British Mirpuris
The British Mirpuri (Urdu: برطانوی میرپوری ) community comprises people in the United Kingdom who originate from the Mirpur District and surrounding areas in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir, thus being a part of the Mirpuri diaspora. While no accurate statistics are available, an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of British Pakistanis in England trace their origins to the administrative territory of Azad Kashmir in northeastern Pakistan, mainly from the Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts.
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Approximately 60–70 per cent of the British Pakistani population (estimate for England only) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, Luton, Leeds, Blackburn and surrounding towns | |
| Languages | |
| Urdu, Pahari-Pothwari, English (British) | |
| Religion | |
| Islam |
Mirpuris started settling in Britain in the 1940s, transferring their workmanship on British merchant navy ships to the industrial needs of the growing British economy. The migration accelerated after the construction of the Mangla Dam in 1966, which submerged vast areas of farmland in the Mirpur district.