The Humza Yousaf family: focused on their children and wife Nadia El-Nakla

A prominent figure in Scottish politics, Humza Haroon Yousaf is renowned for his several ministerial posts and enduring dedication to public service. Yousaf, who was born in Glasgow on April 7, 1985, to Punjabi immigrants, is a shining example of commitment and leadership in public life. He went from being involved in grassroots movement to holding a prominent position in the Scottish Government.

Childhood and Schooling
Yousaf’s childhood in Glasgow was shaped by his Punjabi background and the morals his parents instilled in him. Yousaf changed from the expected professional routes of medicine, accounting, or law to follow his love for politics, in defiance of family expectations that leaned toward conventional professions. After attending Hutchesons’ Grammar School and Mearns Primary School, Yousaf completed his education in 2007 and earned a Master of Arts from the University of Glasgow.

Political Involvement
Yousaf’s strong participation in student organizations—he was president of the University of Glasgow Muslim Students Association, for example—marked his entry into politics. His early involvement in community service, which included organizing fundraisers for worthy organizations, served as a springboard for his later political career.

Yousaf joined the Scottish National Party (SNP) while still in college, and he became an active activist right away. His efforts paid off in 2007, when the SNP emerged victorious and established Scotland’s first SNP administration. This momentous occasion signified not just a momentous turning point in the political history of Scotland, but also Yousaf’s introduction into official political duties.

Career in Politics
Yousaf’s rise through the SNP ranks was quick because to his skills and unrelenting devotion. Yousaf was assigned as a personal assistant to the late Bashir Ahmad, MSP, where he acquired crucial expertise in the halls of power. Subsequently, he was elected as an MSP for the Glasgow area in 2011, which strengthened his position within the party and opened the door to more cabinet posts.

Then-First Minister Alex Salmond appointed Yousaf to the position of Minister of External Affairs and International Development in September 2012. In this role, Yousaf managed issues related to fair trade policy, diaspora relations, and foreign affairs, demonstrating his diplomatic skills internationally.

In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Cabinet Secretary for Justice, confirming his standing as an effective administrator and reformer. Entrusted with supervising Scotland’s legal system, Yousaf skillfully handled intricate matters, garnering recognition for his forward-thinking approach to formulating policies.

Present Position and Goals
Yousaf has led Scotland’s healthcare agenda since taking office as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in 2021. Despite the difficulties caused by the worldwide health crisis, Yousaf’s leadership has been distinguished by an unwavering dedication to social welfare and public health.

Even with Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation imminent, Yousaf is committed to furthering her radical social agenda. Yousaf’s dedication to equality and justice is unshakeable; he has supported policies to preserve reproductive rights as well as issues like same-sex marriage.

Individual Life
Yousaf’s personal life, outside of politics, embodies his commitment to community and family. From 2010 until 2016, Yousaf married SNP activist Gail Lythgoe. Following their divorce in 2019, he married Nadia El-Nakla. El-Nakla is a psychotherapist who was elected to the Dundee City Council in 2022 to represent the West End ward. She has a partial Palestinian background. Together, they are the parents of two children, one of whom comes from El-Nakla’s former partnership. They live in the Dundee neighborhood of Broughty Ferry. Yousaf is a fan of the legendary Glasgow-based Celtic football (soccer) club. He also enjoys riding motorbikes. His fatherhood and 2019 marriage to psychologist Nadia El-Nakla highlight the value of stability and balance in the face of the rigors of public duty.