But that is what the Rugby borough councillor and former Rugby mayor did when he was granted a very rare meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.

And on top of that, the British national of Pakistan may have pursuaded the Government to set up an Indian Pakistani peace group in the UK and to give voting rights to ex-pats.

Cllr. Shera MBE, who is the only man alive still to have been awarded the Star of Pakistan, also met with the Foreign Minister, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Minorities.

This comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and India are facing turmoil, especially after the recent Mombai massacre.

His dramatic ten-day visit made international news, and when he arrived back at his home in Dunchurch Road, Rugby, on Monday, he spoke exclusively to the Advertiser.

"It was a privilege to meet the Prime Minister of Pakistan," he said.

"I went out to Pakistan for my niece's wedding but while I was there, I called upon the Prime Minister.

"I wanted to say to them that overseas ex-patriots can help defuse the situation between India and Pakistan as we try to tackle the evil of terrorism.

"The Foreign Minister was very interested when I told him I wanted to set up something to help relations between India and Pakistan.

"The terrorists across the world are friends of no one and we need to work on a worldwide level to tackle terrorism."

International news reports from Pakistan said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi paid tribute to Cllr. Shera's many contributions to both the UK and Pakistan.

The reports also said the Prime Minister is considering granting votes rights to ex-pats of Pakistan in light of Mr. Shera's discussion.
The Rugby borough councillor is currently the leader of the town's Labour Party and represents the Benn Ward.

He is now hoping to meet with senior figures in the British Government to pursue his ideas.