LONDON, March 25: Britain’s most powerful Muslim woman is Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who notably helped rescue a Briton jailed in Sudan for blasphemy two years ago, a panel of judges said on Wednesday.

Ms Warsi, a 38-year-old member of the House of Lords, said her Pakistani origins and her “strong faith” contributed to her career success, highlighted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Other names in the top five of the Muslim Women Power List, chosen by a panel of the commission’s judges, were BBC News presenter Mishal Hussain, Grange Park Opera chief executive Wasfi Kani and Farmida Bi, a banking partner for law firm Norton Rose LLP.

“I’m extremely proud to be named as the most powerful British Muslim woman and I’m sure my Pakistani origins, my strong faith and my Yorkshire upbringing has played a huge part,” Ms Warsi said.

Trevor Phillips, head of the commission, said, “Our list of female Muslim high achievers challenges many stereotypes, celebrating some truly impressive individuals.” Ms Warsi was one of two British peers who secured the release of Gillian Gibbons in 2007.—AFP
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