FPFO

Finnish Pakistani Friendship Organization

FPFO Academic Excellence Award – Grade 9: Results Announced

We are pleased to announce that the results for the FPFO Academic Excellence Award (Grade 9) have been finalized!

Winner of this year’s award
Samara Afifa Siddiqui
Oulunkylä Yhteiskoulu, Helsinki

Please join us in congratulating Samara Afifa Siddiqui on this incredible achievement, made even more special as she is the very first recipient of this award!

We wholeheartedly thank all the participants who took the time to submit their responses, as well as everyone who supported and appreciated this initiative. It is wonderful to see such outstanding results from our applicants.

Our proud top performers

# Student School Average grade
1Samara Afifa SiddiquiOulunkylä Yhteiskoulu, Helsinki9,74
2Maheen AdnanMattlidens Skola, Espoo9,47
3Arhm QureshiFinnish International School of Tampere9,44
4Noor E Harum KhanRessu Comprehensive School, Helsinki9,22
5Muhammad AliMerilahden Peruskoulu, Helsinki8,59

Congratulations to all the candidates and their proud parents. 👏

The date and details of the Award ceremony will be communicated soon.

FPFO Academic Excellence Award – Grade 9

In Finland, the last 3 years (Grade 7-9, lower secondary education) of the Perusopetus (Comprehensive school education) also known as yläkoulu is very important. 

Based on the obtained grades, admissions to upper secondary level (where students choose between general education (Lukio) and vocational education) are decided. 

To encourage our community to be conscious of such a critical stage for their kids, and to appreciate those who have put together high efforts to perform the best, FPFO (Finland Pakistan Friendship Organization) is pleased to share the announcement of the introduction of the FPFO Academic Excellence Award.

FPFO Academic Excellence Award is meant for the students who achieve the highest academic performance at the end of Grade 9 (end of yläkoulu) obtained during the concluded academic year. This award recognizes and celebrates outstanding academic achievement, dedication, and perseverance among students across Finland with Pakistani heritage. The best student will be announced for this prestigious award.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applications must be submitted through email by sending email to info@fpfo.fi along with the required supporting info e.g. Student Name, school name, ID, subjects wise grades etc.

The student must have fully completed Grade 7-9 in Finland.

At least one parent must be of Pakistani origin.

Any FPFO member can nominate potential candidates. Both the nominee and the nominator must be a registered member of FPFO. In case there is no membership yet, you can still apply for membership anytime now by filling the membership form at https://fpfo.fi/membership/. You can straight away apply for the award after filling the form.

A student himself/herself may also apply for the award on his own behalf i.e. self nomination. In case there is no membership yet, you can get one by filling the membership form as explained above.

Any nominator can nominate more than one potential nominee. In the same way any nominee can be nominated by multiple nominators.

The last date for submission for this year’s award is July 20, 2026.

Applications are invited from eligible students throughout Finland. Following the review and verification of all submissions, FPFO will select the student with the highest Grade 9 average and present the award in recognition of their academic excellence.

For membership registration, application details, or further information, please contact FPFO through info@fpfo.fi.

Membership form: https://fpfo.fi/membership/

Main website: https://fpfo.fi/ 

FPFO encourages all eligible students to apply and join us in promoting educational achievement and excellence within our community. 

The primary aim of the award is to promote a healthy educational excellence culture in our community for the larger future success. FPFO will widen the scope in the coming period.

Disclaimers:
All information provided will be treated as confidential and protected in accordance with applicable data protection laws. It will not be used, shared, or disclosed for any commercial or non-commercial purposes without prior consent.
In the event of a tie, the final decision shall be made by a committee appointed by the FPFO Board.
Decisions of FPFO board appointed committee will be considered final

FPFO Celebrates the Independence Day of Finland

The Finnish Pakistani Friendship Organization (FPFO) organized a Finland Independence Day celebration in Espoo, Finland, on 10 December 2025. The event was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Hannu Ripatti, and the Honorary Consul General of Pakistan in Finland, Mr. Wille Eerola.

The program began with the national anthem of Finland, followed by a welcome address from FPFO Chairman Mr. Gul Wiqar Khan, who greeted the distinguished guests and participants. FPFO board member Mr. Qaiser Siddique served as the host of the event.

