Waqar inspired by top-level visit

FUTURE ambitions... Waqar Chowdhary (left) meets entrepreneur and star of TV’s “Dragons’ Den”, James Caan

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.