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Sajjad Karim's journey from councilor to MEP
Saturday, 31 July, 2010 10:27:12 AM
The first Muslim member of the European Parliament Sajjad Haider Karim was born in Blackburn Lancashire in 1970. He was first elected as MEP in June 2004 and then returned again in 2009 on Conservative Party’s ticket. He received his primary education from Mansfield High School Brierfield and obtained Law degree from College of Law Chester. He was elected councilor from Penndel at the age of 23 from Lib-Dem platform in 1994. Karim was appointed as the Legal Affairs Spokesperson for the Conservative Group in the European Parliament in December 2009. The Asians interviewed him on matters relating to European Union and European Parliament.
The Asians: Tell us about your background?
Sajjad Karim: My parents arrived here in the sixties. We are two brothers and four sisters. I am the third among them. I was brought up in East Lancashire. My parents paid full attention towards our education. I entered into politics at the age of seven years and distributed pamphlets in a door to door campaign in favour of a parliamentary candidate. I have two children – a 10 years old son and a seven years old daughter. My wife is a teacher and our families had close friendship that turned into relationship after our marriage.
The Asians: Where did your father come from and what was the reason behind his migration to Britain?
Sajjad Karim: My father Fazal Karim belonged to Mandi Bahauddin in Pakistan. He was a civil servant in Pakistan and arrived here in sixties in search of job and worked in a textile mill in North England. He also worked as a bus conductor for some time. He joined Muslim Commercial bank when it opened branches here in the UK. Later, he launched his own transport company.
The Asians: Being of Pakistani origin how are you bringing up your children?
Sajjad Karim: My wife looks after our children as I usually find it difficult to get some to do the task. We are fortunate enough that we live in a society where we can lead our life according to our own values. Our parents guided us about our culture and that is what we are doing to our children. My son loves to speak Urdu and Punjabi but my daughter doesn’t.
The Asians: You started practice as solicitor after obtaining law degree then how did you turn to politics?
Sajjad Karim: I was brought up in a cotton mill town but the cotton industry suffered set back in the eighties and as a result of which the middle class suddenly found itself in a difficult situation. In 1989, I came to London for studies and impressed by its development and felt that the power that be in Westminster had been ignoring our area. At that time Conservatives’ government was at the helms of affair and I was a strong supporter of it. At this, I left Conservatives and joined Lib Dem. I can recall that people laughed at my decision as Lib Dem was not a political force to be reckoned with. In the meantime, I decided to contest elections on Lib Dem ticket from Brierfield, which was thought to be a Labour’s stronghold but I won the election and remained councilor for eight years.
The Asians: You had been a councilor for eight years and then decided to contest elections of MEP. What motivated you for this long jump?
Sajjad Karim: You are right but I have always been optimistic and have never been wavered while facing a challenge. When I showed my intention to contest MEP elections people laughed and doubted my mental condition but I did not lose heart and ran my campaign for two years. I had been very active as councilor in North West England and at national level. People had trust in me and their confidence strengthened further with my indefatigable campaign. Meanwhile, war in Iraq began but it faced strong criticism from a considerable section of the society. At this point, perhaps, the party started feeling that some Muslim should be given responsibility to represent at the European Parliament. Muslims had already reached to the House of Commons and House of Lords but none was in the European Parliament. Not only the Lib Dem but Labour and Conservatives also backed me and this eventually led to my election to the European Parliament as the first British Pakistani member.
The Asians: What were your feelings on becoming MEP?
Sajjad Karim: That was overwhelming but I understand that a big movement was behind my success. It remains my priority to live up to expectation of the people who reposed confidence in me.
The Asians: Did you experience any discrimination in your way to reach this position?
Sajjad Karim: Yes of course. But it is beauty of the system of this country that you can overcome all such hindrances and challenges.
The Asians: You remained with Lib Dem for 18 years and then suddenly you left them and joined Conservatives?
Sajjad Karim: There could be many answers to this question but there are some aspects of it which I would not like to discuss right now. May be one day I would openly talk on this topic. Politically the major problem I had been facing was that I had to depend on the right wing of the house on various issues in preparation of the international trade agenda while my own party members voted against me. Apparently Lib Dem party advocated free and open trade and capitalism but they never helped me in steering European policy in this direction and instead supported those who protected vested interests. On such occasions I always depended on Conservatives especially those who came from Britain. My own party colleagues used their votes against me while Conservatives and Labours voted in my favour. I was left with two options whether I should get off the scene or change my direction and for this reason I decided to join Conservative Party where I was received with open arms as they, especially David Cameron knew me and my background very well.
