Pakistani-British becomes first female Muslim mayor of UK’s Rushmoor

HAMPSHIRE: Pakistani-British Councillor Sophia Choudhary took charge as Rushmoor Borough Council’s first female Muslim Mayor on Tuesday.

Sophia, who belongs to Azad Kashmir, was handed over the charge by former mayor Councillor Jacqui Vosper in a ceremony, which was attended by Sophia’s friends, family, council members and other people from the Pakistani-British community.

Speaking to Geo News, Sophia remarked “I hope I have fulfilled my father’s and my mother’s wishes.” She also hoped to take forward the work she has done with charities.

On the recent Manchester attack, she said that such incidents have the tendency to divide the nation. “We express our condolence for those that have suffered loss. I hope we don’t forget that we are all united. We all our humans,” she added.

Sophia’s father, Saleem Choudhary, also served as Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council in 2002.

He told Geo News that he is proud of his daughter as she reached the post on her own with hard work.

He also remarked that the Pakistan community in Britain in should take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Sophia made her sister, Attika Choudhary, the mayoress of the council.

"It is an honour for my sister and me that [we have been elected] to work for a year," remarked Attika. 

The council leader said, “We are excited that Sophia is our next mayor,”