I am on board an Emirates flight from Islamabad to Glasgow via Dubai. Travelling to Pakistan is always a strain – getting tickets, sorting luggage, phoning relatives etc. Having visited here four times in the last eight months though, means the journies are fast becoming a formality. So too, are the ever-present challenges of poverty, corruption and insecurity. These are the neglected challenges that lie beneath the beautiful and scenic motherland. The 10+ hour round trip to Islamabad these day

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As we approach the end of year, say good bye to 2009 and welcome 2010, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. My sincerest appreciation goes to you, our friends, not only for the unwavering support you’ve given to me and Islamic Relief in years past but for all of the wonderful moments of generosity ( money, time, experience, guidance) that you will surely be a part of in the future. I look forward to working with you as we make an impact in the lives of World’s underprivileged chil

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Invited by hosts Mohammad Sarwar MP and Khalid Mahmood MP, I was delighted to be in the company of our first Muslim cabinet minister Sadiq Khan, House of Commons speaker John Bercow and many other MP’s , Imams and community leaders at the Eid celebration in the House of Commons. Being a Pakistani man, I should have known that wearing traditional Scottish attire consisting of a Mackenzie tartan kilt and Prince Charlie jacket would see me stand out like a sore thumb, nevertheless I wasn’t willing

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Interview: The Scotsman Published Date: 15 December 2009 By Alice Wyllie IT'S one of the coldest days of the year and Glasgow's George Square is in full-on Christmas mode. Every inch of the city's famous public space is covered in fairground rides and glittering Christmas lights. Christmas music blares from speakers and children zip around a central ice rink. I am observing all this from the warmth of the Millennium Hotel, where I have a perfect view of the festivities. Nursing a cappucc

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Former first class cricketer and current cricket coach Haris Khan is working as Islamic Relief’s Ambassador to Pakistan and he is instrumental in using the services of Pakistani cricketers for fund raising. In September 2009, Cutoms Cricket Academy (CCA) and Islamic Relief Pakistan arranged a press conference to unveil their mission in Pakistan. The press conference was held in Karachi Gymkhana. Pakistan’s Captain Younis Khan, former captain Rashid Latif, shahid Afridi, and Jalaluddin addresse

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This is my second visit to Tobermory High School within last 2 years. Today i delivered 2 workshops on Islam and Charity to S1 and S2. I was very pleased to witness the depth of knowledge some pupil have gained on Islam through their RE classes. Tomorrow is the "Equal opportunities '"conference here in the school. S2-S6 will be participating and I have been allocated "Islamophobia" as my topic of speech and discussion.

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I received a phone call yesterday from the Muslim Council of Scotland office to update me on its new elected executive board members and guess what, i have been elected on to the Muslim Council of Scotland executive board to serve the scottish muslim community for the next 2 years...ummmm!!!!

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Muslim Council of Scotland, an umbrella organisation held its Annual General Meeting today at Madrassa Taleem Ul Islam, Glasgow. It was nice to see various community organisations reps attending the meeting on a very wet afternoon, along with some strong winds which caused disruption to travel. I personally came from Aberdeen to represent Islamic Relief in the meeting. After various MCS presentations the meeting was addressed by the invited guest speaker, Secretary General of Muslim Council o

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[caption id="attachment_46" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="My pupil volunteer in action"][/caption] I was invited about 2 years ago by Tobermory High School on Isle of Mull to talk about Charity & Islam to 4th and 5th year pupils and to P6 and P7 in the primary school. Next month they have requested me again to come over and speak to 5th years on Islamaphobia. i am looking forward to these sessions (over 2 days) and to the repeat amazing hospitality i received during my last visit

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[caption id="attachment_51" align="alignleft" width="465" caption="With The First Minister, Alex Salmond"][/caption] I was only there to present an award to someone else but the organisers definately gave me a surprise. People who truely deserve this award are my volunteers. My team in Action: Thank you to all my team members!!!

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