75th Pakistan Independence Day sees Pakistani flag raised above Rochdale

75th Pakistan Independence Day

The 75th Pakistan Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Sunday (14 August) as the country’s flag was hoisted outside Number One Riverside at 10am.

Pakistan Independence Day commemorates the declaration of Pakistan as a sovereign nation, following the end of the British Raj on 14 August 1947 and is a national holiday in Pakistan.

Among those who attended were the Mayor of Rochdale Ali Ahmed, his consort Sultan Ali (himself a former Mayor and councillor), Sir Tony Lloyd MP, leader of the council Neil Emmott, deputy leaders Janet Emsley and Daalat Ali, former mayor Councillor Aasim Rashid, councillors, representatives of various organisations, leaders and members of the various community and a large number of members and leaders of Pakistani community.

Speeches were followed by raising the Pakistani flag and the National Anthem, before a special 75th anniversary cake was cut at Castlemere Community Centre.

The Mayor's Charity Dinner also took place at the community centre in the evening, attended by local councillors including Neil Emmott, Janet Emsley, Daalat Ali, Aasim Rashid, Mohammad Arshad, Aiza Rashid and Iftikhar Ahmed. They were joined by representatives of various communities from Manchester, Nelson and other towns.

National songs were sung by Mohammad Sarwar Chishti, joined by children and attendees.

Dinner was provided and everyone was thanked for their attendance and contribution.