The British Asian Trust's annual Iftar raises vital funds for mental health.

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan and Madam Deputy Speaker, The Rt Hon Nusrat Ghani MP, were among many other leading members from the South Asian diaspora attending the British Asian Trust's annual Iftar at the London Grosvenor Marriott Hotel. The evening was hosted by BBC journalist and friend of the British Asian Trust, Haroon Rashid and other notable guests included  H.E. Dr Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Asif Rangoonwala CBE and Her Honour Judge Khatun Sapnara and British Asian Trust Ambassadors including Ikram Butt, Reshmin Chowdhury, and Raishma Islam.

The British Asian Trust Iftar attracted a diverse gathering of 350 guests from the South Asian diaspora, including celebrities, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals, and the Trust’s Ambassadors.  The event highlighted the stigma and silence that still surround mental health and raised funds for the Trust’s vital Mental Health programmes in Pakistan and Bangladesh. During the evening, guests generously donated over £300,000.

Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Chair of the British Asian Trust, welcomed the guests including by reading out a message from The King, Royal Founding Patron of the Trust. 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I was delighted to join with a wide range of Londoners for the annual British Asian Trust Iftar. By raising funding and awareness for mental health programmes, the iftar is a wonderful example of how Muslims join together and give generously to help others throughout Ramadan.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Nusrat Ghani MP said: “I am pleased to return once again to the British Asian Trust’s Iftar – It is a wonderful evening of people from diverse backgrounds coming together in support of a common goal, really highlighting the strength of the British Asian Trust.”

British Asian Trust Chief Executive, Hitan Mehta OBE, said: “I am proud of how committed the British Asian Trust is to improving the lives of those affected by mental health issues. By breaking stigma, raising awareness, and championing accessible and affordable services, we aim to create lasting change. I’m truly grateful to all our friends, partners and supporters who came together at tonight’s Iftar event to rally behind this vital cause.”

View the event gallery.