From Partition to Rochdale: Ghulam Rasul Shahzad on Pakistan, Kashmir and Community

As Pakistan prepares to celebrate its Independence Day on 14 August, One World Many Voices sat down with Ghulam Rasul Shahzad, a long-standing resident of Rochdale with a remarkable personal history and extensive involvement in community affairs.

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad has lived in Rochdale for more than 40 years. Born in Ludhiana in India before Partition, his family later migrated to Pakistan, where he grew up in Lahore. His early childhood and education were shaped by his experiences in Lahore before he eventually came to the United Kingdom.

He recalled that his early years in the UK were not always easy. He initially worked as a training officer and later worked for the local authority for 18 years. In 1993, he became a magistrate, a role he continued until his retirement in 2006.

Despite retiring from his professional career, Shahzad remained deeply committed to community work. His contribution to the community continued for many years and was recognised when he and fellow volunteers received the King’s Voluntary Service Award.

Building Links Between Rochdale and Pakistan

One of the most significant projects Shahzad became involved in was the idea of establishing links between Rochdale and Sahiwal town in Pakistan.

He explained that the idea was first conceived in 1988–89 by three individuals who believed that Rochdale should develop a formal relationship with a town in Pakistan.

The group approached the local authority and began exploring how such a relationship could be established. They eventually contacted senior officials and representatives connected with Pakistan, including Shaharyar Khan, who later served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner.

The discussions eventually led to further consideration of which part of Pakistan would be most appropriate for the connection.

A Deep Connection with Kashmir

Shahzad also spoke passionately about his relationship with Kashmir.

During his time as a magistrate, he had the opportunity to visit Kashmir and described the experience as extremely memorable. He recalled travelling there during the summer of 1996 and being warmly received.

During the visit, he met the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Ibrahim, and was invited to breakfast. Shahzad used the opportunity to discuss the large Kashmiri community living in the Rochdale area and the importance of developing stronger links between Kashmir and the community in the United Kingdom.

Following his return to Rochdale, he contacted his Member of Parliament and asked her to write to Sardar Ibrahim regarding the project. A response was received, and a senior representative from Kashmir subsequently visited the area.

The visit included meetings and radio interviews, as well as a conference held in Oldham.

Shahzad later participated in a delegation from the UK to Kashmir, alongside local community and civic representatives. He recalled the importance of these visits in strengthening relationships between communities in Rochdale and Kashmir.

Understanding the Creation of Pakistan

During the interview, Shahzad also discussed the history behind the creation of Pakistan.

He spoke about Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his early career as a barrister, his experiences in India and Britain, and his involvement in Indian politics.

According to Shahzad, Jinnah initially believed that Indians should work together to achieve independence from British rule. However, over time, he became increasingly concerned about the position of Muslims within a future independent India.

Shahzad explained that Jinnah eventually came to believe that a separate homeland was necessary for Muslims living in areas where they formed a majority.

He also discussed the contribution of philosopher and political thinker Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who played an important role in developing the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims.

The name Pakistan was also discussed during the interview, including the contribution of Choudhary Rahmat Ali, who was associated with the early use of the name Pakistan.

Shahzad reflected on the significance of the Lahore Resolution of 23 March 1940, which became a major milestone in the movement that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

He described the achievement of Pakistan as a remarkable political development, particularly considering that independence was achieved only a few years after the Lahore Resolution.

Pakistan Independence Day in Rochdale

Shahzad has also played an important role in establishing and supporting Pakistan-related commemorations in Rochdale.

He explained that when he first became involved in this work, there was limited information and awareness about Pakistan within the wider community.

He felt that more needed to be done to educate people and create opportunities for communities to celebrate their heritage while also strengthening links with Rochdale.

This led to the establishment of activities around important national occasions.

Pakistan Independence Day is celebrated on 14 August, while Pakistan Day is commemorated on 23 March. Shahzad also spoke about Kashmir Flag Day and the importance of recognising the heritage and identities of different communities living in Rochdale.

Celebrating Rochdale’s Diversity

For Shahzad, community work is not limited to one nationality or background.

He spoke warmly about the diversity of Rochdale and the relationships he has developed with people from many different communities.

He believes that communities should support one another and celebrate each other’s important occasions. Whether it is a Pakistani, Kashmiri, Bangladeshi, Polish, Nigerian or another community event, Shahzad said he believes in attending and supporting people wherever possible.

He particularly emphasised the close relationship between Pakistani, Kashmiri and Bangladeshi communities.

For him, historical borders and the circumstances of people’s birth should not prevent people from maintaining strong relationships with one another.

He described this sense of community and brotherhood as a blessing.

Kashmir Close to His Heart

Throughout the interview, Shahzad returned to his strong connection with Kashmir.

He spoke about the importance of Kashmir to him personally and described it as being close to his heart.

His many visits, relationships and community activities have given him a deep appreciation of the region and its people.

He also reflected on the fact that people from different backgrounds now live alongside one another in Rochdale, creating a diverse community where different cultures and traditions can be celebrated together.

A Lifetime of Community Service

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad’s story is one that spans continents, generations and communities.

Born in India before Partition, raised in Pakistan, and later making his home in Rochdale, his life has given him a unique perspective on the history and relationships connecting South Asia and the United Kingdom.

From his professional career as a local authority worker and magistrate to decades of voluntary community involvement, his contribution has extended far beyond his professional life.

His work promoting links between Rochdale, Pakistan and Kashmir, supporting community events and encouraging greater understanding of different cultures demonstrates his long-standing commitment to community service.

As Pakistan Independence Day approaches, his reflections provide an opportunity to look not only at the history of Pakistan and Kashmir, but also at the stories of the generations who travelled from South Asia to towns such as Rochdale and helped shape the diverse communities that exist today.

The interview with Ghulam Rasul Shahzad forms part of the One World Many Voices podcast, which aims to capture the experiences, histories and stories of people from Rochdale’s diverse communities.