Councillors meet to condemn terror attacks and tackle Islamophobia

Councillors meet to condemn terror attacks and tackle Islamophobia

Labour councillors from across the region had a special meeting in Rochdale to condemn recent terror attacks, and to approach the issue of Islamophobia in the UK.

Members from Rochdale, Bolton, Oldham and Manchester met in the Al Noor restaurant on Yorkshire Street to discuss the issues that have been taking place around the world, and to show solidarity to the victims of the recent attacks in Paris, Brussels and Lahore.

Participants from Rochdale included Councillor Muhammad Zaman, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, Councillor Aasim Rashid, Councillor Shah Wazir and Councillor Chris Furlong, who joined British Pakistanis from across Greater Manchester.

Councillor Aasim Rashid said: “We are all with the government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army at this time of bereavement and sorrow.

“All speakers condemn the attack and ask the government of Pakistan to take extra measures to avoid these kind of incidents in future.

"In the meantime, all councillors agreed that we will write to our MPs to raise this issue in Parliament and give support to Pakistan Government and army to overcome terrorist activities.”

Councillor Chris Furlong said: “It was a very successful meeting with a lot of people showing up to condemn these attacks. I think that what matters with events like this is that we help to break down barriers between communities.

“Of course we were also condemning what happened in Brussels and Paris, but Pakistan needs help and recognition for what they are going through too.”

Manchester Councillor Naeem Ahmad also took part, along with Bolton Councillors Akhtar Zaman and Muhammad Iqbal, and Councillor Shoaib Ahmad from Oldham.