Having moved from Pakistan in 1980, I have been living in Scotland for the last 30 years- worked at ICI in Dumfries for 2 years after graduating. Then I took over the family business for a few years, managing 4 MOT stations around Scotland. I joined Islamic Relief in October 2003 as a fundraiser and now am Head of Islamic Relief Scotland. Throughout the course of my work I have visited Sudan, Niger, Ethiopia, Somaliland, Indonesia, Pakistan, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Syria, Gaza, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon. I do play sitar in my free time, at various functions the length and breadth of Scotland. http://www.habibmalik.com/ Copyright 2010 © Habib Malik Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:06:24 -0500 Well today was the Great Scottish Run 2010 (10K and half-marathon) in Glasgow. I made my way to George Square this morning to meet all our the runners participating under  Awaz FM / Islamic Relief banner, running to raise money for the Pakistan flood victims.It was really inspiring to see runners from different religious groups and ethnicity included those from the Scottish government, the local city council elected members, professionals and students running for the same cause raising fund... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/leaving-glasgow-on-a-high-p75.html HMalik-Post-75 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:26:33 -0500 It gives me great pleasure to say that Islamic Relief has always had the support of Glasgow’s big-hearted community radio stations Radio Ramadan Glasgow (87.7fm) and Awaz FM (107.2 fm). Both stations have helped Islamic Relief broadcast its message to the community in and around Glasgow for the last 10 years. Radio Ramadan Glasgow has chosen Islamic Relief as its one of the charity organisation during their month of Ramadan broadcast. They have been broadcasting Islamic Relief’s... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/glasgow-community-radios-serving-pakistan-flood-victims-p74.html HMalik-Post-74 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:27:28 -0500 Our Scottish Government has awarded £75,000 to Islamic Relief’s Pakistan floods response.  The grant was announced today by First Minister Rt Hon. Alex Salmond at the Edinburgh Blackhall Mosque in Edinburgh.   On behalf of Islamic Relief, I would like to thank the Scottish Government for this amazing gift to the flood-affected people of Pakistan.  Scotland has once again demonstrated its commitment to assisting vulnerable people around the world by ma... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/scotland-delivers-again-for-pakistan-p73.html HMalik-Post-73 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:29:36 -0500 Over the past weekend I was back in England for a two day trip to attend the “Iftar for Pakistan” charity dinner events for the flood victims. My first stop was Luton on Saturday where I was joined by hard working Islamic Relief volunteers with our two guests of honour Pakistani cricket players Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq. The Luton dinner was organised and led by the owner of Nadeem Plaza, Mr Nadeem I was pleased to see different organisations attending the event in Lut... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/pakistan-cricketers-in-action-for-pakistan-floods-p72.html HMalik-Post-72 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:54:35 -0500 The past few days have been remarkable for me as I drove 1200 miles-  on Friday,20th August from Glasgow to North East England, Bradford and then to Wales on Saturday and Sunday in the cities of Newport and Cardiff in order to raise funds during Islamic Relief’s “Iftar for Pakistan” dinners held there. Monday back to Glasgow via Bristol. All three of the above fundraising dinners were entirely organised by Islamic Relief local volunteers and what is even more ins... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/bradford-newport-cardiff-three-big-hearted-cities-p71.html HMalik-Post-71 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:06:46 -0500 On Friday (20th August), I had the pleasure of participating in an amazing Islamic Relief event in Bradford at the Hilton hotel. At very short notice and request by our Bradford volunteers, a 600-strong crowd turned out to support Islamic Relief’s aid efforts in Pakistan during their time of need in the aftermath of the worst disaster in recent history.With brief motivational and inspiring speeches from Hanif (a dedicated Islamic Relief volunteer for 14 years), Jehangir Malik (OBE) UK... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/bradford-generously-responds-to-pakistan-floods-victims-p70.html HMalik-Post-70 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:04:44 -0500 As my journey out of Nowshera began on saturday, i felt that my duty towards these people had just begun. I am now reminiscing of my time and asking myself if I have given anything to these unfortunate souls. Has my presence benefited them in anyway? But the more I think, the more I realize, that I'm the one who has benefited. I'm the one who is taking something away. They have taught my value. Value of the basic amenities we all take for granted. Value of shelter, water, clean clothes, and of f... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/ask-them-not-to-forget-us-but-pray-for-us-p69.html HMalik-Post-69 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:33:35 -0500 Now into my 5th day in Nowshera, am I getting the chance to put my mind onto paper, and share with you all my thoughts and feelings so far. As I arrived into Islamabad airport, I was occupied by the thought of my ways to communicate and convey my message to the rest of the world. Without delay, I approached the security officer, and asked for internet access. Initially I was refused, but after explaining my role and purpose of visit, I was granted unlimited access along with a cup of t... