Zubair Qureshi
Former Director of Communication & Public Diplomacy at the British High Commission (BHC) Islamabad Fouzia Younis has been elevated as Head of the UK Consulate in Toronto and is on way to join as Counsel General of UK with a sense of fulfillment as it is perhaps the first time that a British Muslim woman has been appointed Head of a Diplomatic Post.
In a tweet, the UK High Commission Islamabad wished Fouzia Younis all the best for her new diplomatic stint. Fouzia has been considered a very dedicated diplomat, a friendly and sociable person.
During her posting, she engaged the Pakistani media persons in active and constructive dialogue and hosted a number of receptions and briefings for them where she explained to them the British government’s point of view on several issues of mutual interest.
Fouzia who is currently in Islamabad will be leaving for Canada soon to wear her new cap.
In a post on social media, she shared the news in the following words: “Privileged to be appointed as His Majesty’s British Consul General to Toronto. Special moment as we think it is the 1st time (but don’t have data) that a British Muslim woman has been appointed as Head of a Diplomatic Post. I won’t be the last.”
In a message to the girls who are struggling hard to make their mark in life, her advice is “To the girls who look like me, who are battling prejudice, racism and sexism from within communities & outside, who are told they can’t do it, or that they don’t sound or look the part. Don’t let anyone dim your power. You can change the world. Shout out to my colleagues & old/new bosses for your every word of advice and challenge to help me find my voice. We serve and represent the UK of today, we represent all of us, we shape all our futures. I can’t wait to get cracking in Toronto to do just that!”
A number of her colleagues, former and present and media friends termed Fouzia’s new appointment not only a matter of pride for the British Muslim women but also for the Pakistani women as beginning from a humble family that moved to the UK back in 1960s and 1970s, she has achieved the dream.
At this point of my life I am missing my parents, my aba and ami who sacrificed their life for the success of their children, commented Fouzia.
Her grandfather and elder brother of her father also served in the British Indian army and fought at the Burma (Myanmar) border. It is because of the veterans’ role in WWII we are alive today and free, she said.
