Labour grandee back from Punjab for campaign

THE Labour Party kingpin who now heads Pakistan’s most powerful provincial government is coming to Scotland as part of the final push to halt a vote for independence.

The Herald understands Mohammad Sarwar is scheduled to appear at an event in the city on Sunday with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Mr Sarwar, the “grey cardinal” of Labour politics and the multi- millionaire owner of a wholesale business, has been the Governor of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous and politically important province, since last summer.

The UK’s first Muslim MP, Mr Sarwar stood down four years ago, having represented the people of Glasgow since 1997, and was obliged to give up his British citizenship to take on the new role.

Mr Sarwar’s Govan seat was won for Labour by his son, Anas, current deputy leader of Scottish Labour.

Senior figures within the SNP have criticised his appearance here, calling it an intervention by an “overseas government”. Others within the par ty have claimed it points to further panic within the No camp.

Mohammad Shaoib, organiser of Scots Asians for Independence, said there has been criticism in Pakistan, after floods forced 700,000 villagers to flee their homes and killed 450 in Pakistan and India. It is understood Mr Sarwar’s visit will include fund-raising for flood victims.

Sources close to Labour and the No campaign said the involvement of Mr Sarwar would boost moves “to win every vote going”.

One source said: “Sarwar senior is popular, he’s wellknown and he’s a big-hitter. I don’t regard the issue of foreign governments as relevant. People think of Mohammad as Glaswegian.”

Mr Sarwar and Mr Brown will appear together at the Muslim Friends of Labour event at Glasgow’s Marriott Hotel on Sunday.