Flag raised to commemorate Pakistan independence day

Town Hall officials join the Pakistani community in raising the Pakistan flag to commemorate 61 years of independence from Britain.

Rochdale celebrated the 61st Pakistan independence day with a flag raising ceremony at the Town Hall.

More than 100 people gathered on the steps of the building as the flag was raised in honour of Pakistan’s independence from Britain in 1947.

Rochdale’s Mayor Robin Parker, MP Paul Rowen, Parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk, Councillor Mohammed Sharif, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion, and Councillors Keith Swift, Irene Davidson and Ann Metcalfe, attended the event, organised by community activist Ghulam Rasul Shahzad.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “I was pleased to attend this annual event and there was an excellent attendance. Rochdale has a great tradition of celebrating our different cultures. Just like St George’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and all our other celebrations – this was an excellent way to celebrate the special day of a community who have done so much for Rochdale. Events like this illustrate why Rochdale has Beacon Status for Community Cohesion.”

Simon Danczuk, Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, said: “It was great to see so many people at the flag raising event, recognising the birth of a nation, it really is a special day. We should also use the day to recognise the contribution the Pakistani community make in our town. They provide an enhanced cultural mix, they have a strong entrepreneurial base and the charity work they do is fantastic.”

Councillor Mohammed Sharif said: “This event was particularly well attended by councillors, senior citizens from the local Pakistani community and dozens of residents of all ages and faiths from across the Borough. As the Cabinet Member responsible for Community Cohesion, I am proud that we continue to make great strides to work and live together and celebrate and enjoy our cultures together.”

Councillor Keith Swift said: “It is hugely important that we celebrate important days in the calendar of our diverse communities. It is important to celebrate the roots of our town and that’s exactly what we did today. I would like to congratulate the organisers for this popular event and hope that as a Council we can continue this great tradition.”

A fundraising dinner will be held tonight (Thursday 14 August) at Rochdale Town Hall. Proceeds will go to the British Heart Foundation and Spirnghill Hospice. This is part of the celebrations, where there will be an exhibition, posters, handicrafts etc from Pakistan.