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BBC News
18 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford traders reflect as historic markets close for good
Times are changing in Bradford's markets, and this weekend marks the final day of trading for the stallholders in the Kirkgate and Oastler halls. Kirkgate Market opened in the 19th Century and Oastler Market in the 1930s, and both were important destinations in the years before online shopping saw footfall 28 June, they will shut and will eventually be demolished to make way for 1,000 new homes as part of a regeneration have instead been offered stands at the new Darley Street Market, and many told the BBC they were optimistic about moving to a more modern space. Kamran Ali, 35, has been repairing watches at Finesse Jewellers for the last 12 jewellers has been based at Kirkgate Market for more than 30 years, but will move to Darley Street after the weekend. "Bradford needs something to bring people back," Mr Ali said. "The new market is, hopefully, going to help."At the same time I'm sad, because some people here are not going to go to the new market." This sentiment was echoed by Lynn Hodgen, who was teasing her neighbour Mr Ali from her perfume stall while he was being interviewed. "They are your family, at the end of the day," Ms Hodgen, 59, said. "It's sad they're not coming with us, but it's still exciting to go and be in the new one." One of those not joining Mr Ali and Ms Hodgen is 67-year-old Altaf Hussain. He started selling children's clothes at Kirkgate Market in 1973, shortly after arriving in the UK from Pakistan. Mr Hussain was offered a spot in Darley Street, but said it was too small for his business. "It was so busy at one time," he told the BBC, reflecting on the market's glory days in the 1970s and 80s. "It was good before, but gradually after the 90s it started changing a lot, because everything was going online." Halimah Patel, 23, grew up playing around Kirkgate Market while her parents ran Essentials Hardware."It was always a nice place to come, a nice environment. It was really busy and it's really sad that it's quietened down in the last few years."Many of the stores that her family used to own have closed, but have not been said that the closure of a café across from the shop in December saw footfall drop dramatically. Their family has now taken over a launderette, which they said was a more reliable source of income. At Oastler Market, the views of the traders were similar. Vinesh Chauhan, 33, works at A&J Shoe Repairs, a family business based at the market since 1987. It was set up by his parents."I've got mixed emotions really," Mr Chauhan said. "I am looking forward to a new fresh start in the new market."Since I've been a little boy, I've known this place A-Z really."There's been a lot of shops here, but slowly they've all just gone."It's sad to be leaving because I've known this place all my life." Khalid Mahmood, 68, set up Solly's Fruit and Veg - named after his father - in 1994. "It's sad," he said. "I'm really going to miss it here."We've been here 31 years and since starting here we've had really good days."But now it's very quiet here and we have to go to the new site, where it will hopefully be more busy because it's near to the banks and the Broadway shopping centre."His son Imti, 42, who has been working at the market for more than 15 years, added: "It's quite odd really, because we've been here for so long and serviced the community for such a long time."But, as traders, I think we're all very excited to go to a brand new market, which is a little bit more central in location to the city. "Over the years, we've found the top end of the centre, where this market is, has been quite difficult for consumers to get to."All the consumer and retail interest has shifted towards Broadway and the bottom end of town, so I think it's quite an exciting prospect that we are going to be more central." The Darley Street Market scheme was approved by Bradford Council in July 2018, but has since been beset by delays. After seven years, the market is set to open for its first weekend on 12 has been designed with spaces for eating, drinking and live entertainment as well as traditional Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "Darley Street Market has always been significantly more than a simple like-for-like replacement of the markets it's replacing."It helps modernise our retail offer, but it also reshapes the city centre with a new market square." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh at loggerheads over expansion of defence manufacturer HAL: ‘Inappropriate and worrying'
Exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain appeals to PM Modi, highlighting Muhajirs' alleged persecution in Pakistan. He urges international support, claiming systemic discrimination, violence, and state oppression against the Urdu-speaking migrant community since Partition.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain's urgent appeal to PM Narendra Modi over Muhajirs
Altaf Hussain, the exiled founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take note of the alleged persecution of the Muhajir community. Muhajirs, who are Urdu-speaking migrants from India that settled in Pakistan post-Partition, were the focus of Hussain's plea, which he delivered during a live broadcast from London. Praising Modi's support for the Baloch people, Altaf Hussain said it is a brave and commendable act. He further urged Modi to voice his support for the Muhajir community, which Altaf claims has faced decades of systemic discrimination, violence and state-sponsored oppression in Pakistan. Highlighting the oppression by Pakistan's military establishment, Altaf Hussain said since Partition, Muhajirs have never been acknowledged as rightful citizens of the country. "The MQM, which has consistently fought for the rights of marginalised communities, has endured multiple military actions,' he said. According to him, these actions have led to the deaths of more than 25,000 Muhajirs and has led to the disappearance of thousands more. He also denounced recent occurrences in the United States, particularly a pro-Pakistan event that took place in Dallas, Texas, on May 23. Hussain mentioned that the Pakistani Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, showcased a video at the event depicting Altaf Hussain and the MQM as Indian agents, a claim the MQM leader argues is part of a wider disinformation strategy designed to undermine the Muhajir cause. Hussain expressed that Muhajirs have been rendered voiceless and powerless in Pakistan. He urged Modi to highlight the struggles of the Muhajirs at international platforms and to collaborate with global human rights organisations to ensure their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights. "The Muhajirs are unarmed and endure dire living conditions. For over 61 years, they have faced repeated cycles of economic hardship and physical destruction. Their plight can no longer be ignored," he said. (With ANI Inputs)
