Tributes pour in for Birmingham councillor and 'passionate community advocate' Waseem Zaffar
Tributes have poured in for Birmingham city councillor Waseem Zaffar following his untimely death at the age of just 44.
The Labour councillor grew up in the Lozells area of Birmingham and represented the ward for more than 14 years.
Cllr Zaffar had travelled to Pakistan to attend his uncle's funeral which was held just two days before he died on Friday night.
He was known as the man who spearheaded the introduction of Birmingham's Clean Air Zone in a bid to reduce the city's high levels of pollution but also as a dedicated family man to his wife Ayesha and three sons and an Aston Villa season ticket holder.
Cllr Zaffar also served as a member of scrutiny committees including one focussed on sustainability and transport and held cabinet posts overseeing transport, equalities and social justice.
Among those paying tribute are Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton who described Cllr Zaffar as "a passionate advocate of his community, a father, a husband, a young man with so much more to give to the city he was so proud to call home".
He added: "We remember a life lost too soon and a family that has suffered the most terrible and shocking of losses."
Historian Professor Carl Chinn said: "I was privileged to recognise his values as a dedicated grass-roots activist, an advocate for young people and a champion of the many in our city who are marginalised.
"He was devoted to his faith, his family, his community, the folk of Lozells and all the peoples of Birmingham. Our city has lost a true Brummie who had the potential to be an outstanding leader."
Clean air campaign group Mums for Lungs said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cllr Waseem Zaffar.
"A stalwart advocate for clean air, social justice and children's health, Waseem was a true supporter of us and our Birmingham work."His leadership on the Clean Air Zone will have a lasting impact."
Cllr Robert Alden is the leader of the Conservative group on Birmingham City Council.
He said: "While we had very different views on many things, Waseem clearly cared deeply for his local community."A lifelong Villa fan with a young family. It's awful to hear this news and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this horrendous time.
"When I would find myself, as leader of opposition, attending events in his area he would always make me welcome despite being from opposite sides."
