Cork City witnessed a vibrant celebration of the 77th Independence Day of Pakistan on Sunday, marking a significant moment for the Irish-Pakistani community. Organized by Fahmeda Naheed, founder of the Irish Pakistani Community of Cork, in collaboration with Cork City Council, Lord Mayor’s Office, and the Social Inclusion office of Cork City Council, the event reflected the growing ties between Cork and its diverse communities.
In a special ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr Dan Boyle, had the honor of hoisting the Pakistani flag outside the Cork City Council building. The green and white flag fluttered proudly as members of the Irish-Pakistani community gathered to sing the Pakistani national anthem in a heartwarming display of patriotism and unity.
Following the flag-hoisting, a celebratory cake was cut by Lord Mayor Boyle and event organizer Fahmeda Naheed, with attendees enthusiastically joining in to enjoy the festivities. The event featured a strong sense of togetherness, as the Irish-Pakistani community came together to reflect on their heritage and express their gratitude to the Cork City Council for its continued support.
This was the second consecutive year that Cork City Council commemorated Pakistan’s Independence Day, an initiative that has garnered widespread appreciation from the community. Attendees expressed their thanks to the Lord Mayor and praised the council’s efforts in promoting inclusion and cultural diversity.
Fahmeda Naheed, a respected leader and tireless advocate for integration, has been instrumental in fostering stronger ties between the Irish and Pakistani communities in Cork. She has received numerous accolades for her community development work, including the prestigious Cork Civic Award. Naheed’s initiatives continue to be recognized as vital contributions to Cork’s social fabric.
The celebration underscored Cork City’s commitment to embracing its multicultural identity, honoring the rich heritage of its Pakistani residents while strengthening the bonds of mutual respect and friendship across communities.
Cork city community radio gave the full coverage to the event and interviewed members of the community and played them in its news headlines and social media pages.
