By Tajammul Gurmani
A flag-hoisting ceremony to commemorate Pakistan Day was held at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Manchester. Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal hosted the event, while important personalities, including MP Afzal Khan, Abid Latif Chohan, Haroon Khattana, Cllr. Rabnawaz Akbar, Cllr. Shahbaz Sarwar, Cllr. Naeemul Hassan, Cllr. Shoukat Ali, Barrister Amjad Malik, Asif Butt, Tahir Siddique Choudhry, Dr Younas Parwaz, Awais Hussain, Nawaz Gondal, Iqbal Siddiqui, and Abdul Salam, attended the ceremony. A large number of people from all walks of life and community leaders were also present. The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Dr Younas Parwaz, followed by the national anthem. Messages from the President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were also read out. MP Afzal Khan, Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Cllr. Shoukat Ali, Cllr Tahir Rafique and Awais Hussain also addressed the gathering on this occasion. Consul General Imtiaz Feroz Gondal said that Pakistan Day is a memorable day and that Pakistanis are a proud nation. He stated that Pakistan desires peace in the region and with neighbouring countries but will not tolerate aggression. He added that the country is progressing economically and increasing its role in global trade. He encouraged British investors to build trade partnerships with Pakistan. He also informed that visa and identity card services at the Consulate are being improved, a new consular hall has been completed, and renovation work is continuing in phases. He appreciated the hard work and dedication of the Pakistani community in Manchester. Cllr. Shoukat Ali said that overseas Pakistanis should actively contribute to the development of their homeland. He added that Pakistan’s nuclear capability has strengthened the country’s security. He extended Pakistan Day greetings to overseas Pakistanis. Cllr. Tahir Rafique said that Pakistan’s map will remain incomplete until Kashmir achieves freedom and urged the United Nations and global powers to play their role. Father Falak Sher congratulated the nation on Pakistan Day on behalf of the Christian community and prayed for peace and justice in the country. He also paid tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan. Vice Chairman Overseas Commission Punjab Barrister Amjad Malik said that around 15 million overseas Pakistanis send £38 billion in remittances every year, playing a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy. He appreciated the efforts of Pakistan’s armed forces in combating terrorism. MP Afzal Khan congratulated all participants and said that Pakistan has an ancient civilisation with historical heritage linked to Buddhist, Sikh, and Hindu traditions. He emphasised the need for unity to tackle racism in the UK and stressed that strengthening Pakistan’s defence and economy is essential for national stability.
