Iftar dinner to promote community spirit

Guests at the Iftar dinner

A special community Iftar dinner was held on Thursday (23 June), with over 50 guests, to discuss integration throughout the borough.

Hosted by Labour Councillor Aasim Rashid and community activist Mudassir Yasin, the event attracted key figures including Mayor Ray Dutton, Council Leader, Councillor Richard Farnell, and newly-appointed chairman Board of Governor for Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, Amjad Malik.

Local councillors including Councillor Allen Brett also attended the meal at the Sahara Grill restaurant on Yorkshire Street.

Speaking at the dinner, Councillor Rashid urged all Labour party members to stay united in what he described as “financial turmoil”.

He added: “This community Iftar dinner was arranged to bring all communities together.

"The leader of the council welcomed the Counsel General of Pakistan in Manchester and outgoing welfare Attaché Sajid Qazi. He also praised for him for his three and a half years’ service, which he offered to British Pakistani and Kashmiri communities.

“I [Councillor Rashid] welcomed all the guests and assured the Mayor of Rochdale that we all will work for his charities in the coming months and try to raise a maximum amount of charity during his Mayoral period which was warmly extended by all the guests in attendance.”