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HUNDREDS of residents came together earlier this month to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day.
The event, held at the Pakistan Community Centre on London Road, was held to mark the 76th anniversary of the country’s independence.
It had been formed following the Partition of British India, which saw the end of colonial rule on the Indian Subcontinent.
Part of the proceedings included an outdoor mela with family friendly activities in the centre’s grounds.
Among those attending were Mian Saleem, Ch Ahsan Gurhal and the police and crime commissioner team.
The High Court judge Asjad Javel Ghural was a guest, along with Dr Mohammad Faisal, the acting High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom, and Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East.
Mr Rodda said: “It was a pleasure to attend the Pakistan Independence Day celebration at the Pakistan Community Centre.
“The event was a wonderful vibrant celebration for the Pakistani Community and a chance to thank them for their contribution to our town.
“The celebration included music and activities for children, and it was a great day out for families.”
A number of councillors attended, including council leader Cllr Jason Brock, the deputy mayor Cllr Glenn Dennis, and deputy leader Cllr Liz Terry.
Also attending was Cllr Naheed Ejaz, the Mayor of Bracknell Forest Council, and Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, who is the Conservative candidate for the new Earley and Woodley parliamentary constituency.
Officials from the wider community attended, including Superintendent Steve Radfield, the Local Policing Area Commander for Reading, and Kamran Saddiq, chairman of the Reading Private Hire Association.
During the day, Mr Saleem cut a birthday cake for Pakistan made in the green and white colours of the nation, and the country’s national anthem was sung.
Dignitaries and politicians then held speeches commenting on the occasion and the contributions of the Pakistani community in Reading, with Sikandar Hayat, Reading Labour’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Officer giving an address in which he discussed freedom of speech, human rights and the ongoing dispute over Kashmir between Pakistan and India.
During an award ceremony many members of the Pakistani community were recognised for their contributions and achievements.
The evening was finished off with performances from three top singers Maz Bonafide, Shafaq Ali and Sumera Shazad.
