Report by Tajjaml Garmani:
Manchester: The Pakistani community across the United Kingdom celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day with great patriotic enthusiasm and national spirit. The atmosphere resonated with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” as celebrations took place in various cities across the country.
In Manchester, a large number of young people gathered on Curry Mile and Wilmslow Road, where they celebrated Independence Day with national songs, flag displays, and passionate chants of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
Numerous community organisations arranged special events to mark the occasion. The largest ceremony was held at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester, hosted by Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal. The event was attended by MP Afzal Khan, MP Adnan Hussain, MP Yasmin Qureshi, Lord Mayor of Manchester Shaukat Ali, prominent businessman Tariq Ghani, Father Falaq Sher, Chaudhry Tahir Siddiq, Chaudhry Musarrat, Abdul Ghaffar, Dr Younus Pervez, Yasmin Dar, renowned Pakistani journalist Sohail Warraich, Sajjad Karim, Councillor Muhammad Naeem, Muaaz Akbar, Tajammal Gurmani, and a large number of business leaders, social activists, local councillors, and members of the Pakistani community.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a flag-hoisting ceremony and the national anthem. Participants wore colourful traditional attire, while cultural stalls showcasing Pakistani arts, crafts, and products were also set up for visitors. Guests were served traditional refreshments throughout the event.
On the occasion of Independence Day, senior accountant and community leader Rasib Khan organised a special celebration during which an Independence Day cake was cut and balloons were released into the air. Addressing the gathering, he said that Pakistan is a great nation and that overseas Pakistanis should continue to play a positive role in the country’s development and prosperity.
A separate Annual Pakistan Stability Conference and Mushaira (poetry symposium) was held at the Pakistani Community Centre Manchester. The event was addressed by Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust Chairman Abdul Razzaq Sajid, Sohail Warraich, Syed Lakht Hasnain, Sabir Raza, Tahir Chaudhry, and Mansoor Afaq, while poets presented patriotic poetry dedicated to Pakistan.
Speaking at the conference, Abdul Razzaq Sajid said that Pakistan was founded under visionary leaders such as Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, Abdul Rab Nishtar, and Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi. He expressed concern over the current political leadership and urged the nation to strengthen education, national awareness, and patriotism. He emphasised the need for unity, wisdom, and a renewed commitment to Pakistan’s founding ideals.
At the Consulate event, MP Afzal Khan congratulated the Consul General for organising what he described as a magnificent Independence Day celebration. He said that the sacrifices made for Pakistan’s independence should always be remembered. Recalling his late father, he noted that he had served both in the British Army and later in the Pakistan Army and had participated in three wars.
Afzal Khan also paid tribute to the people of the Indian subcontinent who fought alongside Britain during both World Wars, saying that their contributions and sacrifices should never be forgotten. He praised the achievements of British Pakistanis, stating that they continue to make significant contributions in many sectors of British society while strengthening ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
He urged the community to promote love, harmony, and positive values instead of hatred and division, describing British Pakistanis as a strong bridge between the two countries. He further said that Pakistan has played a constructive role in promoting peace internationally and referred to the recent “Makkah Agreement” between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan as a positive development for regional cooperation.
Concluding his address, Afzal Khan extended heartfelt congratulations to Pakistanis around the world on the country’s Independence Day and ended with the slogan: “Pakistan Zindabad!”
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