Prince of Wales honours first-ever British Pakistani headteacher

LONDON: An educational foundation set up in honour of the first-ever Pakistani head-teacher in Britain, Nawazish Bokhari OBE, has celebrated its five years’ anniversary with a celebratory video message from His Royal Highness Prince of Wales.

Bokhari, an inspirational headteacher and campaigner, was the first British Muslim to run a UK secondary school in 1985. He came to Britain from Pakistan’s Sialkot in 1960 went on to deliver quality education. He was also invested for his services by the royal family and given the title of Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Bokhari’s children, Hina and Harris Bokhari, set up Naz Legacy Foundation to promote their father’s work of inspiring young people to achieve their potential, promoting excellence in education and programmes spearheading positive integration into society.

“Sixteen years ago I invested the late Naz Bokhari with the OBE in recognition of his services to education. How immensely proud he would be if he knew that in 2017 his wonderful work is still being carried on, in his name, by the Foundation. He would also, I am sure, be hugely proud of his son, Harris - himself invested with an OBE in 2015 - in leading the foundation and contributing so much to its aims, as well as to good relations between different faiths,” said HRH Prince of Wales.

“We are delighted to be celebrating five years of the Naz Legacy Foundation. Our father was a champion for young people. He believed that every young person - no matter what their background or circumstances - deserved the best quality of education available. He also believed that every young person should have the same chance as every other young person, but they will also make mistakes. Our job is to trust young people and to support and encourage them in spite of their mistakes - only then will we see them realise their true potential,” said Harris.

He added that his father was very proud of his Pakistani heritage and he hopes the five-year landmark is not only an inspiration for others to continue his legacy but a reminder of the great contributions the people of Pakistani heritage have given to the UK and the world in the field of education.”