British-Pakistani MP Nusrat Ghani becomes first Muslim woman to address Commons in UK

LONDON - Nusrat Ghani, a British woman of Pakistan origin, made history by becoming the first female minister of Britain to speak for the government at the House of Commons.

Ghani, born in Kashmir, was recently promoted by UK Prime Minister Theresa May as Transport Minister. She won the East Sussex seat of Wealdon in the 2015 general election and after going through different phases, she became the first Muslim woman minister.

UK has several male Muslim ministers, including the current London Mayor Sadiq Khan, but Ghani is the first female Muslim to address the Commons.

The new Conservative Transport Minister made his debut at the House of Common while addressing questions regarding station access for people with disability.

https://twitter.com/Nus_Ghani/status/953960149584052224

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, welcomed Ghani's promotion as a minister.

“I am proud to be from a party of opportunity,” he said. “We are a party of opportunity that provided this country with its first woman Prime Minister.

“Today, we are the party that provides the first Muslim woman minister to speak from the Government dispatch box—my honourable friend the Member for Wealden. I congratulate her, and I am very proud to sit alongside her today.”

The first female Muslim minister said she was “delighted and honoured” after getting promotion to the front benches

She said: "The roles are both exciting and challenging opportunities, and I am looking forward to getting started and making a difference.

“Transport is a subject on which I have campaigned passionately since being elected as the MP for Wealden. Alongside my ministerial duties, I will continue to be a strong voice for Wealden and deliver for my constituents. "