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 2012 © Habib Malik Sat, 19 May 2012 11:25:58 -0500 Our Edinburgh Muslim community-friends, families and neighbours organised a fundraising dinner and an auction on Sunday, 22nd April in aid of the children of Palestine. I was also requested not only to attend but also to host and fundraise on the night. The Highland suite in the Highland Centre, next door to Edinburgh airport, with 800 seated capacity was the function event.What organisers originally thought would be a medium size (300 people) event grew into a level they say they could not have... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/volunteers-deliver-from-edinburgh-to-palestine-with-love-p116.html HMalik-Post-116 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:55:21 -0500 In the budget last month, our UK Chancellor Mr Osborne announced measures to reduce the amount of tax relief a person can claim. The new cap on tax relief will limit to £50,000 or 25% of income the amount of tax relief a taxpayer may claim.I, as a charity fundraiser, am also concerned at the implications of such proposal. I hear the government is telling us these measures will be in place to stamp out overuse of tax avoidance. Well I am very surprised and confused that on one hand the gove... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/charity-tax-relief-cap-under-fire-in-the-big-society-p115.html HMalik-Post-115 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:22:21 -0500 Evening of Inspiration, Islamic Relief’s annual fundraising concert, was once again held between the 4th and the 9th of April. The event held over five cities; Bradford, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester and London, saw over 9000 guests of all ages and backgrounds. The audiences were treated to performances from world renowned artists Outlandish, Junaid Jamshed, Preacher Moss and Native Deen. The fundraising event, as part of Islamic Relief’s orphans and children appeal, raised an over... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/evening-of-inspiration-to-help-children-bradford-to-london-via-cardiff-p114.html HMalik-Post-114 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:05:47 -0500 In August 2011 during East Africa droughts, I visited Islamic Relief’s emergency and development projects in Northern Kenya. During one of my travels on the ‘road’ I came across Salah and Hassan, 2 young people with the burden of walking miles upon miles every single day to fetch water for their village. This was during the holy month of Ramadan; both boys were fasting, tired looking but very determined to provide their people in the village with clean drinking water.&nbsp... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/water-matters-world-water-day-p113.html HMalik-Post-113 Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:12:53 -0500 Thinkers and philosophers of all ages have expressed varying opinions as regard to women status and position in the society, making her a storm centre of acute controversy. In spite of the overwhelming significance of women role in maintaining a social system, women have struggled for centuries to win recognition of their rights, even today their struggle continues in many parts of our world. Feminist movements are fighting against numerous built-in male prejustice.Having travelled and worked in... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/international-women-s-day-p112.html HMalik-Post-112 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:26:14 -0600 I spent last two weeks in Pakistan. During this period I travelled in Punjab and Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, spoke to many locals on various topics including, politics, economy, terrorism, corruption, cricket and so on. I came across many Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pukhtoons but sadly to say, not many Pakistanis.When Pakistan came into being in 1947, it was a united Pakistan but unfortunately today it has been divided into 4 provinces. Most people think in terms of provincialism and call themselves a... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/pakistan-united-we-stand-divided-we-fall-p111.html HMalik-Post-111 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:10:59 -0600 There is no less number of gatherings, conferences, and functions I attended enjoyed and rejoiced for a very long time but I believe my last weekend has added some incredibly bright and amazing moments into my memory. On this weekend I had the pleasure of being a part of a couple of highly inspiring gatherings, each of which had its own charm and significance for me. On Saturday evening I was invited to the Robert Burns Humanitarian Awards 2012 ceremony at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayr; ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/robert-burns-and-crookston-people-on-a-mission-p110.html HMalik-Post-110 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:11:29 -0600 Looking back at 2011, I can think of so many challenges, countless national and international issues, big disasters, mighty political changes especially in the Arab end of the world, shameful failures, marvellous successes, needful lessons and incredible ties. On one hand, the year brought millions of happiness and jubilations for some people but on the other, millions of people could not make to some basics of their lives. By in large a great number of world population ended this year below the... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/a-flash-back-to-2011-p109.html HMalik-Post-109 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:51:17 -0600 Quest for a prosperous and independent future never ends universally. Individuals as well as nations are always driven by the hunger for a better future. The best thing about future is that it never ends its limits.   