Dignitaries gathered at Bury Town Hall to witness the hoisting of the Pakistani flag on Sunday to make the country's independence day.

Liaqat Ali, chair of Bury Islamic Centre on Church Street, has been organising the event for more than 20 years in the town.

People came together to mark the independence day which remembers when Pakistan officially became a sovereign state after the end of the British Raj in 1947.

Liaqat said: “Today (Sunday) the hoisting of the Pakistani Flag was done by the mayoress and during the hoisting, the Pakistani National Anthem was played.

“Then speeches were delivered by mayoress, MP James Daly, deputy leader Cllr Tamoor Tariq, Cllr Umranna Farooq, Cllr Aysha Arif and Cllr Shabaz Arif for Pakistan’s excellent future.

“Later the suite was given out to guests in celebration.”

Liaqat added: “We had a good turnout with our local MP James Daly, other councillors as well as men, women and children, a really good mix of people."

The celebration of the 75th independence day remembers the independence of India and Pakistan.

Bury North MP Mr Daly said, "It is an important day for thousands of my constituents as Pakistan marks 75 years of independence.

"Democratic Pakistan has been a close ally of the United Kingdom and I was delighted to take part in the ceremony marking the anniversary and the close links between the Pakistani diaspora community within Bury and the great county of Pakistan.

"My best wishes to all who are celebrating."

Bury Times: MP with local dignitaries along with local GMP Officers.MP with local dignitaries along with local GMP Officers.

 

“Next year we are hoping we can do more than just the flag hoisting and possibly have a sit-down dinner too."