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The Pakistan, India & UK Friendship Forum repeated history when once again they celebrated jointly, the Independence Days of Pakistan & India on 18th August 2008 in London. Over 500 guests attended the happy occasion along with Parliamentarians and representatives from Her Majesty the Queen. Awards were presented to a few individuals who devote their time to benefit others. The awards were presented by Sir Michael Craig-Cooper CBE, DL, TD Vice Lord Lieutenant of London and also by the Founder of the Forum Mr. Arif Chaudry.

 

The Co-Chairman Mr. Ahmed Shahzad, welcomed the guests and  said that there is no doubt in his mind that our growing friendship will inspire and persuade both governments to sit together to find ways towards peace and reconciliation of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India.

 

The Chairman Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA stressed the need for living in harmony in Britain when our rivalry can unwittingly damage the business and employment prospects of Indians in companies run by Pakistanis and for Pakistanis in companies run by British Indians. Those who look back cannot look forward. We must look forward to living in peace and harmony not only in Britain but throughout the world for our own good.

 

Mr. Mark Price, Director, Barclays Commercial, who sponsored the event, gave their plans for expansion into India and Pakistan where strong economic growth is expected. 

 

Lord Rana drew parallels with the situation in Northern Ireland, where Loyalist and Sinn Fein, once arch enemies, now work peacefully side by side for the prosperity of their people.

 

Baroness Verma said she knew of no family who did not have some sort of link with India and Pakistan. Our roots are the same. We can always live in two countries but this should not stop us from being friends.

 

Mr. Steve Pound, MP praised the work being done by the Pakistan, India & UK forum in building bridges between two British communities to improve social cohesion.

 

 Mr. Virendra Sharma MP urged the leaders of the Sub Continent not to fight amongst each other but instead to fight against poverty, disease and hunger in their respective countries.

 

Mr. Barry Gardiner MP touched on English and Scottish history when they were constantly at war with each other. While still maintaining two distinct identities they both remain committed to working for prosperity. Friendly rivalry is always good but to the extent which harms is unjustifiable.

 

 

Sir Michael Craig-Cooper CBE, DL, TD, Vice Lord Lieutenant of London expressed his delight to be present at a unique event when two British Communities were celebrating jointly the independence days of their respective countries thus doubling the enjoyment for all concerned.

 

 

Mr. Arif Chaudhry who founded the Friendship Forum in Pakistan after his visit to India where he was warmly received said, “Our people need bread and not bombs. We are wasting our meagre resources on weapons of mass destruction when we cannot even provide clean water or feed them”

 

 

Awards Presented to:

 

Ms Adeeba Malik MBE Deputy Chief Executive of QED, an organization which works hard for equal opportunities for ethnic minorities in work environments.

 

 

Mr. David Wardrop the Chairman of the United Nations Association (Westminster Branch) was honoured for his role in keeping alive the memories of fallen UN peacekeepers.

 

 

Mohammed Sarwar MP, the first Muslim in Parliament, for shattering the glass ceiling and fighting against racism in every shape and form was presented an award by the Founder of the Forum.

 

 

Mr. Bobby Grewal, Chairman of India Association, for his charitable work. He has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for research into AIDS and Cancer in Britain.

 

 

The final award went to Mrs. Muniza Bashir, mother of the late singer Nazia Hussain the Melody Queen who conquered the hearts of Indians and Pakistanis alike with her music. Muniza received the Award for the Nazia Hssain Foundation which she set up to promote Nazia’s message of love, peace and harmony across the Indian subcontinent. The award was accepted by Nazia’s son.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The entertainment was provided by Bollywood Flash Dances and Shakie ‘n’ Sham of B4U TV Network who also sang a special song on friendship, especially written for the event. The guests danced till late to the music of DJ Ritzy.

 

 

 

Guests enjoying the celebrations.