It is always laid in front of you, appealing your attention, pointing to your deficiencies, motivating your strengths, and guiding you through the twists of challenging age. Our drawbacks cause our setbacks and setbacks eventually lead us to failure.But failure ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/pakistan-on-road-to-transformation-p108.html HMalik-Post-108 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:14:13 -0600 Throughout my work for more than a decade in the humanitarian sector I have been to countless charity gatherings, functions, events and workshops. I have conducted and hosted a number of fund raising events for Islamic Relief but the round-off dinner arranged by Charity Week (CW) Scotland team in Edinburgh on 12 November was one of unforgettable events of my recent past. I was invited to the dinner to observe the gets and gains of CW 2011 and deliver my message to the volunteers.Charity Week 201... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/charity-week-volunteers-lead-the-way-in-scotland-p107.html HMalik-Post-107 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:56:17 -0600 For the past nine years, I have been actively involved in Islamic Relief; from fundraising to hosting events to taking part in projects around the world. As much as I enjoy what I do, my role is not possible without the help of Islamic Relief volunteers. With so many places to visit and people to meet, it is only with the support of the dedicated volunteers that I am able to be so involved with projects abroad.Yesterday I came back to Scotland after visiting Pakistan for the last 3 weeks. During... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/charity-week-one-week-one-cause-students-saving-lives-p106.html HMalik-Post-106 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:46:44 -0500 In the summer of 2010, Pakistan was hit by severe floods which, according to UN was‘the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history’. I was able, as part of Islamic Relief, to visit the flood stricken areas in Khyber Pukhtoon khawa, Punjab and Sindh to help the people and see the damage. 21 million people were affected by the floods that swept through the country, leaving millions without homes and families.I have been regularly visiting Pakistan to see how the country had progres... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/mentally-ready-for-sindh-floods-p105.html HMalik-Post-105 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:10:20 -0500 I spent my Eid day in the blistering heat of Banadir Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia; a place of trauma, suffering and pain. Before me, I saw mothers with their children and children without their mothers looking around with empty eyes. With temperatures soaring well above 30˚C, and no electricity, food or water, this was an Eid like no other.Having spent many Eids in Scotland, watching the children of Somalia suffering and not knowing this day to be any different was difficult for me to bear.... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-eid-in-banadir-hospital-mogadishu-somalia-p104.html HMalik-Post-104 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:24:53 -0500 It’s a bright, sunny day in London. Looking out of my hotel room window, I notice every minute there is at least one plane taking off and landing at Heathrow, London. Some passengers probably going on holidays, some back to work and others may be heading home to their loved one's. I am also going to be flying this evening back to East Africa. My flight will take me to Nairobi and on Monday I will depart to Mogadishu, Somalia to witness the relief work of Islamic Relief. I will spend my Eid... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/ramadan-eid-in-mogadishu-somalia-p103.html HMalik-Post-103 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:46:30 -0500 Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day set to raise awareness about Aid workers, their work, their contribution in helping the needy, the challenges they face in raising funds, accessing disaster areas, delivering relief and development programs locally and/or around the world.I am also part of the International humanitarian community which is made up of approx half a million aid workers, saving lives, empowering the deprived with skills and knowledge, giving them respect and dignity and making ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/world-humanitarian-day-my-mission-my-dream-my-prayers-p102.html HMalik-Post-102 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:14:02 -0500 Sat, 13th Aug 2011 9am- On our way to Griftu Hospital, Wajir West- I am getting use to travelling now on these sandy road tracks, a lot bumpy but what is scary and equally surprising for me is the great speed at which my driver Edin is shifting this 4 x 4. The whole route once again is very dusty and extremely hot. There is very little shelter from the sun. All the tree leaves have dried up hence no tree shadows. It won’t take much time for my body to dehydrate out there.We ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-east-africa-diary-day-5-journey-to-griftu-hospital-p101.html HMalik-Post-101 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 15:27:02 -0500 Today my plan is to visit one of Islamic Relief’s water programme site here in the Northern Kenya.After early morning briefings at our regional office in Wajir I am setting off on our land rover 4 x 4 with a translator and driver towards Hadado, a severely drought-hit area approximately 90km west of Wajir.On the outskirts of Wajir Abdul, my translator points out the location of ‘Wajir Animal livestock market’ located in Barwako in the actual Wajir town and with sadness he expla... