Data Darbar Lahore Terrorist attack

I am deeply saddened by the terrorist attacks on Data Darbar in Lahore Pakistan, this senseless and evil attack is a reminder of the daily chaos that exists in Pakistan today. There are 18 confirmed dead and many injured, tonight I offer the victims and their families my deepest sympathies, prayers and condolences.

Once again I reiterate that Islam totally forbids the killing of innocent people and I abhor these attacks, there can be no safe hiding place for these terrorists and they should be brought to justice.

For too long the Government of Pakistan has failed to provide security for its citizens, surely after so many deaths from terrorism the Government will finally act.

Israel kills aid activists in Gaza Flotilla attack

I strongly condemn the Israeli Government for the killing of innocent aid activists in the Gaza Flotilla attack, these ships were operating in international water and on a journey to supply desperately needed aid and medicine for the Gazan people who have suffered from an economic blockade for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families as they come to terms with their loss.

I call on the International community to come together to demand that Israel is held responsible for murdering innocent people and appropriate action from taken by the United Nations for this breach of international law. If Israel claims to be a western democracy but acts like a dictatorship then these murders are the actions of a deplorable Government that clearly has no respect for human life.

I call on the UK Government to do what it can to identify any British citizens on the Ship and take necessary actions to bring them home safely, there should be an international inquiry supported with tough sanctions for Israel to understand it cannot kill innocent people and get away with it.

I call on just people around the world to stand up and demonstrate their abhorrence for these murderous acts. Finally its time for the siege and blockade for Gaza to be lifted.

Child kidnapped in Pakistan

I am deeply saddened and concerned at the kidnapping of British child Sahil Saeed in Jhelum Pakistan yesterday, all our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this distressing time.

The family from Oldham were on holiday and about to return when these cowards carried out this kidnapping, we pray that baby Sahil is safe and is returned to the family, we are ready to offer whatever assistance is needed during these difficult days.

I welcome the immediate attention of the British Government and commend Foreign Minister Chris Bryant for his personal interest in the case and urge British Police to be sent to help find Sahil, the Pakistani Authorities must put all their resources in finding him safely.

Tonight the whole community is anxious for some good news, I urge people to pray for the safe return of Sahil Saeed

The Government’s amendment tonight to the Children, Schools and Families bill about teaching sex education is a welcome u turn from forcing faith schools to abandon their basic articles of faith and principles. I have been very clear from an early stage that enforcing something that is contrary to religious community’s faith is illiberal and unacceptable in the 21st century.

Faith schools should be able to teach children about sex according to their faiths and not dictated to by secularists.

Whilst recognising this is indeed progress we still believe that the Government has to stop bashing faith groups and their schools, these faith schools add great value to many communities in this country, the Government must recognise and accept this.

Faith schools should be free to teach children according to their faiths, the high standards in these schools speak for themselves.”

We should not give in to the secularists who want to marginalise faith from our public life.

Israeli involvement in Dubai murder

“It is concerning that British passports have been used in the assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai allegedly by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. If these allegations are proven this will be a major breach of international law and the sovereignty of both Dubai and the United Kingdom. I urge the British Foreign Secretary David Milliband to begin a full inquiry into the circumstances of these allegations and for tough action to be taken against those that have cloned and misused British passports.

Whatever our views on the Israeli and Palestinian conflict we can surely come together to urge all sides to respect international law and the sovereignty of both the UK and Dubai.

If the allegations that Israel has stolen British citizen’s passports and their identities are proven then the British Government should tell Israel of serious repercussions and this being a strong indictment of Israel’s disregard for international law.

Mr Foreign Secretary it is time for an immediate inquiry.”

Mohammed Shafiq responds to attack on Danish cartoonist

Annual message on the start of Ramadhan 2009

Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive, comments:

"As the holy month of Ramadhan approaches on behalf of the Ramadhan Foundation I wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Ramadhan. To be blessed with the opportunity to fast and reflect over the past tweleve months is a great honour and I urge Muslims to use every opportunities to benefit from this holy month.

Ramadhan is a time to pray, celebrate and thank God for his blessings and we at the Ramadhan Foundation urges Muslims to remember those less fortunate than us throughout this month.

Ramadhan is a time to give and we urge Muslims to give to all the worthy causes around the globe, you can do this through our official international relief partner “Interpal” (www.interpal.org)

Muslims bring great benefits to the United Kingdom and the UK is richer as a result."

Public apology to Prince Harry from Mohammed Shafiq

“On Saturday as the news of the racist language used by Prince Harry broke, I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and I labeled him a thug. On reflection I wish to issue a sincere and unreserved apology to Prince Harry for any offence I have caused him.

I recognise that when we make mistakes we should be honourable and decent to accept them and I hope that this apology is accepted in that way, I never intended to offend Prince Harry in this way.

I am however still of the view that the use of the term ‘Paki’ is unacceptable in the 21st Century and I welcome Prince Harry’s acceptance that this word is racist and offensive.

I know he is a very talented individual and has a bright future ahead of him and hope we all learn lessons from this sorry episode.”

No justification for Prince Harry’ racist attack, urged to commit to anti racism

“I am deeply shocked and saddened at Prince Harry’s racism which upsets and offends many British Asians. The use of this sort of racism has no justification and I am saddened by those that are advocating using this term is not racist.

Prince Harry as a public figure must ensure that he promotes equality and tolerance and this rant whether today or three years ago is sickening and he should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.

Whilst accepting his apology he needs to show his commitment to anti racism by visiting the British Asian community and show his remorse, his parents have a distinguished record of tolerance and respect for the UK’s diversity and we hope he learns to understand and accept that terms he used are unacceptable in any circumstances.
It’s time for real remorse.”