A BRADFORD councillor is hoping that the district’s Pakistani community can become “the best they can be” following Pakistan Day celebrations.

Councillor Sabiya Khan, of the Wibsey ward, was at the event at the Consulate of Pakistan, just off Canal Road, and said it was “well-attended”.

Pakistan Day is celebrated on 23 March, marking the anniversary of adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan in 1956.

With Bradford home to a well-established British-Pakistani community, Cllr Khan said it was important for people to “stay connected” to their roots and cultural identity.

“Identity is important, as if you know yourself and understand your heritage, you are better able to relate to where you are now and be a part and parcel of that society”, she said.

“This is particularly key for young people, as they may not be as connected to Pakistan as their parents or grandparents, but it’s important to maintain those links.

“Many Pakistanis migrated to Bradford after World War Two and helped to develop and rebuild the city. Those are the parents and grandparents of many young people here today.

“Many people in Bradford still have relatives in Pakistan.

“As a councillor for Wibsey, I represent a very ethnically diverse ward. I am a British-Pakistani Muslim, I’m a Bradfordian and I’m here to represent everybody, regardless of their background.

“You can have multiple identities – you can be Pakistani and British, and you can have the best of both worlds.

“Bradford has always welcomed people from across the globe, which is what makes us so rich and makes us such a great place.

“This is why it is important to recognise and celebrate days like this.”

A message from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, which was sent out to the Pakistani diaspora worldwide, was shown at the event in Bradford.

“Imran Khan’s message was that the diaspora has a part to play in supporting the Pakistani people”, Cllr Khan said.

“Pakistan is a very young country and is still developing. The focus is to eradicate poverty and develop infrastructure in the country, so there’s better education, housing and healthcare.

“Other messages were that members of the Pakistani diaspora must lead by example and demonstrate good character in whichever country they now live in.

“The message was to become involved in the country you reside in and be a model of good practice.

“Essentially, it’s about communities understanding each other better, and living together in peace – that’s what everybody wants.”