Pakistan Canada Association (PCA)

03/28/2026

Asalaamualaikum
Peace Be Unto You

BCMA ELECTION 2026

Hello everyone…

On Sunday March 29th the BC Muslim Association will be holding its AGM and will be electing its new President

This election requires a new leader to come forward and helm the largest organization representing our Muslim Community…

That leader has come forward…
Brother Raza Mirani

I am honoured to wholeheartedly give my own personal endorsement and urge the committee from all BCMA branches to come together and elect Brother Raza Mirani as its new President

I have known Raza since we were children learning Quran together nearly 50 years ago at the Al Masjid Al Jamia Vancouver British Columbia’s historic First Mosque and have served as Directors and terms as President at one time or another of the Pakistan Canada Association est. 1963.

The BC Muslim Association was formed in 1964-65 from this place and has went on to become the leading institution for our entire Muslim community…

The BCMA has always been led by the many volunteers who dedicated their lives to our community and Ummah… May Allah SWT accept their efforts and forgive their shortcomings…

Great achievements have been made and also some unfortunate setbacks have occurred that we are all too well aware of…

The BCMA is sorely in need of new leadership that can deliver on its great potential and to proactively chart a fresh course of growth, stability and good stewardship that it deserves now and for the future.

Brother Raza Mirani has already served many years in various positions within the BCMA, excelled in leadership roles as a Principal, an educator, school board trustee, Vice Chair of the Vancouver Police Board and countless volunteer roles at the Municipal, Provincial and Federal levels.

He is an articulate and eloquent speaker, a trusted voice and steady hand in the face of turbulence, a fierce advocate for consensus professionalism and good governance.

This will be the most consequential election in BCMA’s history… we need a leader worthy to seize and meet the moment…

Vote for Brother Raza Mirani

Respectfully,

Haroon Khan

03/15/2026

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Join us this Sunday, March 15th for the 22nd Annual
Ramadan Spirit Food Drive benefitting Vancouver’s Homeless and Hungry on Main & Hastings Street on the Lower East side of Vancouver

Hosted by Pakistan Canada Association est. 1963 - Al Masjid Al Jamia Vancouver, B.C.’s historic first Mosque and our many generous supporters, sponsors and volunteers…

WHEN: Food Drive: Sunday MARCH 15, 2026
2 pm to 4:30 PM
WHERE: MAIN & HASTINGS ST.
401 MAIN ST. VANCOUVER
(CARNEGIE CENTRE LIBRARY COMMUNITY CENTRE)

Followed by: Open Interfaith Iftar Dinner
Sunday March 15 7:15pm-9 PM
WHERE: AL JAMIA MASJID VANCOUVER
655 WEST 8TH AVENUE, VANCOUVER, B.C.

During this month of Ramadan we Muslims go without food and water by choice, serving during inclement weather while those out on the streets endure conditions where they don’t know what their next meal will be or where to stay while being subject to the elements and dangers of life on this lonely corner in East Vancouver…

This year we are doing our part to raise awareness and to encourage action with our words, thoughts and deeds to help those in need here and to remember and pray for Peace for those afflicted by the ever present disaster of Wars embroiling the world we all call home…
From Iran to Gaza, Sudan to Myanmar and all points in conflict zones across the planet…
We pray for them and all of humanity for a better
life with peace, dignity and a sense of a global community for the enrichment of us all

The month of Ramadan is the most cherished of months in the Islamic religion. A special time for practicing self restraint, reflection, prayers and a time for giving to those in need. We invite ours and all communities, races and faiths to come together and make common cause to help our most vulnerable fellow human beings who suffer from homelessness and hunger individuals and families and those dealing with Addictions and mental health issues with kindness, compassion, food, friendship and love.
�We are requesting individuals and organizations to bring canned or packaged non-persishable food items for donation to the Vancouver Food Bank and the Muslim Food Bank.
�GIVE GENEROUSLY ALL ARE WELCOME

About us:
Founded and sponsored by Pakistan Canada Association - Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver, British Columbia's historic and oldest Mosque at the forefront of interfaith and engagement with all communities delivered with the support of countless organizations, individual donors, volunteers and people like you.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Saif Pannu, President
1 (604) 720-3175

Haroon Khan, Director
604) 720-8054

https://pakcanbc.com/al-jamia-masjid-vancouver

02/14/2026

انا للہ و انا الیہ راجعون
Surely to Allah SWT we belong, and surely to Allah SWT we return.

Syed Aqeel Ahmed
Born in Pakistan — April 4, 1953
Passed away in Pakistan — February 13, 2026

It is our sad duty to report the passing of our dear elder
Syed Aqeel Ahmed

Beloved husband of Shahnaz Aqeel.
Devoted father of four beautiful children.

