Bradford is to be home to a new high-profile club promoting positive pride among British Pakistanis.

Tonight sees the launch of the Pakistan Club, which already has the backing of big names including cricketing legend Imran Khan, politician Lord Nazir Ahmed, business tycoon Nighat Awan OBE and Bradford’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Naveeda Ikram.

This afternoon, international racing driver Adam Khan will be in Centenary Square signing autographs before the official launch event at City Hall which will be attended by about 130 people from across the UK.

Earlier in the day the Yorkshire-born driving star was at the Madni Mosque, off Leeds Road, talking about his career highlights so far and his pride in his heritage.

The new club is the idea of Bradford management consultant and its president Iftikhar Ahmed who said he hoped the concept would counter “negative publicity.”

“We are fed up with the negative publicity. Every time you hear the news it seems negative and we want to change all that.

“The club will be totally non-religious and non-profit-making. It will be a sports and social club, a club promoting pride in our Pakistan heritage. Anyone with Pakistan heritage can join. It’s for people to enjoy the experience and the culture.”

Anyone from across the UK can join although it will be based in Bradford and be built in phases which include a restaurant, a private cinema, lounge, separate gyms for men and women – eventually there will also be a banqueting hall and library.

The club’s founders are actively looking for a suitable site in the city to either build the club premises from scratch or to re-develop.

Membership is open to all Pakistanis or people of Pakistani origin, says Mr Ahmed - as long as they are aged over 18. The club, which will have an initial cost to join then monthly subscriptions once open, has an executive board, a board of trustees and an advisory board.

Endorsing the Pakistan Club, Imran Khan said: “I am sure it will become a social hub and a landmark for Overseas Pakistanis living in Bradford and the surrounding areas who wish to promote their cultural heritage and lineage.”

A website is in progress, in the meantime to find out more contact the club’s general secretary Basharat Ali at Basharat.ali@pakistanclub.uk.com or call him on 07974 347781.

  • Read the full story Friday’s T&A