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.
History-maker Sarwar takes oath as Punjab governor