The Asians: Tell us about the European Parliament and its working?
Sajjad Karim: After the Second World War, the war-torn Europe felt the need of an organization that could save it from recurrence of war, and after some time set up European Union. The present political and economic conditions have multiplied importance of this platform for in this modern age real strength lies in mutual cooperation otherwise we can never achieve our targets with separate identities. European Parliament is trying to invest in member countries to their maximum benefit. Member countries are maintaining their individualities while working as a united front before the world. After the Elisabeth Treaty the European Parliament would emerge as a stronger power than before.
The Asians: European Union is often accused of double standards as at one hand it talks of civil liberty and democracy in the world and on the other hand it has kept silence on Hijab and cartoon issue?
Sajjad Karim: Hijab and cartoon are not issues of EU interest but of its members. If some country has imposed any such ban and anybody has objection over it, they could approach the court of their country and if someone feels that they would not get justice they could go to European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights. The European court decides not according to the law of the country concerned but in accordance with its own code of conduct and its decision is biding on the member country.
The Asians: What is your opinion about Hijab and Burqa?
Sajjad Karim: There is a difference between Burqa and head scarf. In my opinion there is no problem with head scarf. I remember that middle aged women used to go outside with their heads covered and same had been the case with white women. I think that if a girl born and brought up here wears burqa or the boy wears an odd dress different to common outfit in the society is somewhere at fault. There is a need to think over as to why a girl or a woman living in Europe decides to wear Burqa. However, I am against any law that imposes ban on Burqa.
The Asians: You have been involved in preparation of two reports on free trade agreement with India. What are their main points?
Sajjad Karim: Talks are in progress between EU and India on free trade agreement and most probably it would be signed by the end of the current year. It would be a win-win situation for both sides. There are many potential markets for British businessmen in India including legal, financial services, management consultancy, accounting services and insurance sector. Similarly, Europe is a big market for India. It is the biggest trading partner of the EU. For example Tata wants to export is cars to Europe. If FTA reaches the final stage it would help direct foreign investment in Europe and people would get jobs.
The Asians: You are the founding Chairman of the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan Group. Why did you feel need to form the group and How do you visualize the future of Pakistan?
Sajjad Karim: The group was formed in 2005 with an aim to create a platform to give Pakistan access to European Parliament. But its impact largely depends on the response it gets from the Government of Pakistan. Pakistan was benefited when her government had been in contact with the group. Now when there is no contact I am afraid things would not be achieved the way Pakistan wants. Now coming to second part of your question which is about the future of Pakistan, the present situation there is very alarming. I see it as a country where connection between the government and the people is almost non-existent.
The Asians: Are you satisfied with the role of Pakistani government in its efforts to gain access to European market?
Sajjad Karim: No. When this government came into power it was welcomed by the European Union. Earlier, EU had sent the one of its biggest election missions to Pakistan for the elections which brought the present government in Islamabad but unfortunately the good relations we had with the former Pakistani government have gone backward during the last three years instead of moving ahead. This had not happened from our side as we have been working to keep the doors of the European Union open but unfortunately the response we were expecting from the present Pakistani political government has not been coming up and the main losers are the people of Pakistan.
The Asians: You are also the member of European Parliament Friends of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka groups. What can the countries of the region do to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir?
Sajjad Karim: Nobody could imagine sixty years back that the European countries that had fought two World wars would not only sit at one table but their people would also move freely from one country to another of the region. Small differences existing among these countries could not affect the level of cooperation. In my opinion the South Asian countries should also follow the example of EU. So far as Kashmir issue is concerned EU cannot force any country to resolve this issue and remains neutral as it has relations with both the countries on equal footing.
The Asians: What are the complications in reaching free trade agreement with Pakistan?
Sajjad Karim: In my view Pakistan is still not ready for this; it is not even ready for initiating dialogue on the subject. It has not yet fulfilled the requirements of standard and regulations for GSP plus while free trade agreement is a matter that comes after that. However, this agreement is my earnest desire and hope one day it will see light of the day. I think Pakistan needs political and professional engagement with EU and until than the bilateral matters could not be improved. Where are the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan group people? Pakistani ministers visit Brussels and leave even without entering into the European Parliament building.
The Asians: What steps does EU consider for future planning in face of the economic crisis especially the one seen in Greece?
