Former Glasgow MP wants to be Punjab governor, not high commissioner to UK .
In an exclusive talk with The Express Tribune, Sarwar confirmed his interest in taking over as governor, while declaring no intention of becoming Pakistan’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Sarwar said that he had given up his dual nationality on the direction of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership with the hopes of getting a chance to serve the country. He said that he had no interest in doing so while sitting in Britain, so the post of high commissioner was not his aim.
He admitted he would like to be appointed governor of the Punjab, but stressed that he had not been promised the position. He said he would meet with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif soon to discuss the matter. It was for the Sharif brothers to deploy his managerial and political skills where they saw fit, he said. “I would be happy to take on whatever role I am assigned within the country to serve the people,” he added.
He said that the PML-N leadership had yet to appoint governors in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and the Punjab and contest presidential elections, so there was much for them to do in the coming days.
He said that he did not know whether the governorship decision would be made before or after the presidential elections.
Some senior figures within the PML-N believe that the post of governor should go to a person from southern Punjab. Sarwar’s family is from Rojhani village in Faisalabad district.
Sarwar said that he had experience of working in the region. In 2010, when massive floods hit southern Punjab, he had visited the area for two months and built schools, mosques and some 300 homes.
Asked whether his experience in politics would be best utilised in the governorship, an office with no constitutional authority to run or govern the province, he said that he would not comment on this until and unless he was appointed to the post. Asked whether Nawaz Sharif or Shahbaz Sharif wanted him as governor, he declined to comment.
Sarwar served as Labour Member of Parliament for Glasgow from 1997 to 2000 and retired from British politics in 2010. His son Anas Sarwar now serves as MP from the same seat.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2013.
COMMENTS (14)
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Those who are already in Pakistan and on high positions since many years what have they done so far for the people of Pakistan and for the country. Nothing as far as i concern. Mr Sarwar is loyal and hardworking and have the heart for the nation. I am one of his personal friend and knows him since few years and in fact he always said to me go back and invest your skills for your own country. I don't trust the political system of Pakistan but i am very confident of his appointment as if and he will surely prove himself.
Whatever!! But it must be acknowledged that Mr Sarwar is far better than Ishratul Ebad, who continued to be British citizen even after taking oath as Governor Sindh. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1491860/Pakistani-politician-got-paid-1000-a-month-in-UK-benefits.html Interestingly, Mr Ebad even obtained income support benefits from theBritish Government while enjoying the perks in Pakistan. The times are changing and now a prospective candidate renounces his Dual Nationality prior to taking oath.
I guess being British meant very little to him. Should have never been elected an MP and I am against him parachuting into Governor of Punjab position. He is not a Pakistani.
Under British law a citizen can renounce his citizenship and re-apply at a later date. Mr. Sarwar can always return once his term is over. I am sure he knows that.
Good wishes for Mr. Sarwar.. a good manger and a good person
good wishes for Mr. Sarwar, a good manger and a good person....
Wow, what a stylish governor
PmLN is back to same old business of 90's. I was hoping this time they mature but again they prove I am wrong.
What about Mr Nawaz shareef can he surrender his wealth? To serve the nation
This is very telling. One can conclude that there is much more money to be made as Punjab governor than you can make as an ordinary citizen or even an MP in the UK.
So your son is MP in UK you the Governor in Pakistan, to whom you people would be loyal?
I hope that everyone realizes that British citizens have the option to revoke their "giving up of British nationality" at least once. In this case, say in 5 years time.
Sarwar: you have made a wild decision. Now stick to it and serve the people honesty and do not worry about any appointment. Can't you serve without being given a position in the government? Yes you can, just as you claim you did in 2010. Repeat your performance in 2013. Best of luck.