Flag raised at Rochdale Town Hall for 69th Independence Day of Pakistan

Date published: 15 August 2016

A Pakistani flag raising ceremony was held at Rochdale Town Hall on Sunday (14 August) to celebrate the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan.

Mayor of Rochdale, Ray Dutton, thanked the people who attended the ceremony, and said that the presence of all communities showed integration in the town.

Councillor Allen Brett, representing absent (due to illness) leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, added that everyone should work together at these kind of events in order to bring all communities together.

Councillor Allen Brett addresses the crowd at the Pakistani Flag raising at Rochdale Town Hall

The Mayor and councillors at the Pakistani Flag raising at Rochdale Town Hall

Chairman of the stage Shahid Sardar thanked the council and local communities’ for help in the organisation, and said "we will continue to work for a vibrant and strong Rochdale for the future".

Aiza Rashid, recent winner of a Rochdale Rotary Club debate competition, on behalf of Matthew Moss High School, emphasised how important it is for young people to make the most of their role in the community in his speech. 

Pakistani Flag raising at Rochdale Town Hall

The ceremony was organised by the Pakistani and Kashmiri community association with support from local councillors and the Town Hall team.

The association chairperson, Muddsair Yasin, thanked the Mayor, community leaders, councillors and the deputy leader of the council, Councillor Brett, for their support in organising a "wonderful event".

Councillor Aasim Rashid and his family sponsored a Pakistani Flag cake for the event.

Councillor Aasim Rashid and his family with the Pakistani Flag cake they sponsored