Sajjads Karim: Greek situation has a direct impact on Euro zone but as our economies are linked together. We are now regulating financial services at EU level. Similarly budget regulations are also being carried out in order to reduce deficits.
The Asians: Would you like to give any message to British Asian community?
Sajjad Karim: I would ask them that they should become part of this society instead of just living in this country.
The Asians: Tell us about your background?
Sajjad Karim: My parents arrived here in the sixties. We are two brothers and four sisters. I am the third among them. I was brought up in East Lancashire. My parents paid full attention towards our education. I entered into politics at the age of seven years and distributed pamphlets in a door to door campaign in favour of a parliamentary candidate. I have two children – a 10 years old son and a seven years old daughter. My wife is a teacher and our families had close friendship that turned into relationship after our marriage.
The Asians: Where did your father come from and what was the reason behind his migration to Britain?
Sajjad Karim: My father Fazal Karim belonged to Mandi Bahauddin in Pakistan. He was a civil servant in Pakistan and arrived here in sixties in search of job and worked in a textile mill in North England. He also worked as a bus conductor for some time. He joined Muslim Commercial bank when it opened branches here in the UK. Later, he launched his own transport company.
The Asians: Being of Pakistani origin how are you bringing up your children?
Sajjad Karim: My wife looks after our children as I usually find it difficult to get some to do the task. We are fortunate enough that we live in a society where we can lead our life according to our own values. Our parents guided us about our culture and that is what we are doing to our children. My son loves to speak Urdu and Punjabi but my daughter doesn’t.
The Asians: You started practice as solicitor after obtaining law degree then how did you turn to politics?
Sajjad Karim: I was brought up in a cotton mill town but the cotton industry suffered set back in the eighties and as a result of which the middle class suddenly found itself in a difficult situation. In 1989, I came to London for studies and impressed by its development and felt that the power that be in Westminster had been ignoring our area. At that time Conservatives’ government was at the helms of affair and I was a strong supporter of it. At this, I left Conservatives and joined Lib Dem. I can recall that people laughed at my decision as Lib Dem was not a political force to be reckoned with. In the meantime, I decided to contest elections on Lib Dem ticket from Brierfield, which was thought to be a Labour’s stronghold but I won the election and remained councilor for eight years.
The Asians: You had been a councilor for eight years and then decided to contest elections of MEP. What motivated you for this long jump?
Sajjad Karim: You are right but I have always been optimistic and have never been wavered while facing a challenge. When I showed my intention to contest MEP elections people laughed and doubted my mental condition but I did not lose heart and ran my campaign for two years. I had been very active as councilor in North West England and at national level. People had trust in me and their confidence strengthened further with my indefatigable campaign. Meanwhile, war in Iraq began but it faced strong criticism from a considerable section of the society. At this point, perhaps, the party started feeling that some Muslim should be given responsibility to represent at the European Parliament. Muslims had already reached to the House of Commons and House of Lords but none was in the European Parliament. Not only the Lib Dem but Labour and Conservatives also backed me and this eventually led to my election to the European Parliament as the first British Pakistani member.
The Asians: What were your feelings on becoming MEP?
Sajjad Karim: That was overwhelming but I understand that a big movement was behind my success. It remains my priority to live up to expectation of the people who reposed confidence in me.
The Asians: Did you experience any discrimination in your way to reach this position?
Sajjad Karim: Yes of course. But it is beauty of the system of this country that you can overcome all such hindrances and challenges.
The Asians: You remained with Lib Dem for 18 years and then suddenly you left them and joined Conservatives?
Sajjad Karim: There could be many answers to this question but there are some aspects of it which I would not like to discuss right now. May be one day I would openly talk on this topic. Politically the major problem I had been facing was that I had to depend on the right wing of the house on various issues in preparation of the international trade agenda while my own party members voted against me. Apparently Lib Dem party advocated free and open trade and capitalism but they never helped me in steering European policy in this direction and instead supported those who protected vested interests. On such occasions I always depended on Conservatives especially those who came from Britain. My own party colleagues used their votes against me while Conservatives and Labours voted in my favour. I was left with two options whether I should get off the scene or change my direction and for this reason I decided to join Conservative Party where I was received with open arms as they, especially David Cameron knew me and my background very well.
The Asians: Tell us about the European Parliament and its working?