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/one-year-ago-they-opened-arms-to-the-people-of-swat-p68.html HMalik-Post-68 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:27:18 -0500 Since my arrival from UK on Sunday morning, I have been working on the grounds of Nowshera where tents are being arranged by Islamic Relief for the hundreds of families displaced from their homes due to torrential flood waters. Minutes after my arrival today at the camp site, I was faced with the first of many tragic stories. Twelve year old Kaiynaat who along with her two elder sisters, one year old brother, parents and grandmother have all been displaced from her family home. She recalls being... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/pakistan-floods-did-nt-discriminate-p67.html HMalik-Post-67 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:00:27 -0500 I am here in Northwest of Pakistan with my Islamic Relief team.Here are my few video Blogs so far;Leaving Glasgow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvlJtIp8NVc&feature=relatedFrom Islamabad Airport http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXxPrPxvqCc&feature=relatedFrom Nowshera (Northwest of Pakistan) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huysl_cZohgmore to follow;You may be interested to follow me on the twitter.Here is my address: www.twitter.com/habib_malik http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/pakistan-floods-i-am-here-a-few-of-my-video-blogs-p66.html HMalik-Post-66 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:24:15 -0500 I am just back from Tehreek-e-Insaf-Scotland's community event held in Tramway, Glasgow where Imran Khan, the founder and the chairman of PTI Pakistan Political party was the chief guest. Former Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan has claimed during his speech, had he been Pakistan's Prime Minister, he would have eliminated terrorism off Pakistan's soil within 90 days. He has also vowed to flog big crooks himself if elected to power. Mr Khan also claimed that Pakistan is ready for a revolution a... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/i-can-wipe-out-terrorism-in-90-days-in-pakistan-p65.html HMalik-Post-65 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:08:32 -0500 The world we live in; Almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the 41 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (567 million people) is less than the wealth of the world’s 7 richest people combined. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by t... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/the-world-we-live-in-p64.html HMalik-Post-64 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:48:19 -0500 The eyes of the world are fixed on South Africa as teams from around the globe compete in the first-ever football World Cup on African soil. The only British team in the tournament is England. It is getting harder and harder for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to qualify for the World cup. I am confused and under 'pressure' in declaring my allegiance. Having lived in the east-end of Glasgow for over 30 years, yes I do love football but am I going to support England? Am I expected to support... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/the-real-world-cup-p63.html HMalik-Post-63 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:10:51 -0500 Yesterday I was invited by Colours of Islam and Yorkhill Children’s Foundation to a unique and colorful ‘Children’s fashion show’ event here in Glasgow – where cultures and faiths were brought together in support of sick children at Yorkhill Hospital.  This was an excellent “good cause” extravaganza organised by the volunteers of Colours of Islam and the hospital foundation. There were activities for all the family- stalls, auction, prizes, and surp... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/true-colours-of-islam-on-show-for-yorkhill-hospital-p62.html HMalik-Post-62 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:07:54 -0500 I regularly get requests from schools here in Scotland to come and deliver workshops on cultural diversity, equal opportunities, Islamophobia, multi-culturalism, charity in Islam etc.. During the month of June I am invited to Robert Gordon’s college in Aberdeen. My audience is normally 6th year students. Yesterday was my 4th visit to this college where I delivered a 90 minutes workshop on ‘Cultural diversity and Muslims’ to 6th years. I was very impressed with pupil’s pos... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-4th-year-in-robert-gordon-s-college-p61.html HMalik-Post-61 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:02:09 -0500 The contribution of volunteers in our voluntary sector can often go unacknowledged. Volunteers make significant contributions to our society. I can not fully articulate how appreciative Islamic Relief and especially the team here in Scotland are for our volunteer’s inspiring generosity in volunteering for various campaigns and projects. Neither can I articulate how indebted I am to each of our team member personally; our volunteers are the real champions of Islamic Relief, the un-credited facili... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/volunteers-are-the-real-champions-p60.html HMalik-Post-60 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 05:21:14 -0500 North-east aid worker ‘praying for peace’Islamic Relief organiser wants United Nations to take lead roleBy Morag LindsayPublished: 01/06/2010 A NORTH-EAST aid worker with more than 10 years’ experience in Gaza has called on the UK’s new coalition government to get behind the United Nations and condemn yesterday’s atrocities.Habib Malik, Aberdeen-based organiser for Islamic Relief, said he was “shocked and angry” after Israeli commandos stormed a convoy of boats carrying supplies from Cyprus to t... