LONDON (Kashmir English): British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said that she considers herself British, English, a Muslim resident of Birmingham, and is proud of her parents’ connection to Azad Kashmir.
While describing the Pakistan-UK relations as extremely strong, positive, and based on mutual trust, she stated that the governments of both countries remain in constant contact on various issues.
Speaking exclusively to a private TV channel in London, Shabana Mahmood said that relations between Pakistan and the UK are historical in nature and are becoming stronger in the current era.
She emphasized that both countries are working together on common challenges.
The British Home Secretary, discussing the immigration system, said that the UK’s immigration system has been plagued by problems for a long time, which some legal and illegal immigrants have exploited.
She stated that addressing the flaws in the immigration system is her top priority to make it transparent and effective.
Shabana Mahmood on rising street crime
Shabana Mahmood expressed concern over the rising street crimes in the country, stating that police reforms are essential to control crime.
According to her, the protection of people’s lives and property cannot be ensured without modernizing the police force.
Regarding her identity, Shabana Mahmood said that she considers herself British, English, a Muslim resident of Birmingham, and is proud of her parents’ connection to Azad Kashmir.
She said that her roots are connected to Pakistan, which is a source of pride for her. The British Home Secretary also mentioned that she is fond of Pakistani food and is a good cook herself.
Her favourite dishes include palak gosht and keema, and when she goes home on weekends, she enjoys traditional Pakistani food cooked by her mother.
It is worth noting that Shabana Mahmood’s parents belong to Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir. Her parents migrated from Mirpur to Birmingham, and she was born in Birmingham.
