Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
President of the Edhi International Foundation
Great achievements don’t come easily in
life. They require passion, hard work and perseverance.
Further, it is often the action oriented approach that delivers results and
outcomes, you just need to roll up your sleeves and get on with it.
A great example of an action oriented approach in our community has been set by
Mr Riaz Malik, President of the Edhi International Foundation in Australia. For
over a decade Mr Malik has rolled up his sleeves and led the Edhi Foundation
through a great deal of hard work and passion. His passion for the Edhi cause is
so great that he always ends up doing the most physical work in any fundraising
event. While some of us believe in delegation and are happy for others to do the
physical work out in the field, Mr Malik is always there shoulder to shoulder
with the “workers” on the day.
His leadership qualities have motivated many people to contribute to the cause.
Among his notable achievements is the fact that he has worked extremely hard and
wisely to keep politics out of the organisation, and that he has never sought to
gain any public recognition or personal benefit from his position. This article
recognises his contribution and outstanding efforts.
Pervaiz Buttar was a key member of the Edhi Foundation team involved in the Pakistan earthquake relief effort.
Mr Riaz Malik and Zia Qureshi of Edhi Foundation with representatives from Qantas and Kangaroo City who worked as a team to put together a shipment of tents and blankets worth $250,000 for victims of the 2006 earthquake in Pakistan.
PEACC- Dinner & Presentation of Cheque to Edhi for Earthquake Victims
The Event: Handing
over a $50,000 Cheque to Edhi Foundation and seeing off Medical Volunteers
When: Thursday 15 June, 2006
Where: King Crab Restaurant, Ashfield Sydney
From Rawalpindi to Sydney via Birmingham
Riaz Malik was born and grew up in
Rawalpindi during the best days Pindi has ever seen. He completed his Bsc (Pb)
in 1960, worked until 1963 in Pakistan when he left for the UK to study for a
Mining degree at the University of Birmingham.
Mr Malik joined the British Steel Corporation until 1972 when BHP (Australia)
headhunted him to join their Research and Development team at Port Kembla.
He retired as Senior Research Officer in 1990 following a very successful
career, to pursue business interests and spend more time with family and
friends.
During his career with BHP he made several visits to Pakistan’s Steel and
Mineral Development Corporation as a consultant on coal and coke making. He
carried out a major research project in Australia on Pakistan Coal to determine
suitability for use in steel making. This report is still classed as an
authentic research report by the concerned people in the industry.
Pioneering efforts in establishing the Pakistani Association in Sydney and Wollongong.
Mr Malik played a key role in organising the Pakistani community in Australia. Originally in Sydney and then Wollongong, he served a term as President and as General Secretary of the Wollongong Association.
Q & A
Q What has Edhi achieved in the last 5 years?
A Edhi is trying to achieve a welfare system in Pakistan with the help of Pakistanis with a view to achieving a self sustaining welfare state supported by the community. In this regard Edhi runs various key community services including a fleet of over 400 free ambulances and an air ambulance service, hospitals and clinics, including a hospital for AIDS and cancer patients, women’s refuge homes and orphanages. In addition, Edhi is at the forefront of every national disaster relief effort in the country. Without a shadow of a doubt, it is the most trusted charity in the country.In Australia we have supported the Edhi efforts in a number of ways, for example the collection of donations and supply of tents and blankets worth $250,000 for people displaced by the 2006 earthquake. Over the years a range of fundraising activities have been undertaken and substantial funds remitted to Pakistan. However, I believe that we could do a lot more for this great cause. Be assured that every dollar contributed goes directly to the people in need.
Q What are your plans for Edhi’s future?
A
What we are doing is essentially bread and butter stuff and although this is
good, we need to expand our targets considerably. One good way to boost our
fundraising is to get more people to donate their bank interest income if they
are choosing to forgo it under their Islamic beliefs. There is absolutely no
point in giving money away to the banks, instead it should be donated to Edhi.
This is already being done by a couple of groups. I would also like our
Pakistani friends to consider making regular periodic donations. It will be
great if people set themselves a monthly target and donate that regularly. For
example if someone can afford $10, $20, $50 or $100 a month and contribute it
monthly then Edhi Australia will have a continuous stream of funds that can be
channelled into a specific program. I would like to get this project going and
my dream is that everyone will participate in this program one day…. What a
difference that will make.
Finally, I would like to see an expansion of Edhi’s activities. This can only be
done if we have more people/volunteers involved in the Edhi cause. I will work
with my fellow Directors Mr Zia Qureshi and Mr Pervaiz Buttar to develop various
programs this year for Edhi’s fundraising activities and look forward to giving
volunteers an opportunity to show leadership and support though physical
actions.
I would also like to see an Edhi Australia website as this will enable all our community members to participate through this medium. In this regard I must acknowledge that Sada-e-Watan has played an important role over the years in getting our message across to the community and we are grateful to them.
Q What challenges, if any, did you face living in Australia?
A I am quite happy with our Australian experience. The Australian people have been very willing to help. It’s an open society which makes it easy to adjust. I have had no problem in my career with one of the biggest Australian corporations. There are always challenges in life, no matter where you are. I have no complaints and Australia provides excellent opportunities for growth and development for all Pakistanis.Q Based on your broad experience and wisdom, what advice do you have for young people in Australia?
A Australia is full of opportunities provided you have the right attitude and will to succeed. It really is a lucky country. Work experience counts a lot in Australia, so in addition to studies, gain some relevant work experience whenever you can.
Tireless Involvement in Community Affairs with Great Enthusiasm
Supporting the Pakistani hockey players, Mr Malik with the Hockey legends Shabaz and Sala-u-din
Mr Malik with Vice Chancellor of Wollongong University
Mr Riaz Malik with Super Stars
Fundraising for Imran Khan’s Cancer Hospital organised by the Pakistani Association Wollongong attended by many Pakistani and Australian dignitaries, including David Campbell, Current NSW Commissioner of Police, former Lord Mayor, Wollongong
Appreciating Pakistani talent Mr and Mrs Malik with Gulshan Ara, Queen of Ghazals…
In Sydney Jhangis Khan, the legendary squash player who always gave Australians a run for their money
Surayya Malik & Riaz Malik
What Friends Say About him
Friends describe him as a man of character, high integrity and a friend who is
there at the time of need, a friend indeed. A simple down to earth man who has
made relentless efforts in helping our community at large on a multitude of
levels.
A friend describes Mr Riaz Malik in this way:
“Every time I see him or meet him, I can’t help but feel good inside, he
engenders great positive energy, it’s a rare feeling that you get when you meet
people.”
Another friend describes Mr Malik as:
“Bohat- Bohat hee changa banda hae”
Mr Riaz Malik
A Great Statesman for the Pakistani
Community
