Pakistani VIP in Town Hall talks

Ayesha Javed, a member of the provincial assembly in the Punjab region, was introduced to Rotherham Borough Council leader Roger Stone and the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Rose McNeely.

She spent a week in the town staying with businessman Anjum Abbasi, of Moorgate.

Mrs Javed, whose father was the Pakistan ambassador to Spain, is a member of the Pakistan Muslim League party which is part of Pakistan’s ruling coalition government alongside the Pakistan People’s Party.

At the time of the coup by former president Musharraf in 1999 her husband was placed in solitary confinement for one and a half years for siding with the democratically elected government of Nawaz Sharif.

Mr Abbasi said: “She stayed in Pakistan and fought against Musharraf’s dictatorship and was in and out of prison under his regime.

“After Mr Sharif went back and became Prime Minister she became a prominent member of his party, speaking about human rights.

“She was also president of the women’s league of the party and is currently the president of the human rights wing.

“During her visit to Rotherham she met the Pakistani community and was very impressed with the progress that has been made and encouraged people to take part in politics.

“She was given a very warm welcome by Cllr Stone and we would like to thank him for the hospitality. He has been invited by her to visit the provincial assembly in Pakistan.

“She also met Cllr McNeely at the Town Hall and was given a very friendly reception.”