Councillor Aasim Rashid welcomes appointment of Amjad Malik as Chairman of Overseas Governors board of Pakistan

Councillor Aasim Rashid with Amjad Malik

Councillor Aasim Rashid has welcomed the appointment of Amjad Malik, a barrister, as Chairman of Overseas Governors board of Pakistan following a discussion of issues affecting the local and overseas Pakistani communities.

Following the meeting, Councillor Rashid said: “I welcome his appointment as Chairman of Governors, he is someone who really knows the issues of the Pakistani and Kashmiri Diaspora here in the UK, especially as Rochdale has a large Pakistani community.

Councillor Rashid also proposed a right to vote and representation for expats in the Pakistan National Assembly, and for the Senate and speedy courts for overseas nationals to curb land mafia.

He added: “Barrister Malik has assured me that work is under way.”

Councillor Rashid continued: “Barrister Amjad Malik has the potential to raise a strong voice. He has welcomed my proposal and I look forward to working together to achieve this task.

“Barrister Malik also briefed me on delegations visiting the UK, especially Greater Manchester in mid-March, led by Federal Minister of Overseas Pakistanis, and feedback of the diaspora on this initiative and the appreciation of the Prime Minister.

“I clearly demanded that it is a right for overseas Pakistanis to protect their rights in Pakistan by giving them a fair representation in Upper and Lower House of Pakistan Legislative Assemblies.

“After Brexit, it is vital that we recognise the importance of equal rights and fairness of our diaspora established here in the UK. Whatever difficulties they face while travelling, duration of their stay, investments they make as well as transfer of inheritance, to protect them from land mafia intimidation.”