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-east-africa-diary-day-4-journey-to-hadado-p100.html HMalik-Post-100 Sat, 13 Aug 2011 12:19:01 -0500 Thursday 5am- It is an early morning start, heading to Wilson airport, Nairobi flying to Wajir on ECHO flight. I am the first passenger to arrive in the car park of the airport. Apart from the security people no one else is here. Even the single check-in office is locked.Zabloon, Jessay and Elvis, our staff from Wajir office are also travelling with me on this 40 seater plane. The landscape looks beautiful, green fields, forest, can see movement of vehicles on the dusty roads.10am- flying a... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-east-africa-diary-day-3-journey-to-wajir-p99.html HMalik-Post-99 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:23:13 -0500 Well I was hoping to hear some good news this morning about my departure to Wajir, North Kenya but no luck. I am told due to heavy air passenger load I am added on a waiting list. The frustrating thing is that there is only one flight to wajir per day and a long waiting list.I needed a local mobile sim so heading out to safaricom office, the main mobile network provider. Orange is also here.Back in my office, time to edit and upload a video blog I made of Islamic Relief's CEO Saleh Saeed who was... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-east-africa-diary-day-2-in-nairobi-waiting-p98.html HMalik-Post-98 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:49:03 -0500 Once again Africa has called me. This time it is East Africa which is suffering droughts, famine and hunger. I have been monitoring the media reports and was expecting a call from my Islamic Relief UK office requesting me to head out to Kenya and Somalia, witness the painful and grave situation, speak to refugees in the north Kenya and internally displaced people in Mogadishu, Somalia. It is said to be worst droughts since 1950. The UN estimates that some 12 million people are already faced with... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-east-africa-diary-day-1-from-london-to-nairobi-p97.html HMalik-Post-97 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:19:13 -0500 Our Scotland branch of Islamic Relief will be marking the anniversary of the devastating Pakistan floods with an event in the Glasgow city council on July 25, where I will be thanking the Scottish public for their generous response to the devastating floods disaster. I have just returned from Pakistan where I saw amazing examples of how the Scottish public’s support has been used. A young girl named Khatija who was born into the horror of homelessness in the middle of the floods now has a ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/thanks-scotland-for-pakistan-and-a-request-for-east-africa-p96.html HMalik-Post-96 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:16:48 -0500 Our Scottish Government is funding Islamic Relief’s microfinance programme in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. I am personally monitoring the programme and have met a number of programme beneficiaries during my past few visits to Rawalpindi.  I am very pleased to see that Islamic Relief has introduced a new technological mechanism to take pictures and make photocopies for borrowers applying for microfinance services. For this purpose, webcams are being used to take pictures of MF borrowers ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/webcam-helps-scottish-government-funded-islamic-relief-s-micro-finance-in-pakistan-p95.html HMalik-Post-95 Wed, 18 May 2011 15:35:46 -0500 There is no doubt that the youth have been at the centre of the political change taking place in the Arab world. The youth are serving as the catalyst for the eruption in the streets and squares. What has been called a generation empowered by new technology used Internet, Facebook, Twitter to create awareness, bridge the communication gap, mobilise the masses and deliver a unified message to the rulers that enough is enough; It’s time for change, a democratic era where voices are heard, hu... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/pakistan-should-invest-in-its-real-army-p94.html HMalik-Post-94 Sun, 08 May 2011 05:04:21 -0500 With the Scottish elections now over, I would like to take this opportunity to warm heartedly congratulate Humza Yousaf (SNP) and Hanzala Malik (Labour) the 2 new members of the Scottish Parliament. I have known both since 2003 and recognise their own personal achievements and contributions in overseas relief and development work for those in most need of it around the world. Using their skills, knowledge and experience both have offered a great deal of generosity and support and put into a... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/my-msp-friends-on-the-opposite-sides-in-scotland-p93.html HMalik-Post-93 Sat, 07 May 2011 16:28:34 -0500 Having spent 2 weeks in Pakistan I am on the PIA flight PK 785 today heading back to UK.I had 2 main reasons to visit Pakistan this time; to show BBC (look East) Islamic Relief’s floods related rehabilitation and reconstruction work funded by Luton community in Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa and secondly to participate in Islamic Relief Pakistan’s next 5 years strategy workshops.I can happily confirm that BBC team along with 2 other prominanent Luton community members were much pleased to see ... http://www.habibmalik.com/blog/luton-community-pleased-to-see-islamic-relief-in-action-p92.html HMalik-Post-92 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:30:32 -0500