Bisma Asif is a Pakistani-origin Australian lawmaker who recently made her maiden speech in the Queensland Parliament, speaking in Urdu and Punjabi.

What was significant about Bisma Asif's speech?

Bisma Asif's speech highlighted the strength of diversity and the importance of belonging through visibility, not assimilation. Her use of her ancestral languages in the Parliament has resonated globally, validating immigrant languages and bridging cultural divides.

How has Bisma Asif's speech been received?

Bisma Asif's speech has gone viral, with the video being viewed millions of times on social media. It has become a powerful symbol of Multicultural Queensland Month 2025, celebrating the diverse stories that bind the community together.

Home / Lifestyle / Pakistani-Australian Lawmaker's Powerful Multilingual Debut in Parliament

Pakistani-Australian Lawmaker's Powerful Multilingual Debut in Parliament

28 Oct

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Summary

Pakistani-origin Australian politician Bisma Asif speaks Urdu and Punjabi in Queensland Parliament
Her speech highlights the strength of diversity and belonging through visibility, not assimilation
Viral video resonates globally, validating immigrant languages and bridging cultural divides

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.