Interview with Dr Ashraf Choudhary MP

(New Zealand)

BY Shahid Malik

When I was a teenager I lived in Sialkot (a beautiful city about 80 miles from Lahore) for few months it was an experience I would never forget , for a Lahori its difficult to love another city as much but Sialkot is known for its love of people and for producing Dynamic people throughout its history

Dr Ashraf Choudhary is the first ever Asian to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament born and raised in Sialkot and educated in Faisalabad and in England, he is known as a Gentleman who always has time for others and is always willing to help everyone.

A man of strong convictions and morals has always made his impact where ever he went, people have always relied upon him and he has always been forth coming to share his knowledge and experience

New Zealanders could not have chosen a better son of the East to represent in their parliament

1-what prompted you to go into politics?

I have been involved in promoting the interests and welfare of ethnic people of New Zealand. New Zealand has over 7% Asians (mainly of Chinese and South Asian origin) and 7% people of Polynesian background and over 5-7% people of other ethnic & migrant community.

I have been involved with and the Chairman of the NZ Federation of Ethnic Councils for some time. Hence, it has been a natural progression to get more formally involved in politics as there has been a dire need for representation in the New Zealand parliament. Dr Ashraf Choudhary and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark

2-what is the stance of your party and your government regarding the war in Iraq?

NZ does not support unilateral action against Iraq. The government will not join in any unilateral action.

NZ fully supports the UN’s efforts in Iraq.

The government hopes that Iraq will comply with all UN resolutions concerning the search for, monitoring of, and, if evidence is found, destruction of Iraq’s weaponry.

The government strongly backs a diplomatic solution to this process.

NZ does not believe there is any need for haste. Above all, the weapon inspection process must be thorough.

In the event of evidence of weapons of mass destruction and a failure through the diplomatic process to disarm Iraq, the UN could, as a last resort, mandate action against Iraq.

In the post-war situation, the NZ Government will consider contributing to the UN effort with medical, humanitarian or logistical support.

No decision has been taken on whether to make a contribution or what form any contribution would take.

Dr Choudhary outside New Zealand Parliament

3-what is your personal point of view on the War?

As I am a member of the governing party, I fully concur with Government policy. I believe that no country or government has the right to unilaterally attack another country. Any action should be through a multi-lateral approach after all diplomatic means to bring about peace have been exhausted.

4-how do you see changes in world order and ANZ regions change of role

After the demise of the Soviet Union, there is only one superpower left. This has brought new dynamics to the international peace and security situation. Following any military action in Iraq, the world is likely to become polarised and there is a great danger of new political alignments causing political instability.

The Australia-New Zealand region (South Pacific) is a relatively peaceful place. However, Australia’s military support for USA’s unilateral action could bring about reactions and disharmony in the region.

5-Are Muslims being perceived generally as not good citizens in NZ (SINCE 9/11)

New Zealand is generally considered a peaceful and harmonious place. The September 2001 attacks in the USA have had minor repercussions against the Muslim community in New Zealand. The New Zealand government and the wider community leadership have worked hand-in-hand to promote peace and harmony and I am delighted to say that I am proud of our inter-ethnic relations in New Zealand.

6-How would you rate future of young Indians/Pakistanis in NZ?

The wider Indian community (including Pakistanis) is relatively small; about 50-60,000 people out of a population of nearly 4 millions. Pakistanis in New Zealand are about 2,000 altogether. Most Indo-Pakistani people in New Zealand are skilled professional or business people and are relatively well-off. Young people of sub-continental ancestry are doing well in professional fields, and they are well-integrated into the wider community.

7-What is your back ground (which part of Pakistan)

I was born in Sialkot, Pakistan. Graduated from Faisalabad and then completed my Masters degree from New Castle upon Tyne, U.K. before migrating to New Zealand to do my PhD in agricultural engineering. I have been Associate Professor at Massey University where I have been working since 1976.

8-why politics???

Please see answer to question 1.

9-how would you relate and differentiate your life and connections with Pakistan and NZ.

I guess I consider myself well settled and have raised my family in New Zealand. I am a regular visitor to Pakistan. I have been assisting Pakistani students to come to New Zealand on NZODA scholarships. At the same time, I have been involved in agricultural development projects in Pakistan through New Zealand and international aid for many years. These projects take me to Pakistan 2-3 times a year, although in my position as an MP, the frequency of my visits is likely to change.

10-how would you think Pakistan and its people can benefit from you success story and your dedication to civil society?

I believe that every human being, irrespective where they live, have a role to play building civil society. There are many examples of migrant communities around the world who have contributed hugely to socio-economic development, innovation and promoting peace and justice both in their adopted countries and internationally.

I believe the overseas Pakistanis can offer a lot to Pakistan, provided leaders in Pakistan are amendable to using this “brain-reserve”.

11- Would you suggest ways to improve politics in Pakistan? (Level of corruption)

Pakistan hasn’t had the opportunity to develop its democratic institutions and infrastructure. Since independence, Pakistan has seen too much interference from the Armed Forces in the civilian affairs. This has lead to the development of a lack of trust and respect for authority.

It is rather difficult to imagine any quick-fix solutions. Pakistan needs to give democracy a real chance. Military must go back to their barracks. There has to be a transparency in the electoral system and accountability of business of the government and state.

Notwithstanding, people have to change for themselves. No outside solutions can be enforced.

Dr Choudhary taking oath on The Holy Quran

Asian outlook.com would like to say a big thank you to Gunda Tente, Dr Choudhary’s Assistant for efficiency and dedicated support in making this interview possible.