Sajjad Karim: After the Second World War, the war-torn Europe felt the need of an organization that could save it from recurrence of war, and after some time set up European Union. The present political and economic conditions have multiplied importance of this platform for in this modern age real strength lies in mutual cooperation otherwise we can never achieve our targets with separate identities. European Parliament is trying to invest in member countries to their maximum benefit. Member countries are maintaining their individualities while working as a united front before the world. After the Elisabeth Treaty the European Parliament would emerge as a stronger power than before.
The Asians: European Union is often accused of double standards as at one hand it talks of civil liberty and democracy in the world and on the other hand it has kept silence on Hijab and cartoon issue?
Sajjad Karim: Hijab and cartoon are not issues of EU interest but of its members. If some country has imposed any such ban and anybody has objection over it, they could approach the court of their country and if someone feels that they would not get justice they could go to European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights. The European court decides not according to the law of the country concerned but in accordance with its own code of conduct and its decision is biding on the member country.
The Asians: What is your opinion about Hijab and Burqa?
Sajjad Karim: There is a difference between Burqa and head scarf. In my opinion there is no problem with head scarf. I remember that middle aged women used to go outside with their heads covered and same had been the case with white women. I think that if a girl born and brought up here wears burqa or the boy wears an odd dress different to common outfit in the society is somewhere at fault. There is a need to think over as to why a girl or a woman living in Europe decides to wear Burqa. However, I am against any law that imposes ban on Burqa.
The Asians: You have been involved in preparation of two reports on free trade agreement with India. What are their main points?
Sajjad Karim: Talks are in progress between EU and India on free trade agreement and most probably it would be signed by the end of the current year. It would be a win-win situation for both sides. There are many potential markets for British businessmen in India including legal, financial services, management consultancy, accounting services and insurance sector. Similarly, Europe is a big market for India. It is the biggest trading partner of the EU. For example Tata wants to export is cars to Europe. If FTA reaches the final stage it would help direct foreign investment in Europe and people would get jobs.
The Asians: You are the founding Chairman of the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan Group. Why did you feel need to form the group and How do you visualize the future of Pakistan?
Sajjad Karim: The group was formed in 2005 with an aim to create a platform to give Pakistan access to European Parliament. But its impact largely depends on the response it gets from the Government of Pakistan. Pakistan was benefited when her government had been in contact with the group. Now when there is no contact I am afraid things would not be achieved the way Pakistan wants. Now coming to second part of your question which is about the future of Pakistan, the present situation there is very alarming. I see it as a country where connection between the government and the people is almost non-existent.
The Asians: Are you satisfied with the role of Pakistani government in its efforts to gain access to European market?
Sajjad Karim: No. When this government came into power it was welcomed by the European Union. Earlier, EU had sent the one of its biggest election missions to Pakistan for the elections which brought the present government in Islamabad but unfortunately the good relations we had with the former Pakistani government have gone backward during the last three years instead of moving ahead. This had not happened from our side as we have been working to keep the doors of the European Union open but unfortunately the response we were expecting from the present Pakistani political government has not been coming up and the main losers are the people of Pakistan.
The Asians: You are also the member of European Parliament Friends of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka groups. What can the countries of the region do to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir?
Sajjad Karim: Nobody could imagine sixty years back that the European countries that had fought two World wars would not only sit at one table but their people would also move freely from one country to another of the region. Small differences existing among these countries could not affect the level of cooperation. In my opinion the South Asian countries should also follow the example of EU. So far as Kashmir issue is concerned EU cannot force any country to resolve this issue and remains neutral as it has relations with both the countries on equal footing.
The Asians: What are the complications in reaching free trade agreement with Pakistan?
Sajjad Karim: In my view Pakistan is still not ready for this; it is not even ready for initiating dialogue on the subject. It has not yet fulfilled the requirements of standard and regulations for GSP plus while free trade agreement is a matter that comes after that. However, this agreement is my earnest desire and hope one day it will see light of the day. I think Pakistan needs political and professional engagement with EU and until than the bilateral matters could not be improved. Where are the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan group people? Pakistani ministers visit Brussels and leave even without entering into the European Parliament building.
The Asians: What steps does EU consider for future planning in face of the economic crisis especially the one seen in Greece?
Sajjads Karim: Greek situation has a direct impact on Euro zone but as our economies are linked together. We are now regulating financial services at EU level. Similarly budget regulations are also being carried out in order to reduce deficits.
The Asians: Would you like to give any message to British Asian community?
Sajjad Karim: I would ask them that they should become part of this society instead of just living in this country.
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