Toronto (Overseas Tribune)
Barrister Syed Najam Naqvi, the Canadian Politician of ruling Liberal Party has said that a deep sense of service to humanity that is central to our family values, motivated me to serve the community through the activities whether those are social or political.
In an exclusive interview with Overseas Tribune, the political added, “My values taught me that you don’t wait for someone else to fix your problems—you step up.”
Regarding the alignment between his political party’s manifesto and his core values, he asserted, “Liberal Party’s principles are aligned with my values of diversity, inclusion, and meaningful social change.” To a question concerning representing multiethnic society, Najam Naqvi said, he has balancing approach in representation of multiethnic communities as arguing, “first and foremost, I represent every single person regardless of their faiths and backgrounds.” About discrimination, the politician made it clear that we protect community’s rights to live without fear of discrimination.
To another question on Canda-Pakistan relations and role of Pakistani diaspora in Canada, Najam Naqvi emphasized, “Canadian Politicians of Pakistani heritage have a unique role to play, but it must be constructive, advocating for stronger Canada-Pakistan trade and education partnerships that benefit both countries.”
Conveying special message to the Canadian youth on vision for future, he underlined that young people look at politics and see debates that feel performative, promises that were given, and progress that was pledged. “To young people, I say, don’t just vote, Run for school boards, Join a riding association, Volunteer for campaigns, Become a candidate,” he further avowed.
About efficiency of the liberal party as a ruling party, Najam Naqvi said, “I praise the party’s leadership for demonstrating effective governance, strategic vision, and the ability to inspire confidence among members and the public.” He added, the recent convention of the party reinforced the party’s commitment to economic growth, community engagement, and building stronger connections across Canada, positioning it well for future success. “The leadership of our Prime Minister Mark Carney will make Canada strong,” he maintained.
The following are the questions along with detailed answers of Barrister Syed Najam Naqvi for the interview (conducted by Overseas Tribune www.overseastribune.com):
Question 1: Political Journey in Canada:
As a Canadian politician of Pakistani origin affiliated with the Liberal Party, what initially drew you to public service, and how did your background or cultural values shape your decision to enter politics in Canada?
Answer:
A deep sense of Service of humanity that is central to our family values, motivated me to serve the community through the activities whether those are social or political . I was brought up that way by my elders. There are many people in society who serve the community without any expectation of recognition. Particularly about my decision to participate in politics. I volunteered in the community for over two decades here and had been doing it back home. You need a seat at the table where the legislative process takes place, laws are written, and budgets are passed.
The Liberal Party, with its emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and evidence-based policy, felt like the right home for someone who wants to bridge the gap between community service and systemic change. “My values taught me that you don’t wait for someone else to fix your problems—you step up. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Question 2: Balancing approach in representation multiethnic communities
In your political career, how do you balance representing your local constituents with being a visible voice for the multiethnic and multi-cultural communities? Do you ever feel demand to be the ‘spokesperson’ for all communities in your constituency?
Answer:
“That’s a really fair question, and I appreciate you asking it directly. The honest answer is: yes, there is demand. Sometimes I walk into a room and people expect me to speak for them. There are communities from different ethnic and religious backgrounds; new generations, families, professionals, artists, immigrants and others. First and foremost, I represent every single person regardless of their faiths and backgrounds.
Question 3: Navigating Islamophobia & Discrimination
Discrimination, particularly Islamophobia, is a matter of serious concern. Muslims in Canada have faced rising Islamophobia, particularly after some events like the 2021 London, Ontario, the family truck attack. How do you personally navigate this climate as a public figure, and what role should the Liberal government play in protecting both Muslim communities and other religious minorities?
Answer:
Yes, discrimination, particularly Islamophobia, is a matter of serious concern. The Liberal government has taken important steps to address it; The Rapid Response Mechanism to combat hate and discrimination, appointing Canada’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia to advise the federal government on fighting anti-Muslim hate. Our government passed M-103, which condemned systemic racism and religious discrimination, including Islamophobia. But more work is needed, target prevention and particularly holding social media accountable for hate speech.
It is not just about Muslims’ concerns. When we protect one community’s right to pray, gather, and live without fear, we protect every community. The government’s role is to lead with both compassion and concrete action.
Question 4: Canada-Pakistan Relations & Diaspora Influence
With a growing Pakistani diaspora in Canada, what role do you think Canadian politicians of Pakistani heritage should play in shaping Canada’s foreign policy toward Pakistan, particularly on issues like democratic values, and economic development?
Answer:
The Pakistani diaspora in Canada are hundreds of thousands. They send remittances, they maintain family ties, and care deeply about Pakistan. Politicians of Pakistani heritage have a unique role to play, but it must be constructive, advocating for stronger Canada-Pakistan trade and education partnerships that benefit both countries. Pakistan is a young nation, over 60% of its population is youth. We encourage democracy and civilian rule. As Canadian politicians, we should support democratic institutions in Pakistan, our role should be to promote stability, good governance, and economic opportunity without any discrimination.
Question 5: Vision for Future
The political landscape in Canada is shifting. Looking ahead to the next federal elections, what message would you give to young Canadian Muslims and South Asians specifically who feel disillusioned with traditional politics? Why should they stay engaged with the Liberal Party?
Answer:
Young people look at politics and see debates that feel performative, promises that were given, and progress that was pledged. For young Muslims and South Asians, they have a bright future in Canadian society. They can play a good role as Canadians by attaining good knowledge and skills. We have chosen this beautiful democratic country as a home, and we should contribute towards this.
Struggle is a fuel for change, but sitting out the elections only ensure that your voice isn’t heard. The Liberal Party, despite its challenges, remains the political home that has consistently championed diversity, immigration, and anti-discrimination measures including Bill C-16 to add gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act.
To young people, I say: don’t just vote. Run for school boards. Join a riding association. Volunteer for campaigns. Become a candidate. We need more young Muslims and South Asians writing policy, not just commenting on it from the sidelines. The Liberal Party needs you more than you need it. So, push from the inside. That’s what I’m trying to do every single day.
Q 6: Recent Convention of Liberal Party:
What were your views on the strength of the Liberal Party and the effectiveness of its leadership as discussed at the recent party’s convention?
Answer:
The convention was fabulous. 4500 participants made it a unique event. The Liberal Party was strong, united, and forward-looking, highlighting its growing grassroots support, organizational capacity, and clear policy direction. I praise the party’s leadership for demonstrating effective governance, strategic vision, and the ability to inspire confidence among members and the public. The convention reinforced the party’s commitment to economic growth, community engagement, and building stronger connections across Canada, positioning it well for future success. The leadership of our Prime Minister Mark Carney will make Canada strong. He has been able to handle the international trade war with United States of America and his expertise as an economist enable us to open new trade venues with European nations and other countries.
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