Pakistan Resolution Day at Castlemere Community Centre

Iqra Imran, 11, speaking at the Pakistan Resolution Day

The Pakistan Resolution Day was well attended at Castlemere Community Centre.

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad, OBE, chairman of organisers Action for Pakistan International, welcomed everyone to the centre and provided the background to the Pakistan Day.

He said: “We should be proud of our heritage as Pakistani but we should play our part in our towns and cities with the local communities.”

Khurshid Ahmed recited verses from the Holy Qur'an, and the UK and Pakistan national anthems were played as the audience stood in respect.

A one-minute silence was observed for the victims of last week’s terror attack in London.

Mr Shahzad said; Our thoughts were for those who had been killed. Deepest condolences to their families and friends. We hope that those injured recover soon."

Mohammad Tahir Bashir, Treasurer, provided facts and figures leading to the creation of Pakistan.

Mrs Shahbano, vice chairwoman, said: “We need to improve our working with the local communities. Many members of the association are working with local groups and Rochdale Council to improve the environment. We should take part in all charitable work for the local communities.”

Iqra Imran, 11, and Mahnoor Imran, eight, made their debut speeches, saying that although they were born in Rochdale, they had very strong links with Pakistan. Their mother, aunties and uncles, maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather are from Pakistan and have been settled in Rochdale for the last forty years.

Iqra and Mahnoor said they, and cousins, had been to Pakistan many times and also attended the Pakistani flag raising in the past.

They thanked leaders such as Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Choudhary Rehmat Ali, and all those who made sacrifices to give an identity today.

Iqra and Mahnoor added they felt very proud to be British Pakistani and would serve their local communities.