My daughter Humna’s husband Yanal’s beloved maternal grandfather passed away suddenly in Pakistan due to a heart attack

He lived in the United States
and Canada for many years, building a life rooted in hard work, integrity, and faith.

Through his kindness, generosity, and gentle guidance, he touched many lives,always, he was always a helping hand, and a warm smile.

He was a source of quiet strength for his family and a respected presence among friends and community members.

His wisdom, humility, and unwavering love for his family will remain a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.

May Allah SWT forgive him, accept him, and grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous.

May Allah grant sabr, strength, and comfort to his family and loved ones who will miss him dearly. Aameen 🙏❤️

For Condolences:

Abdul Shakoor Butt
+1 (604) 729-6915

Yanal Butt
+1 (604) 729-1012

Respectfully,

Haroon Khan
Director
Pakistan Canada Association
est. 1963
Al Masjid Al Jamia Vancouver

02/02/2026

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mr. Khalid Khan, a highly respected pillar of our community . He peacefully left us on 29th Jan 2026 at Surrey Memorial hospital. We as a community lost a very loving and wise leader.
May Allah Grant him the highest place in Janaat' Ameen and give the entire family patience - Sabr-e-Jameel, Ameen
Funeral- Janazah Announcement:

Janazah will be on Monday February 02, 2026 after Namaz Zuhar at Surrey Masjid, leaving for white rock Cemetery 14831 28th Ave Surrey BC

(Insha'Allah). M PannuNayyar SohailBilal CheemaJameel AhmadIftikhar IffiAsim SarwarZeeshan WahlaAmna ShahIrfan SiddiqRai Ali Abrar KharalSalman ParachaTariq KhanFahad Butt@ Khalid Khan

02/02/2026

Community Announcement -

Asalaamualaikum
Peace be unto you

‎انا لللہ و انا الیہ راجعون

Surely to Allah SWT we come from and surely to Allah SWT we return

It is our sad duty to announce the passing of our dear Brother Azeem Khan

Salatul Janaza for Br. Azeem Khan will be held tomorrow morning

February 2, 2026
at 9:45 am

Richmond Jamia Masjiid
12300 Blundell Road
Richmond, BC

Followed by Burial at
Bakerview Memorial Cemetary
920 272nd Street
Langley, BC
Please do join.
Jazak Allah Khair

May Allah SWT forgive, accept and place him in a beautiful place in Jannat il Firdouz - Paradise and give Sabr - Patience to his family and loved ones… 🙏💕

09/16/2025

Request for Dua

My dear respected Brothers and Sisters

Please make Dua for our beloved Sister
Farah Deba Rosemary Khan

She is hospitalized at Surrey Memorial Hospital following a massive stroke… she is in serious condition

May Allah SWT grant her Shifa, Healing and full & complete recovery Insha’Allah

I humbly request that a special announcement be made at all Masajid today for heartfelt Dua for our dear Sister Farah calling upon Allah SWT Ash-Shafi, the Healer of all illnesses, to grant her complete shifa , ease her pain, and surround her and her family and loved ones with strength and mercy.

May Allah accept our duʿa and grant Sister Farah a swift and full recovery. Ameen.

Jazaakum Allāhu Khayran.

Please remember her in your Dua’s and all those that are facing illness & that Allah grant Sabr - Patience to all families and loved ones 🙏

Respectfully,

The Khan and Tyab Families

09/16/2025

Community Announcement -

Asalaamualaikum
Peace be unto you

Janazah and Burial Details for

Mohammed Iqbal Cheema
Born: August 1, 1944
Returned to Allah SWT: September 14th, 2025

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

‎انا لللہ و انا الیہ راجعون

Surely to Allah SWT we come from and surely to Allah SWT we return

Janazah and Burial Details
Wednesday
September 17, 2025
Viewing: 12:30 pm
Janazah Prayer after Zuhr: 1:30 pm

Surrey Al Jamea Masjid
12407 72nd Avenue
Surrey, BC

Burial:
2:30 pm
Ocean View Burial Park
4000 Imperial Street
Burnaby, BC


May Allah SWT have mercy on our beloved Mohammed Iqbal Cheema… forgive, accept and place him in a beautiful place in Jannat il Firdouz - Paradise and give Sabr - Patience to his family and loved ones… 🙏💕

For Condolences:

Bilal Cheema
604.809.6832.

