Hundreds of residents from across the Pakistani community in Reading gathered for a mela and other festivities to mark the country's independence.

Thousands of people attended the Pakistan Community Centre in East Reading for the event, celebrating Pakistan's 77th year anniversary. 

The country in the Indian Subcontinent was founded in 1947 following the Partition of British India, which saw the end of Imperial colonial rule. 

Thousands of Pakistanis have settled in Reading over the years, prompting the opening of the community centre and the annual celebrations held there.

Mian Saleem, chairman of the Reading Pakistan Community Centre said: "It was a big celebration, a big turnout.

"Over the day, between 1pm to 8pm, roughly about 4,000 people came, and all the kids, families, children came.

"We had Jawad Ali Chatha of the Pakistan High Commission, then Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central and Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley.

Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, speaks at Pakistan Independence celebrations in Reading.Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, speaks at Pakistan Independence celebrations in Reading. (Image: Commissioned by Reading Pakistan Community Centre)

"There were a number of councillors and dignitaries present."

For the first time, the flag of Pakistan was hoisted by councillor Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood), the Mayor of Reading.

Other guests included Colin Hudson, the Reading Local Policing Area Commander and Liz Terry (Labour, Coley) the leader of Reading Borough Council.

Mr Saleem also thanked Syed Qamar Raza, the chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation for his attendance. 

Colin Hudson, the Local Policing Area Commander for Reading with Mian Saleem and a fellow dignitary at the Pakistan Independence celebration.Colin Hudson, the Local Policing Area Commander for Reading with Mian Saleem and a fellow dignitary at the Pakistan Independence celebration. (Image: Commissioned by Reading Pakistan Community Centre)

Mr Saleem said: "Dignitaries came from all over, it was a very big event and was loved by all."

The event was big enough to have two stages this year, one for music and another for speeches. 

The celebration saw performances from singers Shakeel Suleman (known as Sk1), Shafaq Ali and Sumera Shazhad and an appearance by Sana Fakhar, a famed Pakistani actress.