Atta Haq, joins centuries old civic tradition in L...

Summary

• LONDON: British Pakistani businessman, communications and events professional Atta Haq has been admitted to the Freedom of the City of London at a traditional ceremony at Guildhall, joining a civic tradition whose origins stretch back centuries.
• “This Freedom gives me an even greater sense of responsibility to continue serving communities, promoting unity and diversity, and creating opportunities that bring people together.” Mr Haq expressed his appreciation to the officials associated with the City of London and Guildhall, as well as to his family, colleagues, friends and supporters who shared the occasion with him.
• As he left Guildhall as a newly admitted Freeman of the City of London, Mr Haq returned to the message he hopes will endure beyond the ceremony: “Let us work together, give back to the country that has given us opportunities, and build an even stronger, more united Britain for the next generation.” We welcome your contributions!

AI Generated Summary

LONDON: British Pakistani businessman, communications and events professional Atta Haq has been admitted to the Freedom of the City of London at a traditional ceremony at Guildhall, joining a civic tradition whose origins stretch back centuries.

The occasion marked a significant personal milestone for Mr Haq, as well as a proud moment for his family, friends and the communities with which he has worked throughout a career spanning business, public relations, marketing, media, events and community engagement.

The Freedom of the City of London is among the capital’s oldest surviving civic traditions. Historically associated with the rights of medieval citizens to trade and conduct business within the City, it has evolved from a practical status into a ceremonial institution that connects contemporary recipients with centuries of London’s civic history.

For Mr Haq, that connection between past and present carries particular significance. His admission places a contemporary British Pakistani story within an institution whose history long predates the multicultural, globally connected London of today. It is a reminder that historic institutions do not exist apart from the societies around them; their continuing relevance is also reflected in the people who become part of their story.

Much of Mr Haq’s professional and community work has centred upon bringing people together across cultural and social boundaries, promoting British Asian achievement and creating platforms through which enterprise, culture and community contribution can receive wider recognition.