Rochdale – Arif Chaudhry
The event saw a significant turnout from the Kashmiri community, alongside notable figures including Deputy Mayor of Rochdale Andy Kelly, former Mayor and Councillor Shakeel Ahmed, CEO of the Kashmiri Youth Project Zulf Ahmed, former Mayor Muhammad Zaman, and other local dignitaries.
Every year, October 24th is observed globally by Kashmiris as a day to reaffirm their resolve. In this spirit, the flag of Azad Kashmir was hoisted with great reverence and enthusiasm on the grounds of Rochdale Town Hall. Participants noted that the local administration and community in Rochdale respect the culture and rights of the Kashmiris residing there. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Mayor Andy Kelly stated that a large portion of the city’s population hails from a Kashmiri background; therefore, it is a matter of pride for them to join in the celebrations of this historic day. Former Mayor and Councilor Shakeel Ahmed, former Councilor Aftab Hussain, Syed Masood Bukhari, Farooq (Accountant), Zulf Ahmed (CEO of the Kashmir Project), former Mayor Muhammad Zaman, Councilor Muhammad Khizar, Javed Akhtar, and Councilor candidate Chaudhry Aitzaz Asim stated that while we celebrate the Foundation Day of Azad Kashmir every year, it remains a matter of serious reflection for the international community that the Kashmiris have yet to be granted their right to self-determination. On this occasion, British-Kashmiri youth and community leaders expressed their sentiments, affirming that they remain deeply connected to their roots and identity, and pledged to continue raising their voices until the Kashmiri people attain freedom. Zulf Ahmed and Nadeem, representing the ‘Kashmir Project’ (KYP), also cut a ‘Kashmir cake’ at the KYP center. At the conclusion of the event, Qari Samandar Khan offered a special prayer for the progress, prosperity, and lasting peace of both Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. This fervor and passion displayed by Kashmiris living abroad serve as a testament to the fact that, regardless of where their physical bodies may reside, their souls always beat in unison with their homeland.
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