LONDON: UK's Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has said Pakistan's creation was a milestone that evokes a sense of national pride for Pakistanis around the world, including the 1.2 million British-Pakistanis.
Sajid Javid, the first state secretary of British-Pakistani origin, expressed these views while delivering his keynote address at the third annual ‘Leaders of Tomorrow Congress’, organised by the World Congress of Overseas Pakistanis (WCOP).
A large number of Pakistani youth and professionals attended the event, which started with both Pakistani and British national anthems being played.
The Conservative Party parliamentarian said March 23 reminded British-Pakistanis of the “celebration of amarch towards independence… this milestone means a lot to our families and friends.
"It means a lot to Pakistani diaspora across the world including British-Pakistanis who form one of the largest communities outside of Pakistan,” he added.
Javid said he was proud to be speaking as a “British-Pakistani Secretary of State” as countrymen who have emigrated to the UK have performed well in public service and private sector, as well as in transforming lives.
The son of a Muslim migrant who worked as a bus driver in the UK, Javid said he was proud to see fellow British-Pakistanis in the parliament.