The numerous reactions to Humza Yousaf’s appointment

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Humza Yousaf made historical past after his appointment because the First Minister of Scotland — being the primary particular person of color and the primary Muslim to carry the coveted submit. Of Pakistani descent, the brand new Scottish First Minister paid homage to his roots as he donned a black shalwar kameez throughout his oath ceremony at Scotland’s highest courtroom, the Courtroom of Session in Edinburgh. In an emotional speech, the Scottish chief stated that he’s “without end grateful that his grandparents emigrated from Pakistan to Scotland over 60 years in the past… and couldn’t think about that two generations later their grandson can be on the cusp of changing into Scotland’s First Minister.” He careworn that ‘migrants needs to be celebrated.’

Yousaf additionally took to Twitter to specific his gratitude to his supporters. ” From Punjab to Pollok, folks from internationally & right here at dwelling have been providing me their good needs, grateful for all the sort msgs I’ve acquired. “

The 37-year-ol first caught the web’s consideration when he took his oath in Urdu whereas being sworn into Parliament in 2016.

” I keep in mind watching Humza Yousaf swearing his oath in English after which in Urdu and being in awe of him – to honour each facets of himself so publicly to me felt courageous. At present means so much “

He additionally shared a photograph of his household breaking their quick throughout iftar and praying within the First Minister’s official residence, Bute Home; portraying and selling his non secular identification, a transfer that garnered each appreciation and scathing criticism.

He replaces Nicola Sturgeon because the First Minister. Tweeting in assist, Sturgeon said that she ‘proudly’ voted for Yousaf to take her place.

For the primary time in historical past, the UK has leaders of South Asian descent governing them;; an fascinating twist of historical past that has marvelled the web and introduced upon varied factors of discourse.

 

Tantalised by what his appontment could imply for the way forward for Scotland, Twitter customers couldn’t assist however speculate a transfer towards independence muchlike Pakistan did when it declared its independence from India and British rule in 1947. ” Wait, I simply realised that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is British Punjabi Indian. In the meantime, Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf is Scottish Punjabi Pakistani. Pakistan broke away from India. Scotland needs to be impartial from the UK. What a coincidence!!!!” exclaimed Twitter userJecon Dreisbach.

Offering historic context blended with amusement, Twitter consumer Temba B. Hove penned, ” Oh! The Irony: Humza Yousaf (Scotland), of Pakistan heritage, could also be negotiating with Rishi Sunak (Britain), of Indian heritage, for the partition of the UK! Overseeing this can be King Charles III, the good nephew of Lord Mountbatten, the final Viceroy of India! ”

South Asian Twitter customers, seeing speculations of independence as ‘karma or revenge’ from their former colonisers as historical past comes again in full swing.

Tweeting an image of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Mahatma Gandhi, Journalist Naila Inayat captioned it as ‘ Rishi Sunak, Humza Yousaf – 2023.’

What actually makes his accession to the place fascinating is not only his Pakistani heritage, however the truth that his gradfather Abdul Ghani was a outstanding freedom fighter throughout the Pakistan Motion which subsequently led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947; his grandfather’s position in championing Pakistan’s creation has additional heightened hopes and in some circumstances fears of an impartial Scotland.

Not everybody was thrilled on the final result, the opposite aspect of the Twitter diaspora brandished racism, with varied accounts tweeting how Yousaf’s new place is an affront to the values held by the Scottish folks.

No matter aspect of the discourse one could also be, one factor is obvious and that it’s fascinating how the tables have turned.

 

 

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