I am a regular commentator on ethnic and Muslim issues. I have worked on many different areas and aspects within communities, reflected by a unique community perspective.

I was born in Kenya, raised in India and Pakistan and came to the UK when I was 20. I attended central primary school in Kisumu, Kenya, and Taleem Ul Islam Primary and high school in Rabwah, Pakistan. I graduated from Taleem Ul Islam College, Rabwah, Pakistan.

I am married with a wife and two sons, one daughter, two grandsons and two granddaughters.

I worked for a number of different firms and was self-employed for a number of years, introducing frozen Indian curries to British consumers in 1986.

I was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1987 and served as a member of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee for Bradford from 1995 to 2005. I also served as a panel member of the Inspectors of Schools appeals tribunals in London and Cardiff.

In 1996, whilst working for Barnardo's and the Disability Information Advice Network, I wrote the first book in Urdu on disability rights and benefits.