London Council elects youngest-ever Pakistani mayor

LONDON: A British Pakistani has become the youngest ever Pakistani mayor in Britain after being elected as Mayor for the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
Councilor Nadeem Ali, who is aged 30, is the youngest ever Pakistani origin mayor who will remain in his position for a year. Congleton’s George Hayes, 21, is Britain’s youngest mayor but Nadeem Ali has the distinction as he was the youngest ever Deputy Mayor of the same Borough and was elected straight to the position of Mayor.
His parents originate from Andrah in Pakistan. At a colourful ceremony in Waltham Forest Town Hall, Ali was sworn in as the Mayor in the presence of 60 councilors, local council’s civic leaders and notables from the Pakistani community including religious scholar Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, whom Mr Ali made his spiritual guide for the year. It is for the first time in the history of the council that a mayor started his official speech reciting verses from the Holy Quran.
The total population of the Waltham Forest is about 265,000. London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country and second largest to have Pakistani and Kashmiri nationals. Of the 60 total local councilors, 12 are of Pakistani and Muslim origin.
Nadeem Ali, who is son of Liaqaut Ali MBE and nephew of Pakistani community leader Ch Shaukat Ali, recites Nasheeds locally and his family is known for its promotion of the spiritual events in the East end of London. The family takes a leading role in organising Melaad and Eid events which are attended by thousands of people.
Speaking to The News after taking the oath, Nadeem Ali said that it was an honour for him to have been elected the mayor. “It’s nothing but the blessings of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It’s also a credit to the hard work Pakistani communities do but that work is often ignored and its only the negative news that goes out about Pakistan. For a generation we have served in the local community and while serving all communities we have always taken pride in serving and behaving with others as role models. I’m very pleased to be elected as the youngest mayor to serve a full term in this great borough. I hope to follow in the steps of the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Richard Sweden. He has done a brilliant job this last year and has been a huge success. I know I have big boots to fill, but I hope to do so.”
He said that during his tenure, he will strive to focus on local issues and will work overtime to raise funds for a local hospital and William Morris Gallery. He said that the government’s austerity measures have hit hard poor communities — such as Pakistani and other ethnic minorities — and there is more joblessness and deprivation than ever before.
“I will be working with our partners locally and nationally to see how to combat these issues as I am mayor for all the residents in the borough and will treat everybody equally and impartially.”
He added: “I have assigned the role of Mayoress to my wife Saika Ali. I have also appointed my brothers, Hather Ali & Umar Ali as my Consorts.”
Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani said that Nadeem Ali was a role model for young British Muslims. “Some Muslim youth are unfortunately turning towards radical teachings by misguided clerics. Nadeem Ali shows what can be achieved if the energies our youth are positively channelled. I appeal to our community to pay attention to their youth and make them useful members of the human society.”