When devastating floods swept through Pakistan in the summer of 2022, displacing millions and submerging entire villages, the Pakistani diaspora across the world quickly mobilised. In Manchester, home to one of the UK’s largest Pakistani communities, families came together to collect funds, organize aid shipments, and raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis.
For many, it was not simply a matter of charity — it was an act of solidarity rooted in family ties, cultural obligation, and a deep sense of belonging. Months after the waters receded, Manchester’s Pakistani families continue to reflect on how they supported flood victims back home and what still needs to be done.
Collective Response From the Diaspora
Walking into the community centre in Longsight, one could see stacks of donated clothing, blankets, and non-perishable food items even in early 2023. Volunteers recounted long evenings sorting boxes, labeling packages, and arranging shipping logistics.
“We felt like we couldn’t just sit back and watch,” said M., a mother of three whose relatives in Sindh lost their home. “Everyone chipped in, whether it was money, clothes, or simply spreading the word. It became a collective mission.”
Mosques played a pivotal role. Friday sermons were followed by urgent appeals for donations, with collection buckets placed at entrances. According to R., a local shopkeeper, “Within just two weeks, we raised enough to send multiple containers of supplies. The generosity was overwhelming. Even children were breaking their piggy banks.”
Emotional Burden and Distance
For many families, the hardest part was being thousands of miles away. “You feel helpless,” explained S., a university student whose grandparents live in Balochistan. “I spent nights on video calls, trying to reassure them, while also wondering how to raise more funds here. The emotional burden was huge.”
This sense of helplessness often transformed into determination. Several young people in Manchester organized online crowdfunding campaigns, using social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to amplify their reach. One campaign, led by a group of students, managed to raise over £30,000 within a month.
“People responded to our personal stories,” noted T., one of the organizers. “We weren’t just sharing statistics — we were talking about our own villages, our own families. That made the crisis real for donors.”
Women at the Forefront
Women within the community emerged as strong leaders in this effort. Informal networks of mothers, sisters, and grandmothers coordinated fundraising dinners and charity bazaars. Home-cooked meals — biryani, samosas, and kebabs — were sold to raise money.
According to H., a retired teacher, “Women are often the backbone of such movements. We may not always be visible in leadership roles, but we organize, we cook, we convince others to give. Our WhatsApp groups were buzzing day and night.”
Faith and Responsibility
For many, faith provided the driving motivation. “When something like this happens, you remember that helping others is part of our religion,” said A., a local imam. “People didn’t ask whether their money would go to Sindh or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; they just gave, because it was their duty.”
The spirit of giving also extended to British neighbours. Several churches in Manchester joined hands with mosques, holding interfaith charity events. One such event in Cheetham Hill raised £12,000 in a single evening. “It was heartwarming to see communities cross religious lines for the sake of humanity,” shared F., a community activist.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the impressive response, some community members expressed concerns about transparency. “We wanted to make sure the funds reached the right people,” said K., a business owner. “There were so many appeals on social media, and it was sometimes hard to know which ones were genuine.”
To address these worries, established charities like Islamic Relief, Edhi Foundation UK, and the British Red Cross collaborated with diaspora groups, providing official channels for donations. “Partnerships were crucial,” explained L., a youth volunteer. “They gave us legitimacy and trust.”
Looking Ahead
Months after the disaster, Manchester families continue to discuss how best to support long-term recovery. Beyond immediate relief, the focus has shifted to rebuilding infrastructure, schools, and livelihoods.
“We can’t just stop because the media has moved on,” said Y., a healthcare worker. “The floods destroyed not only homes but also futures. If we forget too soon, our people back home will suffer for years.”
For second- and third-generation British Pakistanis, the experience was also a lesson in identity. “I was born here, but during those months, I felt more connected to Pakistan than ever before,” reflected S., the student. “Helping out wasn’t just about family ties. It was about who I am.”
The flood crisis may have passed, but the solidarity it inspired in Manchester continues to shape conversations, relationships, and community action. For families here, supporting Pakistan is not a one-time response — it is an ongoing responsibility.
اردو خلاصہ
پاکستان میں 2022 کے تباہ کن سیلاب نے لاکھوں افراد کو بے گھر کر دیا اور دیہات ڈوب گئے۔ اس مشکل وقت میں مانچسٹر کی پاکستانی کمیونٹی نے غیر معمولی کردار ادا کیا۔ مساجد، کمیونٹی سینٹرز اور گھریلو نیٹ ورکس کے ذریعے کپڑے، کھانے اور چندہ اکٹھا کیا گیا۔ خواتین نے گھریلو کھانوں کے ذریعے فنڈ ریزنگ کی، نوجوانوں نے سوشل میڈیا پر مہم چلائی اور چند ہی ہفتوں میں لاکھوں پاؤنڈ جمع ہوئے۔
لوگوں نے بتایا کہ دور بیٹھے رشتہ داروں کی مدد نہ کر سکنے کی بے بسی کو انہوں نے عملی اقدامات میں بدلا۔ ایمان اور مذہبی ذمہ داری بھی ایک بڑی وجہ بنی، جبکہ مقامی چرچ اور مساجد نے مل کر امدادی پروگرام کیے۔
کچھ لوگوں کو چندوں کی شفافیت پر خدشات تھے، مگر معروف اداروں کے ساتھ شراکت داری نے اعتماد پیدا کیا۔ اب کمیونٹی کی توجہ فوری امداد کے بجائے طویل المدتی بحالی جیسے اسکولوں کی تعمیر، روزگار کے مواقع اور بنیادی ڈھانچے پر ہے۔
اس سارے عمل نے مانچسٹر کی نئی نسل کو اپنی شناخت اور جڑوں سے مزید قریب کر دیا۔ ان کے لیے پاکستان کی مدد محض خیرات نہیں بلکہ ای
