Mirpur: More Than Just a City
Mirpur is not simply a city in Azad Kashmir. For millions of British Kashmiris, it is a second heartbeat. Known as “Little England,” Mirpur carries memories of migration, survival, and hope. In the 1960s, thousands of families were displaced by the construction of Mangla Dam. Many migrated to the United Kingdom, building new lives while keeping their hearts tied to the valleys of Kashmir.
Today, those links remain powerful. Streets in Mirpur are lined with homes funded by remittances from Derby, Birmingham, Bradford, Luton, and beyond. Each visit by an overseas Kashmiri brings tears, pride, and sometimes heartbreak. The diaspora has shaped Mirpur, but Mirpur also continues to shape the diaspora.
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A Home Away from Home
For British Kashmiris born in the UK, visiting Mirpur can feel like stepping into a story told by grandparents. The mango trees, the busy bazaars, and the grand homes built with remittances all paint a picture of resilience.
Yet behind the surface, hardship remains. A widow may live in a family house but struggle to put food on the table. An orphan may walk past modern buildings but lack the school fees to join his peers. Many families live in poverty despite the progress of the city.
Mirpur is therefore both a place of pride and a reminder of responsibility. For the diaspora, it is not only a home away from home. It is a call to care for the people who share their heritage.
If you want to make a difference, you can donate your Zakat here to support vulnerable families in Mirpur and across Azad Kashmir.
Preserving the Heritage
Mirpur is steeped in heritage. The Mangla Fort still stands tall, its stone walls whispering tales of Mughal strength. The sacred Rara Sahib Gurudwara reflects centuries of diversity and devotion. Artisans in the bazaars craft woodwork and pottery with skills passed down through generations.
For young overseas Kashmiris, these sites are not just historical attractions. They are connections to identity. Many return home to the UK inspired, yet also humbled by the realities they witness. They see resilience in the heritage but also recognise the poverty that threatens to overshadow it.
This is why your Sadaqah matters. By giving Sadaqah here, you help families preserve their dignity and cultural traditions while meeting urgent daily needs.
Nature’s Gift and Nature’s Challenge
The natural beauty of Mirpur is breathtaking. The vast Mangla Dam sparkles under the sunlight, offering a place for families to gather and children to laugh. Hills rise around the city, offering peace for hikers and stunning views for all who visit.
But nature also brings challenges. Winters are harsh in Azad Kashmir, leaving families without heating to shiver in cold homes. Summers bring water shortages and electricity cuts. Climate change has added floods and landslides, destroying homes and livelihoods.
Through the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, donors provide winter packs, emergency food, and even long-term projects such as tree planting through the Green Kashmir campaign. Each donation helps protect families from nature’s extremes.
You can set up Regular Giving here to make sure support continues every month, not just during emergencies.
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The Taste of Mirpur
One cannot speak of Mirpur without mentioning its food. Kashmiri pulao, tender kebabs, saag rich with flavour, and the famous Mirpuri tea are staples. Restaurants like Nafees welcome visitors, while simple tea stalls provide comfort and community.
Yet while the food scene flourishes for some, many families in Mirpur suffer from food poverty. Nearly 40% of the region lives below the poverty line. For them, daily meals are uncertain. Children go to bed hungry, and widows skip meals so their children can eat.
This is where the diaspora can make an immediate difference. Food packs provided through your donations bring dignity back to dinner tables. A hot meal is not just nourishment. It is hope.
Donate your Sadaqah today to ensure families in Mirpur never go to bed hungry.
Why UK Donors Hold a Unique Role
The bond between Mirpur and the UK is unlike any other. Few places in the world have such a deep migration link. British Kashmiris not only remember their roots but actively invest in them.
Remittances build homes, schools, and businesses. But organised charity ensures the most vulnerable are not left behind. A UK registered charity for Kashmir, such as the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, ensures donations are transparent, effective, and targeted to those most in need.
When you donate to Kashmir from the UK, you give more than money. You give children an education, widows a livelihood, and families the strength to face tomorrow.
Stories of Impact
One British Kashmiri family from Bradford shared how their Zakat transformed a widow’s life. They met her in Mirpur during a visit. She had lost her husband in a road accident and was left with three young children. With support from the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, she received monthly food aid and help with school fees. “We saw our donation bring her children back into the classroom,” the family said.
A young professional from Luton spoke of his grandfather who migrated from Mirpur decades ago. “My grandfather always said never forget where you came from. Donating my Sadaqah makes me feel like I’m honouring his journey.”
Such stories are countless. They show how every overseas Kashmiri can honour their ancestors by supporting those who still struggle in Mirpur.
Mirpur is full of charm, beauty, and heritage. It is also full of resilience in the face of poverty, hunger, and hardship. For the diaspora in the UK, Mirpur is both a proud homeland and a reminder of responsibility.
When you give your Zakat, Sadaqah, or Regular Giving, you build bridges of hope. You provide widows with dignity, orphans with education, and families with relief during harsh winters.
Mirpur is more than a city. It is a story of connection. And with your support through the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, that story can be one of hope, resilience, and lasting change.
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FAQs About Donating to Mirpur and Kashmir
1. Why is Mirpur called “Little England”?
Mirpur is home to one of the largest Kashmiri diaspora communities in the UK. Thousands migrated during the 1960s and 70s, especially after the Mangla Dam displaced families. The strong migration link has earned it the name “Little England.”
2. How can UK donors support families in Mirpur?
Donors can give Zakat, Sadaqah, or set up Regular Giving through the Kashmir Welfare Foundation. These donations support widows, orphans, and struggling families with food packs, education, medical aid, and livelihood projects. Please state Mirpur on the notes so we can ensure it goes to a family in that area.
3. Is my Zakat valid if I donate through the Kashmir Welfare Foundation?
Yes. The Kashmir Welfare Foundation is a UK registered charity for Kashmir. Your Zakat donations are distributed to eligible recipients such as widows, orphans, and those living below the poverty line.
4. What difference does Regular Giving make?
Regular Giving ensures continuous support. Instead of one-off relief, families receive consistent aid. This allows for long-term projects such as education sponsorship, medical camps, and sustainable livelihoods.
5. Why is supporting Mirpur so important for the diaspora?
For overseas Kashmiris, Mirpur is not only a homeland but a legacy. Donating honours the sacrifices of ancestors who migrated while uplifting families who remain. It strengthens identity while delivering practical humanitarian aid.
💷 Gift Aid adds 25% extra at no cost to you.
