Message from the Chair

A Message from the Chair

It is an absolute honour to welcome you to Spirit of Pakistan 2026.

Over fourteen inspiring days, this festival will bring people together from across Birmingham and beyond to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, creativity and achievements of British Pakistanis. More than a festival, Spirit of Pakistan is a celebration of identity, belonging and community. It is a reminder that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that culture has the power to unite, inspire and create lasting connections.

This festival was founded by my friend, the late Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE JP, whose vision was simple but powerful: to create a platform that celebrated the contribution of British Pakistanis while bringing communities together through arts, culture and sport. Waseem believed deeply in opening doors for others, particularly young people, and in creating opportunities for talent to flourish. His passion, kindness and unwavering commitment continue to inspire all of us. It is a privilege to carry forward that vision alongside our dedicated steering committee, partners, volunteers and supporters.

Spirit of Pakistan is about celebrating every generation. We honour the pioneers who helped build our communities and recognise the remarkable achievements of British Pakistanis across public service, business, healthcare, education, the arts, sport and countless other fields. Their stories reflect resilience, determination and ambition, and they continue to make an extraordinary contribution to Birmingham and the United Kingdom.

At the same time, we are investing in the future. Through this festival, we want to inspire the next generation of artists, musicians, performers, entrepreneurs, athletes and community leaders. By providing opportunities to perform, exhibit, compete and connect, we hope to encourage young people to dream bigger, believe in their potential and take pride in their heritage.

This year, Spirit of Pakistan is bigger than ever, with an exciting programme of events taking place across Birmingham. Whether you are reconnecting with your roots, discovering Pakistani culture for the first time, or simply enjoying everything the festival has to offer, there is something here for everyone. We warmly welcome people of every background, because this festival belongs to our whole city.

As Chair, I am immensely proud of what has been achieved through collaboration, partnership and shared ambition. Together, we are not only celebrating our heritage but also building stronger communities, creating new opportunities and leaving a legacy that future generations can be proud of.

Thank you to everyone who has made Spirit of Pakistan possible. I invite you to join us in celebrating the stories, talents and achievements that make our community so special.