By: Engineer Bakht Said Yousafzai
On the night of 11th October, a grand annual gathering of the Pakistani community was held at the well-known My Khyber Restaurant in Batley, UK. The event saw enthusiastic participation from community members across the United Kingdom, including Blackburn, Preston, Dewsbury, Bradford, and several other cities. The primary aim of the program was to strengthen community bonds, preserve cultural traditions, and uphold religious and family values amid the busy lifestyle in the UK.
The evening began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an, filling the venue with spiritual serenity. Following the recitation, Maulana Nasir Khan from Masjid Ali, Bradford, delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the importance of unity, harmony, and brotherhood, supported by references from the Qur’an and Hadith.
He cited the verse from the Holy Qur’an:
> “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together, and do not become divided.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:103)
He also quoted the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
> “A believer is the brother of another believer; he does not wrong him, nor does he humiliate him, nor does he forsake him.” (Sahih Muslim)
Maulana Nasir Khan emphasized that the success of Muslims lies in mutual love, support, and cooperation, reminding everyone that even while living abroad, Muslims must preserve their religious identity and cultural heritage.
Following his address, community leaders Mr. Zia ur Rehman (Dewsbury) and Mr. Bakht Karam (Batley) discussed various social and organizational matters. In his speech, Bakht Karam shared that the event had been scheduled six weeks in advance to allow all members sufficient time to plan. He expressed disappointment that some committee members could not attend, calling it “unfortunate,” and explained that pre-scheduling events allows members to take leave from work or duties in advance, ensuring full participation.
Bakht Karam extended his heartfelt gratitude to all members who traveled from far and near, taking precious time out of their busy schedules to attend. He also gave special thanks to Rehman Ullah (Batley), who efficiently handled the restaurant booking and overall arrangements.
At the conclusion of the program, guests were treated to a lavish traditional dinner, adding a delightful cultural touch to the evening. During the meal, attendees enjoyed friendly conversations and meaningful exchanges, making the event truly memorable. Parents were particularly pleased that their children attended, allowing the younger generation to connect with and take pride in their culture, language, and traditions.
This annual gathering was not merely a social event but a living symbol of the unity, tolerance, and cultural pride of the Pakistani community. Attendees expressed their commitment to continue such gatherings in the future, ensuring that community members remain connected and that younger generations are introduced to their heritage and values.
The event concluded with a collective prayer for peace, unity, and prosperity among the Pakistani community. It served as a living example that wherever this community resides, they remain deeply connected to their culture, traditions, and spirit of brotherhood.
The message of the evening was simple yet powerful — “We are all one,” and that is the true essence of both Islamic teachings and the traditions of the Pakistani community.
