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Namal Scholarship Fundraising Gala Brings Community Together in Surrey
6-23-2026
SURREY, B.C. — Community leaders, business professionals, educators, and supporters of higher education gathered at Taj Park Convention Centre in Surrey for the 2026 Namal Scholarship Fundraising Gala Dinner, an evening dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for deserving students in Pakistan.
Hosted by renowned broadcaster and educator Dr. Huma Mir, the gala celebrated the mission of Friends of Namal Canada, a registered charitable organization that supports scholarships and educational initiatives at Namal University in Pakistan. Approximately $10,000 was raised during the evening to support student scholarships.
The event welcomed distinguished guests, including celebrated Pakistani television and film personalities Adnan Siddiqui and Aijaz Aslam, whose presence helped inspire attendees and encourage support for the cause.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Huma Mir highlighted the transformative role of higher education in building stronger communities and empowering future generations. Guests were then invited to stand for the Canadian and Pakistani national anthems, reflecting the shared cultural ties that brought the audience together.
Namal Vancouver Chapter Lead Intikhab Ahmed welcomed attendees, acknowledged the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, and thanked donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters for their contributions. He also shared a heartfelt poem expressing love for Pakistan, followed by the screening of a patriotic song written and produced by him.
A key feature of the evening was the presentation of the annual report by Ayoub Alam, who outlined the progress and achievements of the organization and highlighted the impact donor contributions continue to have on students pursuing higher education.
The gala also featured entertainment by local artists, community networking opportunities, and a raffle draw conducted by Irfan Siddiqui and Ashraf Rafiqui. Sponsors contributed a variety of prizes that were awarded during an interactive question-and-answer session with attendees.
Throughout the evening, Adnan Siddiqui and Aijaz Aslam spoke about the importance of education and philanthropy, encouraging members of the Pakistani-Canadian community to invest in future generations through scholarship support. Their participation helped energize the fundraising campaign and generated strong audience engagement.
The event attracted a large turnout of local business owners, professionals, community leaders, and families from across Metro Vancouver, reflecting widespread support for educational development initiatives in Pakistan.
Friends of Namal Canada supports Namal University, an institution established in 2008 in Mianwali, Punjab, through the vision of former Pakistani Prime Minister and philanthropist Imran Khan. The university was founded to provide quality higher education to talented students, particularly those from underserved and rural communities.
Affiliated in its early years with the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom and later granted degree-awarding status, Namal University has grown into one of Pakistan's notable educational institutions. The broader vision includes the development of Namal Knowledge City, a comprehensive educational and research hub designed to advance knowledge, innovation, and opportunity in Pakistan.
Concluding the evening, Intikhab Ahmed thanked the Vancouver chapter members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors whose efforts made the event possible. Special appreciation was also extended to FZ Media for producing event videos and AJ Studios for photography coverage.
The successful gala demonstrated the generosity of the local community and reaffirmed a shared commitment to making quality higher education accessible to deserving students. Organizers expressed optimism that continued support from donors and community partners will help expand scholarship opportunities and contribute to the development of future leaders.
Friends of Namal Canada plans to continue its fundraising and community engagement efforts across Canada, helping ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from achieving their educational aspirations.
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