Guildhall lit up in Indian and Pakistani flag colours to mark 75 years of independence

Guildhall, in the heart of the City of London, was lit up in the colours of Pakistan and India to mark the 75th anniversary of the independence of the countries.

The building was bathed in colours of green and white on Sunday 14 August and orange, white, and green on Monday 15 August.

The lighting of the City of London Corporation’s headquarters aimed to celebrate the ‘strong trade links’ between the UK and Pakistan, and the contribution of London’s 225,000-strong British-Pakistani community to the life and diversity of the capital.

The headquarters also celebrated the strong trade links between the UK and India – which account for £26 billion a year in goods and services – and the important role the 542,000-strong British-Indian community plays in the life of the capital.

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said, “Lighting up Guildhall is a highly visible way of marking the anniversary of Pakistan’s independence and of celebrating the long-standing links and strong trading relationship between our two countries.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Common Councillor Munsur Ali for supporting this celebration of our enduring friendship with Pakistan.”

Chair of the City Corporation’s Civic Affairs Sub-Committee, Edward Lord, said, “This landmark anniversary gives us the opportunity to recognise the important role played by London’s deeply-rooted British-Pakistani community in the business and diverse cultural life of the capital.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward added, “We are proud to celebrate this landmark anniversary, the important role India has played in the past 75 years as the world’s largest democracy and the strong and developing trade links between the UK and India.

“I’d like to thank my fellow Common Councillors Rehana Ameer and Munsur Ali for supporting this celebration of our enduring friendship with India.” Chair of the City Corporation’s Civic Affairs Sub-Committee, Edward Lord, added, “Lighting up Guildhall enables us not only to mark 75 years of India’s independence, but also to recognise the contribution of London’s long-established British-Indian community to making the capital such an economically thriving and culturally diverse place.”