UK marks Kashmir National Day with civic receptions in Manchester, Luton and Bradford

UK  – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – 24 October 2025 — UNITED KINGDOM Civic leaders across three major UK cities hosted receptions and flag-raising ceremonies today to mark Kashmir National Day, celebrating the heritage, culture and civic contributions of British Kashmiris while renewing commitments to deeper community partnership.

Events in Manchester, Luton and Bradford brought together councillors, MPs, community representatives, young people and residents for a coordinated programme of speeches, cultural performances and policy-focused discussions led by the Kashmir Development Foundation (KDF).

Manchester: Inclusivity and civic contribution at the forefront

At Manchester Town Hall, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, welcomed the Kashmiri community to a special civic reception in the Lord Mayor’s Suite, as the Azad Jammu & Kashmir flag was displayed at the historic building.

“It is a privilege to welcome the Kashmiri community to Manchester Town Hall,” said Councillor Grimshaw. “When we recognise the heritage of every community in this way, we strengthen the bonds that make Manchester a fairer, more inclusive city for everyone.”

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Former Lord Mayor Councillor Naeem ul Hassan said the ceremony honoured decades of community leadership and contribution, while Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Shaukat Ali and other civic leaders joined attendees in discussions on youth engagement, skills development and community wellbeing.

KDF Executive Director Sardar Aftab Khan highlighted the organisation’s focus on education and civic collaboration to expand opportunities for young people and local businesses across Manchester.

Luton: Linking cultural celebration with the ambitions of Luton 2040

At Luton Town Hall, Mayor Councillor Amy Nicholls led a reception that celebrated heritage while aligning the day’s message with Luton 2040 — “A place to thrive”.

“The people of Luton are what make this town strong and resilient,” said Mayor Nicholls. “Today, we celebrate the rich culture and civic contribution of the Kashmiri community and reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, opportunity and wellbeing for everyone.”

Dr Mazher Kiani emphasised that Kashmir National Day must strengthen civic purpose and shared futures, while Councillor Javed called for deeper engagement with Kashmiri residents through partnerships on skills, youth, family hubs and climate initiatives.

KDF volunteer’s coordinator Sabir Gul committed the organisation to supporting local employers, schools and voluntary groups through cultural programming, apprenticeships, mentoring and community-led environmental action.

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Bradford: One of Britain’s largest Kashmiri communities recognised

At Bradford’s Centenary Square, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mohammed Shafiq, hoisted the AJ&K flag alongside the Union Flag before hundreds of residents.

“Hoisting the Kashmir flag in Centenary Square is a proud symbol of Bradford’s diversity and our commitment to inclusion, belonging and mutual respect,” he said.

With around 150,000 residents of Kashmiri heritage, Bradford is a national centre of British Kashmiri life. Civic and parliamentary leaders, including MP Imran Hussain, attended the ceremony. Hussain reaffirmed the APPG on Kashmir’s role in ensuring representation and recognition at national level.

Prominent community figures including Mohammed Ajeeb, the city’s first Asian and Kashmiri heritage Lord Mayor, also joined the gathering.

Across all three cities, the civic receptions outlined common priorities:

• Formal civic recognition of Kashmir National Day
• Stronger partnerships between councils, KDF and community networks
• Joint initiatives on skills, youth opportunities, family support and wellbeing
• Cultural programming to promote identity, education and inter-community understanding
• Collaboration to deliver inclusive local economic growth

Sardar Aftab Khan noted that KDF aims to align ongoing partnership work with each city’s civic ambitions, helping ensure British Kashmiris thrive as key contributors to public life.

The coordinated celebrations underscored both civic pride and a shared commitment to sustained engagement, community resilience and future-focused collaboration across the United Kingdom