America: Who is the first Muslim and Pakistani woman mayor?

Fawzia Janjua of Pakistani origin has become the first Muslim and South Asian woman to be elected as the mayor of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, for 2024.

At her swearing-in ceremony at the township hall, Fawzia Janjua proudly carried a copy of the Quran in her hand, accompanied by her family.

New Jersey state assemblywoman Carol Murphy administered the oath of office to Fauzia Janjua as mayor, after which she expressed her pride in her connection to Pakistan in her speech.

She told reporters after the ceremony: ‘I am honored to be the first Pakistani and Muslim woman mayor in the history of Mount Laurel. It is a matter of pride for me and the entire Pakistani community.’

“Commitment to community service has been my life’s goal, including educating inmates and needy children,” he said.

Masood Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, congratulated Fawzia Janjua on her election as the mayor of Mount Laurel.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Congratulations on your election as Mayor of Mount Laurel. We are proud of your progress. Since you have roots in Pakistan, you can play the role of a bridge between Pakistan and America.’

Who is Fauzia Janjua?

His parents immigrated to America in the 1970s. American-born Fauzia Janjua has been doing community service for many years.

According to the Mount Laurel Mayor’s Office website: ‘Fawzia is the first Pakistani-American and Mount Laurel citizen to learn the values ​​of hard work, education and charity from her Pakistani immigrant parents.’

According to the website, Fauzia, who grew up in San Francisco, contributed to strengthening communities through her leadership skills and spirit of service.

The Mount Laurel Mayor’s Office added that Fauzia Janjua started volunteering at an early age and co-founded a charity organization ‘SJP’ where she provides food for the needy.

The organization distributes supplies to schools and blankets to hospitals and shelters.

Apart from politics, Fawzia has actively worked to bring the positive aspects of Muslim culture to the world.

According to the website, she is married to a man named Safir and has four children. Currently Fauzia is a first class teacher at Westfield Friends School.