People from 13 faiths gather in Bradford to help celebrate Pakistan's independence

9:20pm Friday 14th August 2009

By Ben Barnett

Bradford was the centre of a high-profile showing of unity for the 62nd anniversary of Pakistan’s independence this evening.

Hundreds of guests were welcomed to the event at the Hilton Hotel, in Hall Ings, which formally opened with renditions of the Pakistan and British national anthems.

Members of the community and invited guests rubbed shoulder to shoulder with 13 faiths represented in the Bronte Suite where the function was held for the tenth year.

It was a chance for some of the city’s, and the region’s, figures to embrace the spirit of community cohesion in Bradford.

The event was organised by the Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire and among the invitees were Tariq Soomro, the Consul General of Pakistan, the Bishop of Bradford, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, the Right Reverend David James and West Yorkshire Police chief Sir Norman Bettison. Following the introduction, green, white, red and blue balloons – representing the colours of Great Britain and Pakistan – were released. It was followed by speeches, a meal provided by Bradford firm Iqbal Catering and entertainment from a Leicester ensemble.

Rashid Awan, president of the county’s Pakistan Society, said: “Tonight we would like to remind people that if they love the country they were born in, they should also have that instinct to love the country where we live. “We’ve brought together people from all walks of life to give them an opportunity to introduce themselves to one another in a sociable atmosphere to learn how to live together, and I think these events have been successful in doing that.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor John Godward, said: “The Pakistan community is the largest ethnic minority population we have in Bradford. It is one of many and we have always been very pleased to welcome these people.

“Most of them are naturalised British citizens and regard themselves as Bradfordians first but obviously the activities back home are celebrated, just as the Irish community has held celebrations since the 1870s.

“I think that these sorts of events are very important for the cohesion of Bradford.”

Sport Minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe said: “It’s exciting to be here. I’ve come to this event for many years and it is a highlight of Bradford’s calendar.”

Brigadier David Maddan, the regional area commander for Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East, was attending the event for the first time.

He said: “One of my responsibilities is to ensure that the relationship between the military and local communities in the region are as good as possible so I’m delighted to be here.”