Javed helps keep the peace

From the archive, first published Friday 23rd Mar 2007.

A Bradford education worker has been awarded an honorary post at a university in Pakistan.

Javed Bashir has been appointed a visiting scholar for the University of Azad Jammu Kashmir in Pakistan to help promote non-violent means of resolving world conflicts.

The university is twinned with the University of Bradford.

He has been awarded an honorary role at the university's International Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution which is twinned with the peace studies department at the University of Bradford.

Over the next three years Mr Bashir, 37, of Highfield, Keighley, will visit the centre to lead workshops and conduct research into the causes of global conflict and how they can be addressed.

The centre, which is based in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, was set up using grant aid from the British Government and British Council.

Mr Bashir, a former pupil of Greenhead School, Keighley, who works for Education Bradford, said: "I am proud to have been asked to take on this role for the university.

"I'll be continuing the work I already do with children and parents in the district.

"I'll be able to play my part in helping the disputed region of Kashmir understand the importance of peace and conflict resolution."

Mr Bashir, who was born in Azad Kashmir, has lived in England since he was 11.

He was appointed an honorary visiting fellow at Bradford University 18 months ago and is also a governor of Keighley's Holy Family Catholic School.

Last month he set up the Young Inspirers scheme, which aims to help children improve their grades and life skills. The project is now well under way and is benefiting more than 200 young people across the district.

Sessions are being held on Saturdays at the Khidmat Centre in Spencer Road, Carlisle Business Centre in Carlisle Road, Carlton Bowling College in Undercliffe Lane and Greenhead High in Keighley.

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