3ZZZ Pashto-language radio presenter Taj Akbar gives a brief history of Afghanistan’s road to independence while Afghan Australian Association of Victoria chairman Khaliq Fazal looks on.– Shaun Inguanzo
SPRINGVALE played host to Victoria’s Afghanistan community as it celebrated the 87th Afghanistan Independence Day last week.
About 250 people attended Springvale Town Hall on Thursday for an evening celebration with guests including local MPs and Afghan community leaders.
Afghan Australian Association of Victoria (AAAV) chairman Khaliq Fazal said that in 1919 King Amanullah of Afghanistan declared independence from the British empire.
Mr Fazal said Afghanistan was now progressing towards greater things with help from the 37 countries that had deployed troops for peacekeeping duties. “Australia is also one of those countries which has generously contributed to the peacekeeping mission and is assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan,” he said.
“The Afghan community in Australia welcomes and appreciates Australia’s efforts and participation in this mission.”
AAAV organised the event, which included speeches from radio 3ZZZ’s Pashto-language program presenter Taj Akbar, Aged Care Minister Gavin Jennings, Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews, Afghan singer Nasim Noor and Police and Emergency Services Minister Tim Holding.
