Witness History
Witness History
Britain's Mirpuri migration
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March 25, 2024
10 minutes
Available for over a year
In 1967, a dam was built in Mirpur, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, that would spur a huge global migration. Water diverted by the dam forced around 100,000 people to leave their homes.
Thousands migrated to the UK and today between 60% and 70% of Britain’s Pakistani community descend from Mirpur, approximately one million people.
Riyaz Begum was one of those who left Mirpur for London. She speaks to Ben Henderson.
(Photo: Riyaz Begum at the Mangla Dam. Credit: Sabba Khan)