Pakistani Association North East

We are proud to lead the Pakistani Association North East (PANE), an organisation rooted in the voluntary and community sector. Our roles are not just about leadership but about service, collaboration, and creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together. Since our beginnings, our vision has been to strengthen communities through respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility that remain at the heart of everything we do.

What first inspired us to dedicate ourselves to this work was the recognition that while the North East is wonderfully diverse, there are often barriers preventing communities from engaging meaningfully with one another. We wanted to help break down those barriers by fostering dialogue, celebrating culture, and encouraging collective action. We saw in the third sector a powerful tool to tackle isolation and build unity, and we felt compelled to act.

Among the initiatives that we are the most proud of is the annual celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day and the flag-raising ceremony, which began as a cultural gathering but has since grown into one of the region’s most inclusive events. Participants now join us not only from the Pakistani community but also from Indian, Bangladeshi, Turkish, German, and American backgrounds, among many others. What could have remained a community-specific tradition has become a living symbol of unity and respect, showing how celebration can bridge divides.

Our ongoing community service projects are equally important. Our monthly free food distribution and litter-picking activities might seem simple on the surface, but their impact is profound. These initiatives directly support vulnerable individuals, improve the environment, and demonstrate the essence of the voluntary sector: service without expectation. We take great pride in knowing that these acts of compassion have not only improved lives but also inspired others to step forward and contribute.

One of our most cherished traditions is in our annual family event, where we recognise individuals from across the North East for their contributions in their fields of work and service. By celebrating others, we amplify their impact and strengthen cross-cultural connections. Recognition, in this context, is more than an award, it is a way of fostering pride, inspiring future leaders, and reminding our community of the value of collective effort.

Leadership within PANE has always been collaborative. We believe deeply in sharing leadership, encouraging creativity, and nurturing inclusivity. Many of our younger members have used PANE as a platform to develop their skills and grow in confidence, and it brings us great joy to see them step into leadership themselves. In this way, we are not only serving the present but also investing in the future by equipping the next generation to carry forward the mission of the third sector. There are many other community-based projects which we are currently working on such as career counselling events for young adults, basic health related training, fire safety and emergency response trainings.

Being nominated for this award is both a personal and professional honour. It acknowledges the countless hours of dedication, the obstacles overcome, and the passion invested by our members and volunteers. For us, it is also a moment of pride for the communities we serve and a reminder that unity, compassion, and inclusivity are not abstract ideals but lived realities we can achieve together.

The work of PANE demonstrates what the third sector does best: building bridges, fostering connection, and creating lasting change. To be recognised for this contribution affirms that our efforts matter, not only to the Pakistani community but to the wider North East. It strengthens our commitment to continue building a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels they belong.