Pakistani flag raised to celebrate 60 years of independence.

9.56.26am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Aug 2007

A large crowd of people gathered on the steps of Rochdale Town Hall as the Pakistani flag was raised to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Pakistan. People who attended included the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale Councillor Peter Evans and his wife Helen, leaders of the local political parties and councillors, alongside residents and guests from many community and faith groups.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "We are proud of our diversity in Rochdale. I was delighted to see so many communities coming together for this event. We learn from each other and take the best from each other. Rochdale Council has Beacon Status for Community Cohesion and the success of this event illustrated exactly why. This is the message we need to be sending out to all communities in Rochdale. So far this year we have raised the St George's Flag, the Irish Tri-colour, the Bangladeshi flag and many more."

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Cohesion said: "We will be celebrating over the next few days. I was delighted to see so many Councillors in attendance. Just like many communities in our Borough, the Pakistani community play a key role in our diverse community and we are happy to recognise this."