Naveeda wants to make Bradford a modern city

The first British Asian Muslim woman Lord Mayor councillor Naveeda Ikram has set a good example for others to follow. She was the first Pakistani origin councillor elected on Labour Party ticket at Bradford council in 2004 from Little Baritone. She had spent a few years of her young age in the Pakistani Punjab and   is proud of being a British Pakistani. Her father came to England in the sixties in search of job and served as Manager Habib Bank for some time. There are Lord Mayors in 23 cities of the Britain but by now the post has turned into just a ceremonial office. To Naveeda Bradford is an important city of very diverse nature. No doubt the office of the Lord Mayor is just ceremonial but if you are ambassador, of the city, you also enjoy the status of the first citizen of the city. But this also carries many responsibilities. Besides chairing the council meeting I also give advices to the Chief Executive of the council on different issues. The Lord Mayor represents all communities of Bradford. Under this perspective the Lord Mayor’s post is very important.

Toa question she said “there is a general impression that one becomes Lord Mayor only nearing retirement. When all communities approached to me that they wanted positive changes I accepted the challenge”.

She said “women from our community have no inclination towards politics while the responsibility to maintain balance between family and professional life falls on their shoulders. She said she is the youngest British Pakistani or Asian female Lord Mayor. “My election proved a current of fresh air not only for Bradford but also the entire region and the community. My election to the post is also recognition of the services of our community. Women from our community should take courage from my example. Our forefathers had played very important role in the development of this society”.

Going through the British politics it was for the first time during the last general elections that more than one Asian woman had returned to the parliament whereas Baroness Warsi, Baroness Polauddin, Baroness Kishwer Fokar and Baroness Sheila Flather had long before opened the door of the House of Lords to Asian women. Referring to her entrance to the politics she said “I have always studied the problems and the ups and downs around me and have felt that women have a big role at community level to play as they are its eyes and ears. Before becoming councillor I had seen that there was no Asian women representation in Bradford at political level who could convey their voice to the high ups. Their issues were raised no doubt but it was felt that those who raised voice for them were not fully conversant with their cultural traditions and issues. On the other hand in my opinion every segment of the society, religion and sex should have been represented at the city hall. Women are not fully represented in our council and at one time there was no Asian woman in the chamber.

Entering into politics is not an easy task. One has to sacrifice her time and sometime family also does not support but Naveeda differs from these views.

“I enjoyed complete support of my family. My father had been a very active member of the Labour Party. Whether it’s the politics in Pakistan or Britain, my father always takes interest in it. My mother had been very active in community and welfare work. I am the lone daughter of my parents. My aunt Masooda Naqshbandi had worked at grassroots level in Rawalpindi where she was elected councillor as well. So you can say the germs of politics had already been in my blood.

Bradford had been the scene of many ethnic riots and racial discrimination in the past and under these circumstances election of a Pakistani origin as its Lord Mayor is a big question mark. “Ethnic riots in 2001 had caused big loss, our economy was pushed backward and unemployment increased. But Bradford   community resurrected and helped one another to recover and tried that such incident should not recur. These riots were in a way a lesson for the people of Bradford and they made it sure that history should not repeat itself.  Despite EDL’s efforts their protest failed. Only recently there had been riots in London but here in Bradford everyone including councils, council for mosques, madaris, temple and gurdwara showed complete unity and tried successfully that they did not cast any impact on the peaceful atmosphere of this city.

It is said that there is a woman behind the success of the man but Naveeda gives credit of her success to her family and husband. She said “I think that I could not have succeeded without the support of my husband. My husband Saqib has been my strength as he always supported me. My in-laws are very kind and pleased with me. I balance my family and professional life”.

British born Naveeda terms Pakistan as her second home. Her eyes sparkled while recalling her days spent in Pakistan.  Fusion of both the countries has been superb. “When I went there I experienced custom, culture and language of that country. That experience also helped me in reaching this position. I am proud of being a British Pakistani and this gave me strength to move ahead. I have great respect for my roots. My father came here in the sixties. He returned in 1971. My father belonged to Sialkot while my mother is from the occupied Kashmir but her family is settled in Rawalpindi. My mother came here after marriage in 1972. Besides shouldering the responsibility of a councillor Naveeda is also doing full time job. I joined PIA in 1992. They supported me. Had they not permitted me to contest councillor’s elections in 2004 I would not have been at this position.

As Lord Mayor she wants to make Bradford a modern city of Britain. “My role is to present Bradford in a positive way. We are going to complete the task of regeneration of the city. On the other hand I want to ensure participation of women and younger generation in the democratic process. People say what the use of casting vote is. But one should not think of personal interest as his/her vote would cast impact on the decisions taken for the community services. You can take your community forward only through its potential.  Vote for any political party but do vote. If you won’t vote than your fears and voice would not be included in the decision making”.

Immigration has been an important topic of the British politics, especially for the last few years this issue has played an important role in the general elections. Contrary to Conservative Party, Labour Party’s policies in this matter have never been so tough. To a question about this issue she said “I understand that this matter should be addressed at Parliament level. Our community is also economic migrant but later many people also came from the European countries upon which our community raised eye brows and called it a mess. But she understands that everyone has the right to raise his standard of life. Our parents came here probably in a better situation while they have to face difficult time. Economic crisis is there. There are no jobs. I think they should be supported. However, if someone indulges in criminal activities he should not be allowed to stay for which strict laws should be framed.

Apart from other issues, forced marriages among the community have also become a big problem. To this Naveeda said that in her opinion this is an issue but has been given unnecessary hype. This is limited to certain segments of Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities but finding its remedy is also our responsibility. Politicians have nothing to do with this issue. And if they indulge, they would only draw some advantage for themselves. Nothing could be achieved unless we as community recognise the issue. But I see a large number of marriages being broken on this account. The number of single parent in our community is increasing and the issue is required to be handled very seriously or else it would assume a formidable proportion.

Pakistani community living in Britain could not remain aloof of the political situation prevailing in Pakistan. Naveeda also looked very concerned about the political and economic situation in that country. “Gap between rich and poor instead of narrowing down is widening. Middle class culture is diminishing while dearness is sky rocketing. It needs great courage to .live under these circumstances. I am against take over by Army. Democratic government and political process should be strengthened. Whoever, I met there, talks of some sort of revolutionary changes. In my opinion new thinking should be given a chance to lead and Imran Khan seems suitable for the leadership”, she opined.

She wants to move ahead with positive thinking instead of getting frustrated. Her utterances reflect he commitment to serve the masses. “I feel happy by serving the community. I would surely contest in the next elections for councillor. However, if I get a chance to contest for MP seat she would certainly avail.

Lord Mayor Naveeda Ikram has three children. Her elder son is 15, the younger one 14 while her daughter is 7.  “My children especially my daughter is very social. Elder son’s GCSC’ preliminary results are good. He likes to study medicine but is also active at local level and does voluntary work. The middle child is fond of playing Rugby and is member of a Rugby club”. She wants to do something for her city and people for which she has many plans. “I am working on the regeneration of Bradford City Park”. If this project is completed during her tenure she would think about its extension and would see as to how tourism could be promoted through it.