LONDON (Kashmir English): Another Pakistani has made it to the UK House of Lords. Shafaq Mohammed, nominated by the Liberal Democrats, took his oath on the Quran as he became a Lord.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Lord Shafaq Mohammed shared his journey, saying that his ancestors were labourers and that reaching the House of Lords was a long and hardworking path.
He served as a council group leader in Sheffield for 20 years and also worked in the European Parliament. “I never even imagined that I would become a Lord,” he admitted.
Lord Shafaq was born in a mud house in Jarwan Chakswari, Azad Kashmir. His home had no electricity or running water, and his mother used to fetch water from a well.
He described the UK as a land of opportunities and said, “I am living proof of that. My message to young people is that no matter where they come from, they can achieve success through hard work.”
Speaking on community issues, Lord Shafaq acknowledged that only a small number of people are involved in grooming crimes but have unfortunately tarnished the reputation of the entire community. “We should not defend the bad apples among us. Our elders used to lower their gaze in respect when they saw women,” he added.
As a Lord, he pledged to work towards resolving issues related to Kashmir and other concerns of the community.
It’s worth mentioning that another member of the House of Lords, Lord Qurban, also has roots in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