Respectfully,

Pakistan Canada Association est. 1963
Al Masjid Al Jamia Vancouver

09/14/2025

Community Announcement -

Asalaamualaikum
Peace be unto you

It is our sad duty to announce the passing of

Mohammed Iqbal Cheema
Born: August 1, 1944
Passed Away: September 14th, 2025

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un

‎انا لللہ و انا الیہ راجعون

Surely to Allah SWT we come from and surely to Allah SWT we return

Mohammed Iqbal Cheema
Born in Village Sahowala, Jee Chak no 132 RB, District Faisalabad,
Punjab on August 1st, 1944 to parents Ghulam Qadir Cheema and Barkat Bibi.

Before moving to Canada in 1972 with his wife Qamar Unnisa Cheema and daughter Shazia, he worked in the scientific equipment trading business.

He left it all to join members of his family in Vancouver Canada. He arrived with very little, but came with a big heart. Almost instantly, he integrated with the Pakistani and Muslim communities of the Vancouver area. He would ultimately find a union job, working in the structural steel production industry. He rose to the position of shop steward.

Over the years, Auntie Qamar and Uncle Iqbal welcomed three more children into the world, daughter Fozia, elder son Shahzad and younger son Bilal.

He understood early that politics shapes lives and was one of the early pioneers to engage politically from within our community. He built relationships he built community, he raised a family and helped so many along this journey.

You would find him at the airport on the weekends, looking for people who didnt have anyone to greet them. He would house them, feed them and help them find shelter and employment.

He traveled the world raising money for the first mosque built under the BCMA banner, Richmond Jamia Masjid, as the fundraising chair. He served the BCMA in other capacities and positions as well.

He also served fervently in many positions for the Pakistan Canada Association and served as President in 1986 when Vancouver welcomed the world. He worked tirelessly with Pakistani diaspora to help build the National Federation of Pakistani Canadians and served as the National Vice President in the early 90s.

He went on to serve on many multicultural advisory boards, always ensuring Pakistani and Muslim voices were heard and understood.

He was also a founder of the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association around the turn of the century. He admired younger generations and worked to elevate and invite their participation.

He was a devoted son, husband, father and friend to people near and far. His smile was contagious. His kindness knew no bounds and his passion for community was unmatched.

His memory, along with our other pioneers will live on for many decades to come.

He is survived by his wife Qamar Unnisa Cheema, daughters Shazia Cheema and Fozia Cheema, sons Shahzad and Bilal Cheema and 8 grandchildren (Isfand, Anam, Maria, Ahmed, Usman, Omar, Ali and Aisha).

He also leaves behind brother Mohammed Ilyas Cheema, Sisters Parveen Bajwa, Shamim Khalid and Azra Mushtaq.

Uncle Iqbal Cheema will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature. He lived a life of loyalty, dedication to service and dignity.

Always welcoming, generous and warm hearted… He will be deeply missed and his memory and legacy will endure as a blessing for all that knew and loved him…

May Allah SWT forgive, accept and place him in a beautiful place in Jannat il Firdouz - Paradise and give Sabr - Patience to his family and loved ones… 🙏💕

Condolences can be shared through:

Bilal Cheema
604.809.6832.

Respectfully,

Pakistan Canada Association est. 1963
Al Masjid Al Jamia Vancouver

08/21/2025

AsSalāmu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahī wa barakātuhu,

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

“Verily we belong to Allah and verily to him we shall return”

May this message reach you in the best of health and Īmān.

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart and in contentment with the Decree of Allah that we inform you of the passing of Br. Sabir Ali Pannun.

Br. Sabir Ali Pannun passed away on August 20th, 2025 at the age of 80, with his beloved family by his side. Br. Pannun was born on March 8, 1945 in Gurdaspur, India and immigrated to Canada in 1972. He was a stalwart of the Pakistani and Muslim community playing a pioneering role in the growth and development of Pakistan-Canada Association and the BC Muslim Association. Br. Pannun oversaw the development of the masjid at 655 W. 8th Avenue in Vancouver and the establishment of the first BCMA masjid in Richmond.

Br. Pannun never wavered from his commitment to both his family and community. He contributed both with time and finances to the development of the Muslim community in British Columbia and abroad. When a devastating earthquake struck Pakistan in the early 2000s, Br. Pannun was instrumental in raising close to a million dollars for relief efforts. He served as both President and Chairman of Pakistan-Canada Association, only stepping away when illness struck.

Br. Pannun is survived by his wife Zareena Pannun, daughter Nageena Sadia Pannun and sons Mohammed Muzammil Pannun, Shahid Mohammed Pannun and Tajammul Mohammed Pannun

Janazah Salaah will take place on Friday August 22nd at 1:30 pm (after Juma) at Surrey Jamia Masjid.

Burial will be at Oceanview Burial Park in Burnaby at 2:30 pm.

For condolences please contact:

Saif M Pannun 604-720-3175

Mohammed Muzammil Pannun: 604-724-0632

07/26/2025