Syed Safdar Iqbal Jaffri

The influence of Pakistanis abroad is difficult to quantify. The economic changes are the most visible signs for most people but many people also expend considerable energy and vitality in helping to create a better life for everyone through their social, communal and cultural activities. Such work is invaluable but often invisible to the majority.

Nevertheless there are many selfless individuals pursuing these interests recognising the greater good shall be served by their endeavours. Syed Safdar Iqbal Jaffri has done exceptional extra work in the promotion and development of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Britain.

Oldest of the five brothers (Nasir Jaffir, Tasawar Jaffri, Shab Jaffri and Najif Jaffri) Safdar Jaffri was born in 1955. He had his early education in his native town Sarai Alamgir, district Gujrat. He arrived in UK in 1971 to join his father Syed Iqbal Jaffri. He went to Whitehall Secondary, Glasgow for further education.

After finishing his education, Safdar was involved in family business, running five stores including a Post Office, a Pizza House and later in property business too. Subsequently, apart from shouldering the responsibility to look after the family agriculture land, Safdar was involved in setting up of new business in Pakistan.

Safdar Jaffri’s family embody many of the best characteristics of Pakistanis in Britain. They enjoy a close family life coupled with a highly successful business empire which has been built up within a generation and is now so well established that the next generation are set to take the business on to even greater things in the decade or so.

Interested in music, poetry, reading, arts and culture, Safdar is always part of Bazm-i-Shero-o-Naghma and Culture Asia.  Since 1998, Safdar has regularly hosted a radio programme on Radio Awaz, ‘Glasgow’s popular Asian Radio station’. Safdar is also a popular compere and hosts various political, national and religious events.