Celebrated
Montreal Pakistani
“I immigrated to Canada
in 1968, with the intention of discovering the world and furthering my
education,” recalls Zaheer A. Abbasi, now Manager of Production/Development,
Axcan Pharma Inc., Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec. Graduating B.Sc., Pharmacy,
University of Karachi, Pakistan, 1967, Mr. Abbasi took additional technical
and business courses over a number of years while serving as Production
Manager, Howett & Moore, Ltd., 1968-76. Following a reorganization
of the company, he served in three executive positions in the Manufacturing,
Product Development, and Production Departments, Beecham Laboratories Inc.,
1976-1991, before joining Axcan Inc., 1991. As a young man in Montreal,
he helped form and played for the Pakistan Cricket Club, Montreal, serving
the club in various capacities, 1979-1991. Past President, Pakistan Association
of Quebec, Inc., 1993-95, he was on its Board of Governors, 1995-1999.
A former Chairman, Constitution of Bylaws Committee, National Federation
of Pakistani Canadians, Ottawa, 1996-98, Mr. Abbasi also serves as Canadian
Director, Institute of Overseas Pakistanis, Lahore, Pakistan. In 1995 and
1997, he was the Canadian delegate at international conventions of overseas
Pakistanis held in Islamabad. A former Secretary, Pakistani Community of
Quebec, Mr. Abbasi’s numerous activities on behalf of his countrymen have
been recognized by the Pakistan Cricket Club of Montreal, 1993; by the
Board, National Federation of Pakistani Canadians, 1994; and from members
and Board of Directors of the Pakistan Association of Quebec, the Meritorious
Services Award, 1995. [Photo, courtesy Zaheer Abbasi]
