Sarwar: From Labour MP To Governor Of Punjab

Britain's first ever Muslim MP has quit the country to become governor of Punjab, one of Pakistan's largest provinces.

Mohammad Sarwar, who was a Labour politician in Scotland for 13 years, stepped down as MP for Glasgow Central in 2010 and is said to have played a role in the election of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan last month.

Pakistan-born Mr Sarwar's dual British and Pakistani citizenship held up his appointment but he apparently gave up his British nationality to take up the role.

His son, Anas Sarwar, who won his father's vacated Westminster seat in 2010 and is now deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, confirmed the appointment.

He tweeted: "Confirmed Pakistan PM has sent summary to President. Sarwar snr to be appointed Governor of Punjab, where he was born & population 90 million."

The MP later added on the social networking site: "Feel so proud having just spoken to Sarwar snr & congratulating him on appointment as Governor of Punjab. His response 'I'm ready son!'"

Mr Sarwar was elected as MP for Glasgow Govan in 1997 and became the first MP to swear the Oath of Allegiance on the Koran.

He was re-elected in 2001 and then after boundary changes in Scotland won the new constituency of Glasgow Central in 2005.