71st Independence Day of Pakistan celebrated at Town Hall

Date published: 14 August 2018

Hundreds gathered at Rochdale Town Hall on Tuesday (14 August) to celebrate Pakistan’s 71st Independence Day.

The day was arranged in aid of the Mayor’s charity appeal, with all proceeds going to Springhill Hospice, Petrus, Parkinson's UK, Rochdale Community Partnership and the British Heart Foundation.

Mayor Mohammed Zaman, councillors and hundreds of men, women and children attended to celebrate their independence and commemorate those who fought for their freedom.

Before the Pakistan flag was officially raised outside the Town Hall, speeches were made by Councillor Janet Emsley - on behalf of the council leader Allen Brett, town centre chaplain from Bilal Mosque, Imam Hassanat, a representative from the Pakistani and Kashmiri Community Association and Tony Lloyd, MP for Rochdale.

Mr Lloyd said: “Today, we are celebrating that so many individuals of Pakistani heritage have chosen to settle all over Britain in towns like Rochdale.

“Our mayor was born in Pakistan but is now a son of Rochdale; a town where people venture from all over the world, of different heritage, but are always proud to be where they are from and are now.

“Rochdale has been a home to people from many different backgrounds for many years, so this is a celebration of Rochdale’s diversity.

“Together, we make Rochdale.”

Mayor Zaman said: “Freedom is not given, it is taken.

“We are here in Rochdale to celebrate our freedom and remember those that lost their lives for us to have this opportunity.

“Officially, the fight for Pakistan independence began in 1947, but the struggle really began a long time before that.

“We have many people in Rochdale who faced this struggle but have now found a better life.

“When I look back and think of the genocide, rapes and massacres as villages were set alight and over two million lives were lost, I am thankful to be part of this community and it is great to see so many communities and groups celebrating with us.”

Both the UK and Pakistani national anthems were sung by members of Neeli Mosque. This was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony of a 40-inch cake, depicting the Pakistan flag whilst traditional Pakistan music played.

Inside the Town Hall, attendees could browse stalls providing items associated with Pakistan heritage, face painting, traditional foods, beauty products and accessories, children’s toys and arts and craft activities were on hand for children to take part in as they designed the Pakistan flag.

Outside the Town Hall, on Gracie Island, the fun continued as bungee jumping, rides, face glitter and an ice cream van were available for all to enjoy.

Pakistan Independence Day commemorates the declaration of Pakistan as a sovereign nation, following the end of the British Raj in 1947 and is a national holiday in Pakistan.

The evening celebration will commence at 7.00pm at the town hall as Mayor Zaman hosts the annual Mayor’s Charity Dinner.

71st Pakistani Independence Day
©Rochdale Online