Pakistani-Australian Lawmaker's Powerful Multilingual Debut in Parliament

In a powerful display of multicultural representation, a viral video shows Pakistani-origin Australian lawmaker Bisma Asif speaking Urdu and Punjabi in the Queensland Parliament. Asif, the first Pakistani and Punjabi-origin woman elected to the Queensland State Assembly, made her maiden speech this week, showcasing her calm confidence and soft accent as she proudly spoke the languages of her ancestors.

Asif's speech has become a global moment of belonging and identity, resonating with the Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi diaspora worldwide. The video, which has been viewed millions of times, highlights the strength that diversity brings, emphasizing the importance of belonging through visibility rather than assimilation. Asif's words validate the use of immigrant languages, bridging cultural divides and proving that multiculturalism works best when it sounds like everyone.

This moment from inside the Parliament has become the most powerful symbol of Multicultural Queensland Month 2025, a state-wide celebration of the diverse stories that bind the community together. Bisma's speech, a simple yet profound reminder that language is identity, has struck a chord globally, as it reflects the duality that every migrant carries - the public voice in English and the private one in the mother tongue.