and Border Protection does have the data that you are not in the country.
So 9th August is the date that you and family need to be counted.
CHANGES TO STUDENT VISAThere was a meeting with the Ethnic Liaison Officers Miss Margaret
Tanner and Mr. Nico Keppler from Department of Immigration and Border Protection last week. Earlier
we had raised the issue of delays in the student visa with the Regional Director, DIBP Ms. Hoffman.
The officers have informed that form Ist July, 2016 the process is streamlined and will be much easier
than in past. The details are available at www.border.gov.au/Trav/Stud

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KASHMIR: IS ANYONE LISTENING OR WATCHING?

The violation of human rights in Kashmir is of a major concern for those who want this issue to be
resolved. Kashmir Solidarity Council in ACT has launched an online petition to appeal the Australian
Government to raise its voice which we endorse and are reproducing it in this issue. A peaceful rally
was also organised by the Council on Sunday the 24th July in front of the Australian Legislative
Assembly.

Source: http://m.greaterkashmir.com/news/front-page/day-6-kulgam-teenager-dies-toll-mounts-to-38/222950.html

PETITIONING ACT LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ON KASHMIR ISSUE:

CALLING AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO PLAY ITS ROLE IN STOPPING VIOLATION OF HUMAN
RIGHTS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR.
The ongoing grave human rights situation in Jammu & Kashmir pursuant to the killing of a popular
Kashmiri leader, Burhan Wani on 8 July, 2016 is a source of concern to everyone, particularly we the
Australians who believe in justice and respect of human rights of all. We wish to convey our disgust
and anguish over the brutalities and human rights violations of Kashmiri people by the Indian security
forces.
Due to indiscriminate use of force against Kashmiri protestors, around 30 civilians have been killed and
more than 350 have been injured. Many of them have lost their eye sights due to pellet injuries. The
doctors have reported that most of the injured sustained injuries above the waist line as the security
forces are pursuing a policy of shoot to kill. The Indian Security Forces are also preventing ambulances
to reach to the injured and doctors from treating them. The imposition of curfew and suspension of
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PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 14

mobile and internet services and postponement of school & university exams have badly affected the
lives of people in Kashmir valley.
The UN Secretary General has taken a note of the current situation in the valley. His Spokesperson has
mentioned that the Secretary General is closely following the recent clashes in Kashmir and has
regretted loss of lives and injuries to many people. To avoid further violations, he has asked all the
parties to exercise maximum restraint. Other countries have also expressed concerns at the violations.
Australia cannot remain passive to the grave violations of human rights in the Occupied Jammu &
Kashmir. Australia has been engaged in finding a solution to the Kashmir dispute since its beginning.
The United Nations Security Council had also appointed Sir Owen Dixon, Sixth Chief Justice of Australia
on 14March, 1950 as UN Representative to organize plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. Australia has a
special responsibility as a candidate for United Nations Human Rights Council for 2018-2020 and as an
advocate of human rights for protection of human rights of the Kashmiris. The current situation in
Jammu and Kashmir is the result of continued denial of right to self-determination of the Kashmiri
people through a free and fair plebiscite under the UN auspices that was assured by the United
Nations Security Council in its various resolutions. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains on the
agenda of the UN Security Council.
We the Australians urge our leadership to call upon Indian authorities to:
a.Immediately stop violence against innocent civilians and cease repressive policies and human rights
violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
b. Stop firing at the peaceful protestors; branding them as terrorists which is nothing but a distortion
of the reality in Kashmir.
c. Allow a fair and impartial inquiry.
d. To comply with their international obligations and safeguard the human rights of the people of
Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Petitioning_ACT_Legislative_Assembly_on_Kashmir_Issue_Australian_gover
nment_to_condemn_human_rights_violations_in_Jammu_/edit/

On this occasion, Consulate General of Pakistan arranged a Fateh Khawani for more than 40 innocent
civilians who have lost their lives in the recent turn of events in Jammu & Kashmir at the RootyHill
Mosque & Islamic Centre Sydney.
Pakistanis in Australia Inc. is an incorporated group to support students and migrants from Pakistan in their settlement and
to initiate projects in Australia and Pakistan that promote mutual collaboration between two countries and promote a
positive image of Pakistan and Australia Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/pakistanisinaustralia
Twitter @PIAInc

Website: pakistanisinaustrali.wix.com/piainc
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RESTING IN PEACE: DILAWER SHAH GARDEZI

Last Sunday, Young Dilawer Shah left his family and friends in distress when he met an untimely death.
Tonight he is resting in peace in Multan which was his birthplace. Please pray for the departed soul
and the family.

Source http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/man-killed-after-stationary-car-struck-at-traffic-lights-in-fawkner-20160715-gq71m2.html

INDEPENDENCE DAY
Pakistanis in Australia in collaboration with Curry Planet will be hosting a dinner on 14th August from
6.30 till 9.30. The tickets are for 15 dollars per person and include dinner. Kids under 5 are free.You
can but tickets directly from the curry planet at 2/337 Carrington St in Hamilton Hill, Perth, Australia

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