LONDON: A record number of Muslims have been recognised by the Queen in the 2019 New Year’s Honours list including one of the highest number from Pakistani heritage in recent times.
Thirty-five Muslims were awarded an honour in this round, the highest number ever. With an overall of 12 percent of those being honoured coming from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds – this New Year’s list shows the government’s diversity drive in the honours system has started to work.
Aamer Naeem, CEO of Penny Appeal, a UK-based humanitarian organisation, was awarded an OBE for his work in the charity sector, and specifically his efforts in developing the British Muslim community.
His tireless effort in growing the charity from a £400k a year operation to one that brings in over £20m within five years was rightly recognised by this honour in the honours recitation.
Nasar Mahmood, the chair of the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester, also received an OBE for the many years of work he has dedicated to fostering peaceful community relations. Local interfaith and other community initiatives run by Mahmood led to his successful nomination.
British Muslim women of Pakistani heritage were also recognised. Jamila Kosser, also from the north of England, was awarded an MBE for the volunteer work she does with the homeless community.
The recognition of so many from minority backgrounds can be seen as part of an initiative to increase diversity in the UK honours system, typified by the work of Harris Bokhari, an independent member of the honours committee at the Cabinet Office.
Speaking to The News, Bokhari said: “The rightful recognition of minority communities in the recent honours list is no more than they deserve. The government now sets out very clear guidelines on how to nominate someone for an honour, and it is a simple online process.”
Fresh spell of rain continued to lash in Mansehra, Torghar, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Palas, turning...
PTI counsel told the court that the administration registered a baseless and false case against the party leaders
Transparency in the wheat procurement process, a key requirement of the province, was the main focus of the meeting
Officers from the New York Police Department are seen in this picture at the JFK airport, USA. —...
DIG Crime and Investigation give a briefing on crime, investigation, reforms and other matters
Sherry Rehman expressed her views on recent political developments, emphasizing importance of dialogue and...