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Waqar inspired by top-level visit
Reporter: Dawn Marsden
Date online: 08 December 2009
AN Oldham teenager’s political ambitions took a step forward when he was invited to London to celebrate the 25th anniversary of charity Islam Relief.
Waqar Chowdhary was asked to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by Foreign Secretary David Miliband for Iftar (breaking of fast).
The 18-year-old met ambassadors from Jordan, Syria, Germany, Switzerland and Pakistan along with luminaries from the British Muslim communities.
Waqar, a member of the UK Youth Parliament for Oldham and Oldham Youth Council, attended the event as a representative of the Young Muslim Advisory Group (YMAG).
He said: “I very much enjoyed the event and it was fantastic to speak to inspirational individuals like James Caan, from ‘Dragons’ Den’, who is a down-to-earth and genuine guy, and David Miliband MP was also a top guy.
“When I listened to David’s speech about the important contribution of British Muslims to national and international life, I could see why he is tipped to be the next Labour Prime Minister.”
“From a personal point of view, I thought it was important to celebrate the important work that Islamic Relief does to affect change around the world.
“My own family is of Kashmiri origin and we are working through my father’s charity, the Attia Razaq Welfare Trust, named after my sister who passed away in that very region, to build a hospital in Kashmir’s poorer border areas where the nearest hospital is two hours away.
“The conflict in Kashmir has had an emotional effect on all of my family, especially the violation of human rights and the brutal rape of women that has happened.
“This situation actually created a turning point in my life, making me appreciate what I have and strive to help those who need it.”
Waqar, who hopes to be foreign secretary in the future, is doing a degree in politics and law, specialising in peace and conflict resolution, at the University of Bradford.
The active campaigner was a driving force in the creation of the Gainsborough Avenue youth group and also supports a campaign to reduce bus fares for Oldham students.
Comments
Well done Waqar. Ignore the idiots who will no doubt have a go at you. For such a young person to be aware of more than the next must-have fashion item and not always think of yourself is a wonderful thing.
Keefy -Millions of people do good work in this country for those in perilous situations abroad without "going there". Stupid comments wont stop that. However please do go, you might learn something.
thank you soo much for the lovley comments fightback. keefey you seem iliterate and narrow minded, if you read the article carefully your comments will contradict themselves! as for goin to kashmir, i will why do you think im studying conflict resolution! and please do visit! as when dave is pm im the foreign sec!
Millband the next PM, are you kidding. Looks like Caan was hijacked for that picture by an opportunist wannabe.
typical piffle,from another useless wannebe politician
once again narrow minded and short sightedness!!!
prodiffy were you at the event? no do you know me? no. if you did you would not make shallow comments as such.
also i am making a positive contribution when some one does that these jokers have issues with it. would you be happy with "teen mugs pensioner". how are we to change the attitues of the next generation if we have shallow individulas like yourselves?
Expected more of the hypocites with their usual remarks, but this is a start!!
Waqar- The only story they want to see with the likes of you and me is a negative one. This type of success story cuts them up!- You'll come across these people like I have, just be aware of them. Stay positive and be professional in your dealings with them.
Somebody once said "turn the other cheek", wonder who said that, it was very good advice?
Another Wannabe politician in making The kashmiri issue doesnt touch you a tiny bit ur to busy running after corrupt PPP politicians, Your father owns ATTIA OFF LICENCE in MANCHESTER named after ur dead sister and you are a member of representative of the Young Muslim Advisory Group (YMAG)u make me laugh double standards practising muslims dont sell alcohol never mind naming a off licence after their loved one's who have died
yes fightback,2 cheeks,you and waqar
thank you very much for the encouragement the support and the amazing comments, the future looks bright?? i didnt know i was that popular ha!ha!ha!
and for the shops they are all sold pal get ur facts right!
you all say wanabee of course i want to be a politician! no doubt about that!
Have Your Say
if the kashmir situation concerns you that much,then maybe you should be over there helping,and if you think miliband will be the next prime minister,ill come with you
By keefey @ 08/12/2009 13:12:57