LONDON — In a milestone agreement aimed at deepening ties with Britain’s South Asian communities, the British Army has partnered with one of Europe’s premier halal meat distributors.

The Armed Forces Covenant was officially signed on Armistice Day at the headquarters of Tariq Halal Meats in Wembley, west London. The pact was formalized by Major General Karl Harris and Tariq Sheikh, the British-Pakistani entrepreneur who founded the company in 1994.

Under the terms of the new agreement, the enterprise has pledged robust backing for the military community. Former service members seeking employment with the firm will receive guaranteed job interviews. Additionally, company employees who serve as military reservists will be granted paid leave for annual training obligations, and flexible workplace policies will be extended to the spouses and partners of active-duty personnel.

The partnership also leverages the company’s extensive retail footprint. With more than three million shoppers visiting its stores annually, the business plans to prominently display the covenant alongside informational campaigns encouraging younger generations to explore opportunities within the armed forces, reserves, and cadet corps.

Addressing young British Pakistanis during the signing ceremony, Sheikh emphasized a shared sense of civic belonging and historical continuity. "This is your country and this is your Army," he remarked, pointing to the deep-rooted military legacy connecting Britain and the Indian subcontinent, which dates back to the service of South Asian soldiers in the World Wars.

Major General Harris echoed these sentiments, celebrating the interwoven heritage of the British military and families of South Asian descent. He shared personal reflections on his family’s military history in Burma, drawing parallels to the ancestral ties shared by many members of the local community.

Company executives highlighted that the initiative is designed to create tangible bridges between civilian commercial networks and defense personnel. Chief Financial Officer Thaira Sheikh and Franchise CEO Kunal Patel confirmed that the company's network of outlets and franchise partners will actively support local cadet units, observe moments of remembrance, and welcome veterans into the workforce.

According to recent demographic data highlighted in the report, while Muslims make up approximately 6% to 6.5% of the UK population—totaling roughly four million residents—representation within the regular armed forces remains modest, with over 450 Muslim personnel currently serving in the Army. This new collaboration seeks to bridge that gap by fostering closer community relations and honoring a shared military heritage.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]