Dr. Sheraz Ahmed, presented an overview of Finland’s journey from struggle to prosperity and shared the latest statistics on the Pakistani community in Finland. He noted that more than 9,000 people of Pakistani origin were residing in Finland in 2024, with the number expected to grow by approximately 1,500 annually. He also highlighted that students constitute the largest segment of the Pakistani community. Additionally, Finnish-Pakistani Mr. Irtaza Hashmi shared his personal journey from childhood to becoming a young professional.

Ambassador Hannu Ripatti spoke about his experiences and the strong ties between Finland and Pakistan, and expressed his appreciation to the Pakistani community for organizing the Independence Day celebration. Honorary Consul General Mr. Wille Eerola reaffirmed the importance of Finland–Pakistan relations and the opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Hannu and Wille answered questions from the audience in a moderated panel discussion and explained how  they see the role of the Pakistani community in Finland and vice versa, how officials can support integration.

FPFO extends its sincere thanks to all participants and volunteers for making the event a success, and wishes everyone a happy and prosperous year ahead in 2026.

FPFO (Finnish Pakistani Friendship Organization) celebrates Finnish Independence Day 2025!

🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮 Suomen Itsenäisyyspäivä 2025 🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮
FPFO (Finnish-Pakistani Friendship Organisation 🇫🇮🇵🇰) celebrates Finnish Independence Day 2025

You and your families are cordially invited to celebrate 109th Independence Day of Finland with us on Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025 at 5:30 pm.

Our distinguished chief guests at the event are:

HE Hannu Ripatti Ambassador of Finland in Islamabad
HE Wille Eerola Honorary Counsel General of Pakistan in Finland

Please keep the Finnish traditional spirit by wearing white and blue, if possible.

We’ll keep the event short and precise focusing on Finnish values and punctuality, and we expect our guests to remain on time.

The Ambassador will also speak about current embassy matters in Pakistan and share future plans. This is a great opportunity for you to give your feedback and present any requests directly to him.

The participation is free for all but we would like you to confirm your participation by filling the registration form at the link provided below. We have limited seating capacity at the venue, therefore we’ll stop taking more registrations once the capacity is full. So please hurry up and reserve your seat asap. Registration at the door is not allowed.

When: 17:30-20:00; Wednesday; December 10, 2025
Where: Opinmäki (EIS) Lillhemtintie 1, 02250 Espoo

Registration and seat confirmation here

Discover How Finland Education System works – From First Steps to Graduation!

FPFO organized education themed special event for community on 29 October 2025. The event covered the over all flow of the Finnish Education system. There were specialised educational experts to cover this event and take the questions from the participants. The event was highly appreciated, and participants expressed their desire to have further such events in future.

The material of the event is here:

  • Q&A: The ‘Question and Answers’ list the answers from the experts in reply to the questions asked is available here
  • Slides are available Here
  • Recorded video of the session is available Here

Discover How Finland Education System works – From First Steps to Graduation!

Have you ever wondered ….

  • How Finland world-renowned education system is organized?
  • What the journey looks like from early childhood to your future profession?
  • Which study paths and streams are available?
  • How the education system works nationwide and at the municipal level?
  • Which subjects are compulsory – and which can you choose?
  • How admission to different lukio (upper secondary schools) work?
  • What the International Baccalaureate (IB) system is all about?
  • What the latest legislation says about taking the Finnish Matriculation Exam in English?

Join FPFO’s special information session to address the questions above – and more!

The Finnish Education System info session will be held by experts in an online event organized by FPFO.

Date and Time: Wednesday 29th October 2025, at 18:00
Whatsapp Group: Visit Whatsapp Group for the event.
Session Joining link: Google Meet
Important: if you have any particular question in mind regarding the topic or about the event then please raise it before the session:

  1. Email us by filling this form Link
  2. By responding to event announcement in FPFO WhatsApp community.
  3. By contacting following FPFO representatives
    • Gulfam Zafar (+358 40 1866863)
    • Shahid Aslam Saddiqui (+358 40 0685063)
    • Sheraz Ahmed (+358 41 5014501)
    • Yasir Amin (+358 409634381)


National Day of Pakistan Celebrations 2025

The Finnish Pakistani Friendship Organization (FPFO) held “Pakistan Day” event in Espoo, Finland on 23rd of March 2025. The event was attended by Minister of Employment and head of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland Mr. Arto Satonen, the Honorary Counsel General of Pakistan in Finland Mr. Wille Erola, and Trade and Investment Counsellor Ahsan Riaz Chaudhary from the Embassy of Pakistan in Stockholm.

