I must be in hundreds of photos seen by people around the world. Not because I’m some global celebrity, but because I regularly walk or cycle over the bridge by the Houses of Parliament in London. Each time I do, I end up in the photos of tourists lining up to take pictures of the mother of all parliaments.
While those photographs are recognised around the world, the Houses of Parliament aren’t particularly old. It’s not even the oldest parliament in the world. That honour goes to The Alþingi in Iceland, formed in 930 CE, or Tynwald in the Isle of Man, whose parliament has continuously functioned since 979 CE.
Despite that, the nickname of the mother of all parliaments sticks. Does that entitle the UK to give its opinion on democracy to a country like Pakistan approaching landmark elections? The UK parliament certainly cares about democracy and Pakistan. Just look at the topics it debates, its support for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and its work through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. As the UK Minister with responsibility for Pakistan, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, said recently, “The last five years have not been easy: a cyclone, earthquake, terrorism and floods would have shaken to the core any government around the world. So we must pay tribute to the people of Pakistan whose determination to embed democracy remained resolute”.
There is another reason why I think people in Pakistan might want to listen to voices from the UK on democracy. Its well known that across Europe the number of people participating in democracy is decreasing, from voting in elections to joining political parties. So the role played by British Pakistanis in British democracy is notable.
People who see themselves as both British and Pakistani are Mayors, local counsellors, Members of Parliament, Lords, Baronesses and Cabinet Ministers. British Pakistanis are organising debates in their local community, setting up community organisations, volunteering their time. They are dedicated, committed and achieving things we should be proud of. Their opinions are informed by that practical experience and their close connections with Pakistan, and just some of the many people speaking up for Pakistan in the UK.
We asked four such people their views, and we’ll be sharing them in the weeks leading up to polling day in Pakistan as part of our Democracy in Action series. First up is Toaha Qureshi MBE, who reminds us that casting your vote on polling day is just one part of democracy. In the UK he has used democracy to promote inter-faith and cultural understanding “That’s the beauty of democracy… it can bring peace… and this is what Pakistan can give to the world.”
