Friday 14th August was Pakistan Independence Day and Saturday 15th of August is India Independence Day and are both commemorated in Southall.

Ealing Borough Police carry out appropriate policing operation on both days to ensure that it is a safe and happy time for all.

Police always advise people who intend to meet up with family and friends to celebrate the Independence Days in the Southall area to use public transport, to help minimise congestion in the area.

The Pakistan celebrations are far more noisier and last well into the night. On 14 August Pakistan beat England at the Oval to level the series. Due to this, the noise levels were expected to be much higher but there was no real signs of any activity until 11pm. Even then there were only a few noise freaks.

The Indian celebrations are much calmer and hardly noticeable.

There are far more sensible ways to celebrate Independence days.

Islahi Jamaat UK held event with a “Spiritual dimensions of Pakistan” theme at the Saffron D'Or banqueting suite on Lady Margaret, Southall.

There was a live broadcast by Sahibzadah Sultan Ahmad Ali from Pakistan. His message was that we are our worst enemy and intolerance of others had increased in the last few hundred years. Before that we were able to peacefully co-exist with different views and should do try to do so.

The Saffron D’Or banqueting hall was full with local resident’s men, women and children, who were served with the Saffron D’Or food afterwards.

We wish everyone Happy Independence Days.