New Consul General enjoys a Rochdale civic reception

Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, councillors, and local dignitaries welcome Manchester's Consul General of Pakistan

Rochdale’s commitment to community cohesion was underlined when a civic reception was held for Manchester’s new Consul General of Pakistan.

Amir Aftab Quershi, who will represent members of the Pakistani community across Greater Manchester, was welcomed to the borough by the Mayor Ian Duckworth, and Council Leader Richard Farnell.

The event at Rochdale Town Hall, organised by Castleton Councillor Aasim Rashid, was also attended by Deputy Mayor Councillor Muhammad Zaman, a number of Rochdale councillors and local dignitaries.

During the reception members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri Community Association handed over a cheque for £2265, raised at their recent gala dinner, to the mayor’s charity.

There are four Pakistan Consulates in the UK offering free advice, support and guidance to its members on a range of social and economic issues.

Council leader Richard Farnell said: “We have a very integrated and cohesive community in Rochdale, working together to promote tolerance, respect and freedom of speech. I was delighted to welcome the new Consul General to the borough and I am looking forward to working closely with Mr Quershi on community cohesion issues in the coming months and years.”