Thousands of people gathered together to celebrate the 79th anniversary of Pakistan becoming an independent country at an event in Reading.
The celebration was held at the Pakistan Community Centre on Sunday, August 16, to commemorate the nation’s independence from the British Empire in 1947.
The event saw performances from Pakistani musicians Mazhar Rahi, Shafaq Ali, Umme Layla and Nisa B, speeches from politicians and dignitaries, together with food, clothes and jewellery stalls.
There were also fun activities for kids such as bouncy castles, face painting, a picnic area and games.
Throughout the day, from 1pm to 8pm, approximately 5,000 people attended.
Mian Saleem Senior, chairman of the centre, said: “We have been organising this for the last 40 years, and it brings all of the community together and is a celebration of the Pakistani culture.”
Councillor Amjad Tarar (Labour, Battle), the deputy mayor of Reading Borough Council, said: “It was great, it was attended by huge community members across communities, people were very happy, they enjoyed it, it as very nice, peaceful, and cooperative, everyone enjoyed it.
“People enjoyed food, music and socialising, it was great.
“It was a great event and very positive, there were great speeches about the community contribution to British society.
“It was said that this is your town and your country, and we should be proud to be British Pakistani.”
The event was attended by the great and the good of the town and beyond, including Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central, Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, and former MP Martin Salter.
Visiting from the Pakistan High Commission were the minister coordinator Muhammed Ali, minister for the press Ali Nawaz Malik and Mohsin Bari, President of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Community service shield awards were granted to Mr Salter, former council leader Jo Lovelock, former mayors Gul Nawaz Khan and Riaz Chaudhri, ex centre chairmen Ejaz Elahi, Mohammed Arif Kiyani and Manzoor Hussain, and Mushtaq Lasharie (CBE).
Kamran Khalid was given a Sports Excellence Award for his work encouraging young people to take up boxing.
Praising his work, cllr Tarar said: “He’s doing something very good in the community, he brings people together for training.
Praising his work, cllr Tarar said: “He’s doing something very good in the community, he brings people together for training.
“He’s done a great job supporting and assisting them.”
In closing, Mr Saleem Snr said: “I would like to proudly highlight that we also host and celebrate a number of other activities throughout the year, including an annual Christmas Lunch which brings together the interfaith community and dignitaries of the town from Churches, synagogues, temples and representatives from the police, fire service, the NHS, and representatives from the council across Reading and Wokingham boroughs.
“Lastly, I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters from the day, especially Ehsan Ghural.”
