Flag raised to commemorate Pakistan Day

To commemorate Pakistan Day, a Pakistani flag raising ceremony took place at 10.00am on Friday (23 March) at Rochdale Town Hall.

Mayor Ian Duckworth, Tony Lloyd MP, councillors, representatives of organisations, leaders and members of the Pakistani community attended.

Before the flag was raised outside the Town Hall by Mayor Duckworth, the Quran was recited by Hafiz Malik, and people were invited to make a speech.

Councillor Aasim Rashid said: “It is a really great honour for us today to be gathered here. This day was passed on the basis of equality, tolerance and respect for communities and I am grateful that we are living in the same harmony in Rochdale and working together.

“I am honoured that in Rochdale we always raise a flag for Pakistan Day and Independence Day.”

Elder Mudassair Yasin, who started the flag raise in Rochdale, said: “I think we all should be very grateful to the council and the people of Rochdale who have supported us for many years.

“My message to the community is although we have a Pakistani heritage, this is our homeland and the homeland of our future generations so please play your part and be a part of the community; work with all members and sections of the community so we can make Rochdale a better place to live for our future generations.”

Tony Lloyd, MP for Rochdale, said: “Today is an important day in the life of Rochdale as it is recognition that it is possible to be a good citizen of Britain whilst still cherishing the Pakistani heritage.

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

“The very simple message of this national Pakistan Day is that we do not tolerate or accept division.”

Mayor Duckworth concluded the speeches, saying: “I wish that people could see through my eyes what I have seen of the Pakistani community, especially their generosity as far as charitable donations go.

“If people saw what they do and the great contributions that they make, it would really help community cohesion, but I am really grateful for what you do and the contributions that you make to this great town of ours.”

Pakistan Day (or Lahore Resolution), also known as Republic Day, is a national holiday in Pakistan to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 23 March 1940.

It also commemorates the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956.

This made Pakistan the world's first Islamic republic.