Tajammul Gurmani
Manchester
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr. Shaukat Ali, attended the annual Civic Service held at Manchester Cathedral. Civic, community, faith leaders, and residents from across the city attended the event. Among the guests were MP Afzal Khan, the Consul General of Pakistan, Imtiaz Feroz Gondal, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Jill Lovecy, Cllr. Ahmed Ali, Cllr. Naeemul Hassan, Chairman Central Masjid Victoria Park Hammad Khan, Haroon Khatana, Muhammad Jamil, Dr Younas Perwaz, and representatives from various community organisations and public institutions. The event was also attended by members of the Pakistani community and people from all walks of life.
Representatives of different faith communities addressed the gathering. Canon Charles Kwaku-Odoi represented the Christian community, Stuart Parsons the Buddhist community, Dr Sarswati Sinha the Hindu community, Mrs Manjari Patel the Jain community, Rabbi Warren Elf the Jewish community, Sukbhir Singh the Sikh community, and MP Afzal Khan spoke on behalf of the Muslim community. The speakers expressed their pleasure at attending the ceremony and welcomed Lord Mayor Shaukat Ali on behalf of their respective communities and Manchester Cathedral. They also conveyed their best wishes to the Lord Mayor.
A Muslim Qari recited verses from the Holy Quran before the formal proceedings began. The Civic Service concluded with religious hymns, music, national anthem and special prayers for the city, its people and the country. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration, understanding and civic responsibility in building a vibrant and united Manchester. Talking to the media, MP Afzal Khan said that it is a privilege for the Pakistani community that the fifth Pakistani Lord Mayor will represent the city as Lord Mayor, and this credit goes to the Labour Party. I hope Cllr. Shaukat Ali will work hard for the development of the city as well as the welfare of the people.
