Project Update & Ramadan 2009

Message from Chairman, Dr Syed Iftikhar Yusuf

It seemed to donors that the MDAUK charity hospital project in Tandiali (Muzaffarabad) had stalled. However, the delay has been due to stringent and a very proper planning process.

The structural, mechanical, public health and HVAC drawings have been vetted several times by NESPAK to ensure that the hospital building would be able to sustain a future earthquake up to Richter scale 9.

Furthermore, during the last twelve months tender was sought and several meetings were held between MDAUK executive members and construction companies.

The quotations from companies ranged from 1.8 million pounds to 4.3 million pounds. After proper consideration it was felt that even the lowest bid was unreasonable.

Therefore, we have had to select team members consisting of a project director, engineer, supervisor, accounts manager, driver, cook and a labour manager to construct the hospital ourselves.

The initial layout has been minimal and recoupable.

We have bought a vehicle for goods transportation, on-site diesel operated generator, water pump, compressor, vibrator, mixer and we have rented a digger on an hourly cost of Rs1800 (£13.60).

It will take approximately 50 hrs of work to complete the digging and leveling process.

Furthermore, an on-site office has been established with a wireless telephone facility.

Four guards have been recruited with the help of Mr Javed Iqbal (IG police Muzaffarabad) to protect the site which has been completely walled off as well.

Surveyors undertook the initial preparatory work between 06/07/09 till 10/07/09. Marking of the site was completed during that week and the work of digging was commenced on the 14th of July in my presence with the construction of an on-site water storage facility. Digging for the foundation has also commenced.

Following structural excavation anti-termite treatment will be put in place thereafter concreting will begin. With the grace of Allah we managed to reach this far and Inshaallah the project will come to fruition within next two years.

Aiming for the Sky!

I, along with nine others, reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2008.

When the earthquake hit Northern Pakistan three years earlier, the images of devastation were very powerful and humbling. A couple of years on and I felt unsatisfied at my contribution through donating so I decided upon climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The trip raised almost £7,500. The trek took six days and started off in dense jungle, moving through forest and heading above the cloud line. We trekked through moorland, traversing The Barranco Wall, culminating in the steep ascent up to the summit and finally completing our descent. I can say without exception it was the most difficult challenge I have set myself but worth every breathless step!

Each day would involve walking 6-7 hours, ascending on average 1000m with the exception of summit night. On this particular day/night, we walked some 7 hours during the day, slept from 7pm through to 11pm and commenced our summit night walk at midnight! We were encouraged to drink 3/4 litres of water per day and eat three hot meals per day. However, this was not always possible, particularly when we reached above 5000 metres. Altitude would cause a number of us to suffer with loss of appetite, headaches, and sickness. Our local guide set about setting a walking pace which we would adhere to throughout the trip. It was vital that we didn't walk too fast, as the higher up we got, the more difficult conditions would become.

The group had bonded very well and there was plenty of fun and laughter along the way, but we had a blow early on. We lost one of the team due to sickness which surprised us all. For a short period of time we were quite emotional and saddened that we were one down after only two days but we motivated each other to reach the summit for our departed team member. The pace of walking was nice and steady and before we knew it, summit night was almost upon us.

This was the most difficult part of the challenge. It was eerily dark, cold and most significantly, there was less oxygen in the air, breathing was noticeably more difficult. The smallest task, such as kneeling over to shore up boot laces was taxing under such conditions.

There was a moment at the beginning of our midnight ascent where I did feel the beast that is Mount Kilimanjaro had beaten me. The terrain was incredibly steep, I was breathing incredibly hard and fast, the oxygen was not getting into my lungs fast enough, altitude was taking its toll and I started to have a panic attack! However, with some fast assistance from an exceptionally well versed porter, I was able to regulate my breathing and make some speedy dua's. Not long after this temporary panic attack and (mentally) almost giving up (!) I was back in determined mode.

There were times as I looked up into the darkness, all I could see was a trail of head torch lights, at one point I could no longer distinguish between the torch lights and the stunning stars! As the night progressed and the higher we got, the more difficult breathing became. There were a number of times when we all felt very jaded.

However, with the sun beginning to rise, there was a sense relief that we were no longer in darkness and closing in on achieving our goal. As the sun rose, we knew we were not far, with this renewed hope, momentum and a steely determination we reached the summit at approx 8:15am, I dropped to my knees and gave thanks to the Almighty! We were all shattered, there were plenty of tears and when the tears passed, jubilation followed.

BRADFORD MEGA EVENT

A fundraising dinner was organised by the mdauk sub-committee in Bradford on 4th December 07 at Bradford City Football Club. 600 people attended the charity dinner and raised a MEGA £160,000. This includes a cheque for £85,000 from Bradford Telegraph and Argus.

Liverpool City - HALF MARATHON

Liverpool University students, Awes Siddique, Adil Riaz, Kaleem Khan, Hafeez Aslam, Amir Nohoom and Talah Patel will run Liverpool City Half Marathon on the morning of 25th March 07.

All sponsorship funds will go towards MDAUK Muzzaffarabad Hospital Project.

Birmingham MEGA Event

Mega event at Birmingham last night raised £80,000 ..... Thanks to Birmingham Sub-commitee members Nahaem, Nadeem, Jonny, Dr Shafiq and Waseem. The main sponsor for the event was Sapna Caterers from Southall London. We can not thank them enough for their support.


Big Thank You to Dr Rashid Bhatti, Dr Zaffar , Jang newspaper, Apna TV and Xtreme Media Zia Bhatti......

Khalid Mahmood's 'First Impression' Group performed in front of 600 people gathered in Birmigham's Renaissance Hotel. MDAUK is grateful to Khalid Mahmood and his group to participate in the charity function.

Meeting with the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir

MDAUK team meets the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir - Sardar Atiq Khan.

Dr Syed Yusuf Iftikhar, Shafqat Hussain, Dr Khalid Latif and Dr Farhan attended a meeting
with the Prime Minister on 28th Jan 07 at the Mumtaz Restaurant Bradford to disuss the proposed charity hospital project in Muzzaffarabad Azad Kashmir.

Dr Syed Yusuf Iftikhar Chairman MDAUK pictured with the Azad Kashmir Prime Minister, Sardar Atiq Khan. Project Manager Shafqat Hussain pictured with the PM and (3rd photo) Ayaz Hussain, Consul General Consulate of Pakistan Bradford and Cllr Ghazanfar Khaliq with PM of Azad Kashmir Sardar Atiq Khan.

MDAUK Live on DM-DIGITAL TV

MDAUK will be live on DM-DIGITALTV (Sky Channel 822 or 817) 6pm-7pm on Wed 15th November 06 to raise awareness of Muzaffarabad Hospital Project (in Assan Na Kashmir).