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Discussion on Islamophobia held in Welsh Parliament
Organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK, the event took place on Thursday, May 15, and was titled Islam & The West: Clash of Civilisations? With more than 80 guests in attendance, the event began with a welcome message from the host, Member of the Welsh Parliament Altaf Hussain, followed by a social experiment video that sparked conversation about misconceptions of Islam. The Islam & The West: Clash of Civilisations? discussion held in the Welsh Parliament (Image: AMYA) The Islam & The West: Clash of Civilisations? discussion held in the Welsh Parliament (Image: AMYA) The dialogue covered topics such as Sharia Law, the relationship between Muslim and British values, and women's rights in Islam. Stephen Hiles, one of the attendees, said: "The event was very informative and far too short as we couldn't go through too much." Another guest, Zac, added: "I would like to see more of such events as they are really important, especially in the current political climate." The Islam & The West: Clash of Civilisations? discussion held in the Welsh Parliament (Image: AMYA) The Islam & The West: Clash of Civilisations? discussion held in the Welsh Parliament (Image: AMYA) The discussion built on the success of a previous Islam & The West: Clash of Civilisations? event held in the House of Commons on March 12. Through events like these, AMYA UK says it aims to bridge communities, tackle prejudice, and promote the true, peaceful teachings of Islam.
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
City resiliently braves Indian aggression
Having resiliently endured Indian aggression during the past several days, especially during nights, the citizens of Lahore rejoiced after the announcement of a ceasefire on Saturday. Amidst the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Pakistan, the citizens exhibited high morale and continued with their daily routine and work while ignoring the Indian hostilities. Despite witnessing and receiving reports of Indian drone attacks, they did not show any signs of fear. Instead, they chanted slogans against the Indian aggression and warned the Modi government to refrain from such actions. Speaking to The Express tribune, a resident of the provincial capital, Altaf Hussain, shared his experience of hearing about a massive explosion while driving back home after visiting relatives in the DHA at night. Upon learning about the explosion and billowing smoke, the citizens gathered and chanted slogans. He said that before the police arrived, a motorcyclist appeared and tried to take away a part of a drone that had been destroyed. He said he was surprised to see that despite the news of the drone explosion spreading across the city, people did not panic and shops remained open as usual. This was not the first drone explosion in Lahore. Previously, several drones had been spotted in the Bedian area, with a total of eight destroyed in various parts of the city, including one on Ferozepur Road. Markets on MM Alam Road and in Laxmi Chowk, DHA, Johar Town, Township, and other areas remained open late into the night. Citizens continued to visit restaurants without showing any signs of fear. Shopping centres and stores witnessed business as usual, while the roads remained crowded. The schools, colleges and universities were closed for two days and ongoing HSC and Cambridge exams were also postponed. However, the classes are set to resume on Monday. Meanwhile, the police increased security measures to counter drone attacks amid growing Indian aggression. As rumours of drone attacks circulated throughout the day, the deputy commissioner of Lahore issued a notification to counter them and clarified that no order had been issued to stay indoors. Meanwhile, announcements were made from mosques in the border areas, urging citizens not to pay heed to rumours. According to local officials, initial apprehensions among the citizens receded when they saw the Pakistani military fighting valiantly and protecting the country and the nation. When India announced a ceasefire, the citizens of Lahore celebrated by distributing sweets. They also visited mosques and congratulated each other, declaring the devlopment a victory for Pakistan. An elderly resident said the enthusiasm and fervour of Lahore's citizens after enduring the aggression were palpable. Meanwhile, more than 70,000 volunteers across Punjab have completed Civil Defense training in three days. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz noted, "Mock rescue and civil defence exercises are under way in the province." She expressed satisfaction over the community emergency preparedness and response training to better cope with any potential emergency situations in the province. She was informed in a briefing that the duration of the community emergency preparedness and response training had been fixed at four hours. The volunteers are being trained in emergency services and civil defence bomb disposal. Officials added, "Awareness is also being given about the responsibilities of citizens and social media in an emergency situation." During the training, the volunteers learned about rescue and use of medical kits in emergency situations. The volunteers are being trained in methods of controlling blood flow, fracture management and CPR.
