Birmingham: The grandest and most beautiful annual celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day was held at Royal Shalimar in Birmingham, the second-largest city in Great Britain. The event attracted a diverse audience, representing various religions and nationalities, highlighting Birmingham’s multicultural nature. Hosting duties were carried out by Chaudhry Akram Gul, Director of Pak Mecca Meat; Syed Abid Kazmi, CEO of CNI News Network; and S.M. Irfan Tahir, Director of World News Network UK, along with his team. The ceremony commenced formally with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Afzaal Anjum, followed by a Naat Rasul Maqbool (peace be upon him) by S.M. Irfan Tahir, and the national anthems of Pakistan and Great Britain. Young children delighted the audience by performing to national songs.
Renowned make-up artist Shazia Hussain MUA showcased her talent by creating a stunning bride dressed in a beautiful green outfit designed by Sobia Y Abaya London for Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Notable attendees included Kamran Ahmed Malik, Acting Consul General of Pakistan in Birmingham; Vice Consul Mrs. Bakhtawar Mir; Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councilor Kenwood; Deputy Lieutenant of West Midlands, Dr. Nasir Awan MBE; and the High Sheriff of West Midlands. Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Midlands; Miss Lancashire Mary; Chief Constable of West Midlands Representative Special Police Officers; British MP Barrister Muhammad Ayub Khan; Councilors Mariam Khan, Saqib Khan, and Rashid Mehmood; President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Muhammad Afzal Butt; and Central President of the Pakistan Press Club UK, Arshad Rachyal, were also present. Members of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and local political, social, religious, business, and journalistic figures participated as well.
The speakers emphasised that only independent nations truly understand the value of freedom and contribute to the development and prosperity of others. The distinguished guests honored British-Pakistanis for their remarkable achievements in politics, sociology, economy, and business under the theme of Freedom and Unity.
Renowned Pakistani folk artists Amin Teddy and Chahat Mahmood Ali Khan Qawal Party were warmly applauded for their performances, while Rubaya Pirzada recited Kalam-e-Iqbal. The event concluded with the cutting of a cake to mark Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day on 14th August.
Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.