The event began with recitation of the Holy Quran by Ijaz Akhtar Qadri followed by the national anthem of Pakistan. Chairman Gul Wiqar Khan officially inaugurated the event and welcomed all the distinguished guests and participants. Ahsan Riaz Chaudhary spoke about the significance of Pakistan Day and the cooperation between Finland and Pakistan in trade and commerce. Wille Erola discussed ‘The importance of Finland-Pakistan Relationship and Opportunities’, recognizing Pakistan’s potential and cultural richness.

Dr. Sheraz Ahmed from the board of FPFO presented the size, growth, and the diversity of Pakistani community over the last 34 years, noting their education and talent, which garners respect. He also mentioned the challenges faced by the community. Minister Arto Satonen expressed gratitude to the Pakistani community, emphasizing the need for skilled individuals in Finland and highlighted the importance of skills and educational background of Pakistanis moving to Finland.

Sindhi Ajrak and caps were presented to Minister Arto Satonen and Wille Erola by the senior members of the community Dr. Sheyam and Dr. Naina Jagdeesh, while Dr. Sheraz presented a Finnish Marimekko gift to Ahsan Riaz Chaudhary. Following the event, FPFO hosted an iftar party attended by the Finnish minister, other guests along with the Pakistani community. Participants appreciated the content and arrangements of the event and thanked the organizers for such a informative and delightful experience.

National Day of Pakistan 2025 & Iftar with Finnish Minister of Employment

FPFO (Finnish Pakistani Friendship Organization) warmly invites you and your families to celebrate National Day of Pakistan 2025 & attend Iftar party with Honourable Arto Satonen, Minister of Employment and the head of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Finland.


Honorary Council General of Pakistan in Finland Honourable Wille Erola and Representative from Embassy of Pakistan in Sweden will participate in the event.

When: 16:00-20:30 Sunday March 23, 2025
Where: Opinmäen kampus (Espoo International School Suurpelto)
(Lillhemtintie 1, 02250 Espoo)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEUXUTVAGfyrkqh79

Important: Because of limited seating please book your spot in time! Confirmation will be sent on first come first serve bases! No new registration will be allowed at the door

Booking link: Please confirm your slot by filling the form at https://tally.so/r/w4pWbd

(Booking cost is 5.00 Euros/per person for aged 15 and above. Kids are free of cost.

Note that there are no separate charges for Iftar/dinner, all are included)

Annual General Meeting (AGM) Update

The FPFO Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 has been held, and the following board members have been elected to the new board:

Chairman: Gul Waqar Khan

Board Members (in no particular order):

- Shahid Siddiqui
- Shahid Amin
- Yasir Amin
- Qaiser Siddique
- Osama Yousafzai
- Sheraz Serwani

The first board meeting has already taken place. The FPFO website will serve as the primary source of up-to-date information about FPFO, though other communication channels will also be utilized and shared with the public. However, the FPFO website should be followed to stay abreast of the latest updates.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025

Annual General Meeting of FPFO (Finnish Pakistani Friendship Organization)
When: 15:00 – 16:00 January 18, 2025
Where: Address: Conference room Kajuutta, Lippulaiva Library
Espoonlahdenkatu 8, 02320 Espoo

FPFO cordially invites you for the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the members of FPFO. The details of this meeting are as follows:

At the meeting, members will have the opportunity to:
• Find out about FPFO’s operations and finances
• Ask questions about the operations and finances of FPFO
• Speak about any items on the agenda
• Vote on any resolutions proposed.

At the meeting, members will elect new chairperson and members of the board.
members will also go through the annual report, auditor’s report, financial report, appoint new auditors.


Note: The meeting is aimed to fulfil the PRH requirements. Onward the detail discussions will be initiated as they were held prior to Corona regarding the detailed revival discussion/plans.

Please confirm your participation by 16 January 2025.

FPFO
EMail: info[at]fpfo.fi
Website: fpfo.fi

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