Dr. James Shera, a prominent Pakistani politician and educationist who formerly served as Mayor of Rugby in the UK, has been awarded the Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam civil award on the occasion of Pakistan’s diamond jubilee of independence. Dr Shera has been previously awarded the Sitar-e-Pakistan, MBE, and other honors for his exceptional contributions to politics, interfaith harmony, community cohesion, education, and healthcare. He is the first Pakistani to have been elected as a Mayor in the UK and has served on the boards of Coventry University and Newman University Birmingham, among others. Dr. Shera attributes his success to his efforts to build bridges between communities and his commitment to serving the community without discrimination.
In recognition of his eminent services to the people of Rugby, Dr. Shera was conferred with the prestigious ” Freeman of the Borough of Rugby” honor by the Rugby Borough Council. He has also had a road named after him in Rugby, called “James Shera Way,” which makes him the only living person and the first Pakistani to enjoy this honor. Dr. Shera has been conferred with an honorary Doctor of Business and Administration degree by the University of Bedfordshire. He cherishes serving the community irrespective of ethnicity and religion and believes in building bridges between communities. His contributions have made Pakistanis in Britain proud of their heritage.
