History

This was Dr Ashfaque Ahmed who came to Australia in 1962 in Sydney and then moved to Adelaide to work in The Royal Adelaide hospital in 1965, decided to start a Pakistani Association. His idea finally came into existence in 1967 with the name as Australian Pakistani Association. Dr. Ashfaque Ahmed was the first President with Vice President Captain Sabir Shah of the Pakistani Army, and treasurer Mr. Azhar Jamal Minhas from Lahore. Later in 1984 that association become Pakistani Australian Association of SA- PAASA with Mr. Shamim Noori as President, Dr. Khalid Farooqi as Secretary and Dr. Farooq as Treasurer. Since then PAASA has been representing Pakistani community in South Australia on social and cultural platforms and providing platform to the community members to not only celebrate their events of significant importance but also to showcase our ethnic diversity, unique culture and social and religious values to the multicultural communities in SA.

PAASA Strategic Objectives

Provide a common platform whereby all community is provided with equal opportunity to participate and contribute to development in community planning, coordination and implementation; working cooperatively for all South Australian Pakistanis. To develop a sense of belonging among Pakistani members and strengthen community ties.
To encourage and promote friendship, goodwill and better understanding between the Pakistani- Australians and Australians in general including awareness of Australian values within the Pakistani Community.
Establish the basis for developing closer relationships across other Pakistani origin organisations.
Augment PAASA's organisational capacity in order to provide individuals and families opportunities to connect within a respectful and friendly atmosphere and provide a better understanding across the community of the specific issues facing the community. Create resources to undertake these objectives.
To observe and organise social gatherings on the occasions of Pakistan day in March and Independence day in August, besides Eid Milan parties and any other social/cultural activities decided by the Executive Committee, every year.
To encourage organising literary and cultural activities for the members to have close contact with similar local and national organisations.
To welcome and help new arrivals whether migrants, temporary residents or students in South Australia. Establish an effective framework for constructive communication and fulfilment of outcomes through appropriate forums to improve the quality of all South Australian Pakistani residents.
To build a framework to improve skills and knowledge including well-being and resilience among Pakistani community members.
To inculcate awareness on innovation and entrepreneurship within the Pakistani community and to promote business and commerce/trade