The Pakistani Consulate in Birmingham, in collaboration with the dedicated Spirit of Pakistan team, successfully organised a week-long series of vibrant cultural and community events. These programmes were thoughtfully planned and expertly executed, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Vice Consul General Hon. Bukhtawar Mir and the invaluable support of Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Chair of Spirit of Pakistan. Their tireless efforts ensured that every detail was managed with precision. The Spirit of Pakistan digital media campaign, featuring big-screen displays along Birmingham’s main roads, also attracted the attention and participation of the wider community.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Irfan Tahir, owner of WNTV, whose outstanding media coverage brought these celebrations to life and showcased the significance of Pakistani culture within Birmingham’s diverse, multicultural landscape.
This unique initiative beautifully highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and values through a wide range of engaging and inclusive events. What made this celebration historic was that it marked the first time a large-scale cultural festival of this kind had been held in Birmingham, with each event attracting its own diverse audience. Spirit of Pakistan created a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds could connect, appreciate our culture, and build lasting bridges of understanding.
A notable highlight of the week was the warm and gracious welcome extended to the newly appointed Hon. Fahad Amjad, Consul General of Pakistan – Birmingham, by the Spirit of Pakistan team. Through a series of memorable gatherings, the organisers demonstrated their dedication, hospitality, and commitment to building strong diplomatic ties. The presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
who attended two of the events, further elevated the celebrations and reflected the importance of these initiatives for the Pakistani community in the UK.
We were honoured by the presence of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, who took time from his busy schedule to join us. His support was a privilege for the Spirit of Pakistan team and showed how such events help promote diversity and unity in our city.
I would also like to acknowledge our distinguished guests from Pakistan, including Ch. Muhammad Yasin MLA, former Opposition Leader of AJK, Amir Yasin Minister of AJK, and Raja Naveed Goga, Chairman of Mirpur District Council, whose presence added great value to these celebrations.
On this occasion, I must also recognise other key figures who have long championed the cause of patriotism and the positive representation of Pakistan: Raja Ishtiaq, Chairman of Quaid-e-Azam Trust; senior journalist Abid Kazmi; Nasar Raja, President of Pakistan Press Club Midlands; Senior journalist Asif Baratalvi; Abdur Karim Saqib, Chairman of Tehreek-e-Isteqam-e-Pakistan; Muhammad Ghalib, Chairman of Syed Maududi Foundation; and Hafiz Muhammad Idrees, Secretary General of Pakistan Rabita Council. For decades, they have tirelessly upheld the spirit of 14th August through their dedication and unity-building efforts.
As we mark Pakistan’s Independence Day, let us not forget the ongoing struggle of Kashmir for freedom from Indian occupation. The sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs, many laid to rest wrapped in the Pakistan flag, remind us that our independence is incomplete without Kashmir’s liberation. “Kashmir ki Azaadi Baqi hai, Takmeel-e-Pakistan Baqi hai.” True celebration will come when we march through Lal Chowk, Srinagar, proudly raising the Pakistan flag.
These celebrations serve as a powerful reminder of the principles on which Pakistan was founded — the Two-Nation Theory and the historic victory of 10th May — milestones that should be honoured in every Independence Day event. We pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands who sacrificed their lives during the migration to Pakistan, enabling the creation of a homeland where Iqtidar-e-Allah — the sovereignty that belongs solely to Allah Ta’ala — could form the foundation of governance.
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan recognises this principle, stating: “Whereas sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to Allah Almighty alone, and the authority which He has delegated to the State of Pakistan, through its people, for being exercised within the limits prescribed by Him, is a sacred trust.”
Unfortunately, the Constitution’s vision has not yet been fully put into practice. It is the responsibility of all Pakistanis, both in Pakistan and abroad, to uphold its principles and ensure the nation lives up to the values and trust on which it was founded.
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