Press Release - 8 February 2007

Cultural Learning to Create a Cohesive Society

Almost 100 members of the public were treated to an exclusive insight into Pakistan's history and culture at a community education event this week supported by QED-UK.

To celebrate the rich diversity of cultures within West Yorkshire, the event aimed to give the public an understanding of Pakistani custom and introduce them to the fascinating history of the country from the Stone Age through to the British rule.


(From left to right) Dr Mohammed Ali, Muhammed Zahir and Sir Nicholas Barrington.

Bradford based diversity and community development agency QED-UK hosted the event and welcomed renowned archaeologist Muhammed Zahir, a graduate of the University of Peshawar, to deliver the presentation to the captive audience. Mr Zahir is a visiting research fellow at the Ancient India and Iran Trust, affiliated to the University of Cambridge. He is an eminent lecturer in archaeology, having spoken at locations throughout Pakistan, the USA and the UK.

Chief Executive of QED-UK, Dr Mohammed Ali OBE said: "Understanding other cultures and showing respect for a country's customs is an important part of creating a cohesive society. It is a dynamic two way process of communication and interaction together with a sense of belonging based on shared principles. By celebrating different cultures from across the globe QED can take that step further to educating the public and creating a more tolerant society throughout the UK."


(From left to right) Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, Muhammed Zahir, Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Choudhary Rangzeb, Adeeba Malik MBE, Professor Robin Conningham and Harjab Pooni.

The event was also supported by the former British High Commissioner to Pakistan Sir Nicholas Barrington, who lived in Pakistan for close to a decade. Sir Nicholas said: "Many people who have never visited Pakistan do not realise that this is a country with a rich cultural heritage, amazing scenery, and most importantly, warm, hospitable people."

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