Syed Yousuf Gilani

A Norwegian politician who was the first Pakistani born in Norway, has been elected as deputy mayor of Drammen city of Norway. The shining political star Syed Yousuf Gilani is first Muslim with Pakistani back ground in Scandinavia becoming deputy mayor in Norway. He was previously elected as a member of Drammen city parliament for many years and also served as general secretary of Norwegian Cricket Board as well as manager of Norwegian Cricket team. Currently, Gilani, 42 is also working chief of Norwegian Welfare and Administration Services Authority in Askar district near Oslo, the capital.

Gilani has always been socially engaged and visible in Drammen and for that he has long been a strong voice for the multicultural town and is popular among the people.

According to him, human freedom is very important. "The good life" is created where people have opportunities to grow, to feel that they have control over their own lives and not be dictated by others. I am grateful of the citizens of Drammen for their support in the elections.”

“It's for first time ever in north Europe, Scandinavia and Norway that a politician from Pakistani origin is elected as deputy Mayor in Norway. It's a really honour for all the minorities in Norway who are really glad on the land mark victory.”

Gilani emphasized that he is ready to make an effort with a focus on schools, education, the environment, sports, entrepreneurs, industry and elderly.

About Pakistan, he said, corruption is one of the main problems in Pakistan and there should be comprehensive efforts for eradication of such menace from the society. He also vowed to work for making bridge in the context of relations between the two countries.

Most of Norwegian Pakistani migrated in Norway in 1970s and they played a significant role in the development of Norway.