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/flotilla-north-east-aid-worker-praying-for-peace-p59.html HMalik-Post-59 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:32:40 -0500 In our competitive and fast-paced society, it is unusual to “give up” our time and energy for seemingly nothing in return. So why volunteer? Studies worldwide have shown that engaging in social activities such as volunteering within the community can greatly improve mental and physical health, greater life satisfaction, lower rates of depression and lower mortality rates. For most, volunteering stems from the desire to help others or to “do good” for the community; it's n... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/be-a-volunteer-to-change-the-world-p58.html HMalik-Post-58 Sun, 23 May 2010 15:38:17 -0500 At last, in a historic breakthrough for race relations and community cohesion, Britain made its first ever Pakistani-origin women, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the conservative Party chairperson and a full cabinet minister in the new coalition government. Baroness Warsi was also the first Muslim women to sit on the front bench of a British political party in July 2007 at the age of 36. It was during this period when I first time met Sayeeda Warsi along with her lovely parents at a fundraising event i... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/sayeeda-warsi-conservative-party-s-secret-weapon-p57.html HMalik-Post-57 Sun, 16 May 2010 21:12:33 -0500 I am on a short family visit in Pakistan since last weekend. Last Sunday afternoon I was invited to a gathering of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cabin crew here in Rawalpindi. It was the launch of PIA cabin crew association, an initiative to establish a formal committee who will be responsible for dealing with cabin crew issues and concerns. This event was organised by one of my good friend Rizwansunny, an ex-Islamic relief (Pakistan) employee who is a senior flight steward now in PIA.[c... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/pakistan-international-great-people-to-fly-with-p56.html HMalik-Post-56 Sun, 16 May 2010 02:02:20 -0500 Today is World AIDS Orphans Day. Millions of children are orphaned and left to struggle for survival in countries where war, poverty, famine, or diseases such as HIV/AIDS are part of everyday life. Losing one or both parents is traumatic for any child in any situation. I remember after Tsunami while working in Banda Aceh, hundreds of children and specially the newly orphaned in severe trauma. The mental scars are still evident on orphans in Kashmir after Earthquake. [caption id="attachment_474" ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/millions-of-orphans-trapped-in-wars-poverty-famine-hiv-aids-p55.html HMalik-Post-55 Sat, 08 May 2010 03:00:00 -0500 With today's general election likely to come down to the wire it is extremely important that all political parties after friday must commit to ensuring the UK does all it can to bring about a world in which poverty is eradicated, people’s basic needs are met and their rights are realised.UK is one of the richest countries in the world therefore it can and must play a powerful role in international bodies, particularly in promoting justice and equality globally. The elected government must play ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/make-this-election-count-for-the-world-s-poor-p54.html HMalik-Post-54 Thu, 06 May 2010 03:11:45 -0500 I was invited yesterday to be one of the speakers at UNESCO’s seminar on ‘Reaching the marginalised’ in the Scottish parliament, Edinburgh. It was an all day seminar with the keynote speakers from The Scottish Government, Keith Brown MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning and Olav Seim, Director Education for All International Coordination Team – UNESCO. A brief summary of Global Monitoring Report (GMR) 510 pages in total, very intelligently and full of amazing facts and co... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/education-in-emergencies-is-also-life-saving-p53.html HMalik-Post-53 Sat, 01 May 2010 18:40:44 -0500 Before the current conflict, the Swat Valley was famous all over the world for the natural beauty bestowed upon it. Nature has been generous to Swat filling it with breathtaking natural scenery. People flock from all continents to see its winding and crystal clear lakes, such as the Maho Dand, contrasted with its snowy mountainous terrain. In addition, it holds much significance for the many man-made relics it contains and historical religious artefacts, attracting Muslims and Buddhists alike. I... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/rebuilding-life-in-devastated-swat-p52.html HMalik-Post-52 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:46:23 -0500 April 25th is marked as a day of remembrance of the global efforts to effective control of malaria around the world. Malaria is known to be one of the oldest diseases affecting mankind. A single bite of female Anopheles mosquito can easily transmit this disease to the human body. Approximately 3.3 billion People – almost half of the world population - around the world are at risk of this deadly affecting disease says the latest report of World Health Organization (WHO).[caption id="attachment_44... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/join-the-fight-and-bite-the-bug-p51.html HMalik-Post-51 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:43:16 -0500