The man who made history by becoming Britain’s first Muslim member of parliament was on Monday sworn in as governor of Pakistan’s largest and most politically important province.
Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar became Punjab’s 35th Governor after being administered oath by Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial at Governor’s House.
A Governor House spokesperson termed Sarwar a “non-controversial” figure who had rendered “valuable” services for Pakistan on social, political, economic and diplomatic fronts.
Sarwar is a loyal Pakistani who surrendered his British citizenship after playing a significant role in strengthening ties between Pakistan and Britain as a British parliamentarian, he added.
Sarwar was previously elected thrice as a British MP from Glasgow. In the recent elections, his son Anas Sarwar won this seat.
Having served as a MP for 13 years, Sarwar returned with the experience of legislation apart from having been a successful businessman.
Talking to reporters after the oath-taking ceremony, Sarwar talked of his own childhood as the son of a farmer, obliged to walk several miles every day to get to school near Faisalabad.
“Pakistan is surrounded by many problems – poverty, unemployment, health inequalities, an ongoing energy crisis, terrorism, and human rights violations,” he said. “I have always believed that the best route out of these problems is through education.”
He added: “I want every child, no matter their background, to have the same opportunities as I had, to maximise their potential, and to go on their journey to fulfil their dreams.”
“There are 10 million children out of school and we will try to send at least one-tenth of this number to schools in the province,” he added.
Sarwar vowed to take along all political parties for the sake of national progress and assured the minorities that their rights would be protected.
He reiterated the challenges of poverty, terrorism, unemployment and the prevalent energy crisis. He said he would use his experience and contacts to bring in foreign investment to Pakistan.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, federal and provincial ministers as well as various foreign guests attended the ceremony.
Welcome Sir!
Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar is a great example for overseas Pakistanis who want to do something for their motherland.
Unfortunately, Pakistan has been bitten by imported PMs like Moeen Qureshi who was given NIC when he was sitting in the aircraft at Islamabad Airport in 1993 to takeover as caretaker PM.
Then there was a bad experience of Shaukat Aziz, imported as FM in 1999 and the his benefactor Dictator elevated him to PM in 2004. Shaukat Aziz has been absconding since he left the Prime Minister House in 2007.
The incumbent Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad is not a good example since he has been drawing state expenses from the British Government: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1491860/Pa… while he was still in the Governor House at the expense of Pakistani taxpayers.
this is great news for everyone from pakistan in uk, and always good to move forward..wish you all the best SIR .
He has another feather in his cap.
His Cah-N-Carry department stores in UK are dealers for Wine and Whisky.
A unique choice of Sharif Brothers, since they could not find anyone in 180 million people of their own to head the 70% of Pakistani inhabitants.
CLAP…………..
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