Voices of Rochdale’s Inspirational Leaders: Zulfikar Ali
In this episode of Voices of Rochdale’s Inspirational Leaders, Zulfikar Ali, former Councillor and Mayor of Rochdale (2010–2011), reflects on his journey into local politics and his dedication to serving the community.
Zulfikar Ali shares how his passion for public service led him to become actively involved in local leadership, eventually serving as Mayor and representing the diverse communities of Rochdale. During his time in office, he focused on practical initiatives that addressed the real needs of residents.
One of his most notable achievements was helping establish a weekend burial service at the local cemetery. Previously, burial services were only available from Monday to Friday, which created challenges for many families, particularly within the Muslim community where burials are often required within a short time after death. By working with local authorities, Zulfikar helped introduce weekend services, ensuring families could carry out religious and cultural practices with dignity and respect.
Zulfikar also highlights the strong cultural ties between Rochdale and Rajdhani in Azad Kashmir. Many residents in Rochdale trace their heritage to this region, and he played a key role in strengthening these connections by helping establish a twinning relationship between Rochdale and Rajdhani. This partnership celebrates shared heritage and encourages cultural understanding between the two communities.
Through his leadership and commitment, Zulfikar Ali’s story demonstrates how local representatives can make meaningful changes that positively impact everyday life while also strengthening the cultural identity of their communities.
