August 14th saw another huge celebration event at Mohammed Akram's Eastern Eye take-away restaurant on Firth Park Road. The event, which Mohammed has hosted every year for the past 30 years, drew hundreds of people together for a special meal in honour of the day Pakistan achieved independence back in 1947.
Local people, friends and dignitaries from around the region gathered to join in the celebrations. Mr Akram said “I came here in 1966 after visiting many European countries. This one is the best but I don't forget where I came from, Pakistan.”
The event is an opportunity to look back but also a chance to reflect on the present and toward the future. “Many young people attended the event. We prayed for peace. This was a good thing to do in light of recent unrest and all the rioting they had seen.”
The event fell during the Holy month of Ramadan, when Mr Akram's shop also gives away free food.