Chaudhry Sarwar. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday appointed Chaudhry Sarwar as the new Governor of Punjab, Express News reported.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday had sent a summary to the President recommending Sarwar for the post.
Sarwar is a British citizen who reportedly arrived from the United Kingdom and met Nawaz Sharif on the offers of two alternative posts, High Commissioner to UK or Governor of Punjab.
"Everything that I have learnt in my time in Britain - the knowledge and how to run institutions - I can use it for the benefit of Pakistanis," said Sarwar, 60, who was born in Punjab.
"I can be a bridge between overseas Pakistanis and Pakistanis here and work for the betterment of both."
Punjab is home to half of Pakistan's 180 million people and
is the country's wealthiest province, thanks to its fertile
fields and industry in the booming city of Lahore, home to an
ancient Mughal fort.
Having served as Labour Party Member of Parliament in Glasgow for 13 years, Sarwar comes with the experience of legislation besides having been a successful businessman.
Britain has promised to give Pakistan 446 million pounds
($680.57 million) next year in aid. The biggest chunk will pay
fees for poor students and improve schools in Punjab.
COMMENTS (23)
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Mohammed Sarwar is a man who stepped down from British politics after the British parliamentary expenses scandal. Sarwar had claimed a record near £175,000 in 2008-09, being dubbed Britain’s most expensive MP. He has also stood trial for allegedly bribing political opponents and one of his son’s was convicted for alleged money laundering and spent 3 years in jail. This is the real experience that Sarwar will bring to Pakistan. It is shocking beyond belief that this man can assume such a significant political position in Pakistan. One of his other sons, Anas Sarwar, is now also a British MP. How can such a person be trusted as to where his real loyalty lies? With Pakistan or Britain?Sarwar is a pure political opportunist and the Sharif brothers have confirmed once again that quid pro quos are given to their cronies who have helped them. What a dismal day for the people of Punjab.
@expaki: He'll be busy collecting duty during the next few years. We'll all have to pay for his alien "expertise" in more ways than one!
@Syed A. Mateen: *"How can he be appointed as Governor of Punjab when he is holding a British Nationality?"
Very valid point!! May be by the very same logic as another British Nationality holder is ruling Pakistan from London! Or the rules for Altaf "bhai" and MQM are different?
'Bridging the gap?' - uh please fix the problems in punjab first governor saab
@KAY: There is massive difference between him and the son of the soil latif khosa, despite political differences.
Please make poverty alleviation and education for every child you top most priority.
We are still grappling in those Raj era days of British residents. And they they want us to celebrate 14th of August as an Independence day.
@Syed A. Mateen: He has abandoned his British nationality :! next excuse please.
We are still ruled by British.
How will he bridge overseas Pakistanis with Pakistan? Pakistan has done nothing for overseas Pakistanis...
one of my friend invested in Pakistan and now some income tax officers are bugging him to pay taxes on remittances? what a joke...
The Shareef & co claim mandate over whole of Pakistan, yet they failed to find a single and sincere local resident to be appointed on this post. Maza aa Gaya Mian Sahab :D nawain viceroy nu ve mubarkan.
@loser:
Where is the evidence?
any import duty on this import?
Another commendable appointment. Congratulations to the Federal Government.
No one left in Pakistan for GOP?????
Paying back some outstanding hospitality bill accumulated during exile.
Once again back to 1947 when British headed many Pakistani institutions. Does Pakistan have no one good enough to be a governor? Ever heard any country in the world appointing foreigners on key positions like this? If route to power in Pakistan is through London, nothing wrong with all these Pakistanis like Altaf Husain etc camping there. It seems British Home office is still running Pakistan.
He gave up his british nationality.
Another Latif Khosa in the making.
How can he be appointed as Governor of Punjab when he is holding a British Nationality?
Tomorrow some one may file an application against him that he is a foreign national and according to the law of the land, he cannot hold any public office.
I think that the judgement of Supreme Court will come against him and he has to resign from his post of Governorship.
Good decision to get benefits from his expertise.
Viceroy sahab congratulations.