MINHAS FAMILY IN SCOTLAND

So in March 1961 the whole family took the train from Sialkot via Lahore to Karachi. Here they were greeted by Abdul Latif who the following day assisted them on boarding the BOAC operated scheduled flight from Karachi to London, via Damascus where they landed for a 4-hour refuel stop. Finally from London, Razia accompanied by Shahida (9), Shahbaz (8) and Robina (5) boarded the internal flight to Glasgow arriving after at Glasgow Airport after nearly 30 hours of travel. Razia did not have any money during the whole trip, so could not buy anything for the children as they traveled. So finally when the family arrived, they were not only tired, but famished, Figure 42. At the airport they were greeted by Rashid and his cousins; Ahmed Hussain, Bagh Hussain and Shaukat Hussain. It was an emotional reunion.

Figure 42: Razia arrives in Glasgow Airport with the children, from left: Shahida, Razia Begum, Robina being held by Rashid for first time, Shahbaz (in background), Shauket Hussain, Ahmed Hussain  (April 1961)

Figure 43: Razia at Glasgow Airport with the children, from left: Razia Begum, Shahida (9), Robina (5) in Rashids arms and Shahbaz (8). Ahmed Minhas (right) looks on with Quran in hand  (April 1961)

When the family arrived in Glasgow in 1961 Rashid was in shared housing with other bachelors. It was agreed with his nephew Yusuf that he would move into his flat temporarily where Yusuf lived with his wife. Yusufs flat was in 14 West End Park Street, Hillhead, Glasgow and they took a room in this 2 bedroom accommodation.  There the family lived happily with Yusufs family for around 3 months.  Shahida, Shahbaz and Robina attended the local primary school Willowbank Primary where they quickly assimilated into the Scottish Education System.

Figure 44 : the family outside 14 West End Park St: Rashid and Razia with Robina, Shahbaz and Shahida in foreground, Summer 1961

Figure 45:  Happy days in summer of 1961 at a park. From right: Rashid, Razia, Robina, Shahida, Seema (Yusufs daughter) and Shahbaz

Figure 46: An ice cream moment in summer of 1961. From right: Shahida, Shahbaz, Razia, Robina and Seema (Yusufs daughter)

Figure 47  : Lazy summer days at Kelvingrove Park in 1961. From right: Rashid, Razia, Robina, and Shahbaz

Shortly after living for three months with his nephew Yusuf it became apparent that the accomodation was overcrowded. With 5 children (Shahida, Shahbaz, Robina, Sohail and Seema) and the 4 adults, Rashid realized he would need to move out.

In Summer 1961 Rashid moved out with family to a flat 42 Cromwell St in the West End area of Glasgow. The family lived there for around 6 months while Rashid identified a property to buy.

Figure 48  : Shahida, Robina and Shahbaz, newly arrived from Pakistan, playing with children in the back garden of Cromwell St. Summer 1961.

Figure 49  : Visiting Yusufs family at their house in 14 West End Park St in Spring 1962. From left: Rashid, Robina, Razia, Shahbaz, Shahida (holding Yusufs newborn son, Ibsen), Anwar (Yusufs wife), Yusuf.

Figure 50: Rashid preparing a meal at the flat at 42 Cromwell St late 1961

Figure 51 : Rashid at the flat in Cromwell St late 1961

In late 1961 Rashid had discovered that there was a furnished flat available in the affluent suburb of Pollokshields. The flat belonged to an acquaintance, Mr Mohammed Ali (known to his friends as Wali Bar). Rashid thought the area of Pollokshields, with its access to good schools and amenities was a better area to live in. Therefore Rashid bought the flat located on 21 Leven Street (1 up left) from Wali Bar for the sum of # 700 in winter 1961. This was a huge sum of money at the time, equivalent to 4 years salary, therefore Rashid had to partly finance the purchase, taking out a 10 year loan.

The family moved to this property and stayed in Pollokshields for 27 years, finally vacating in 1988.

Figure 52: Rashid with family and friends at the flat in 21 Leven St, Winter 1961. From right; Anwar, Robina, Razia, Rashid, Shahida, friend Habib, Habibs wife, unknown, unknown, friend Qamar Syed, unknown, unknown, Shahbaz, Seema, Yusuf. 

Figure 53: Rashid walking through the park in his trademark Fedora hat, Glasgow, 1962

Figure 54 : Rashid and Razia at the pier in Millport (off the coast of Largs) 1962

Figure 55 : Robina, Shahida (holding baby Ibsen) and Shahbaz - Summer 1962

During 1962, Rashids cousin (Lal Hussain, son of Begum Bibi) arrived in Glasgow with his sons; Aftab, Tariq and Saleem. The sons were to stay in Glasgow to study while Lal returned to Saudi Arabia where he was employed by ARAMCO.  Also at this time a close family friend of Rashids from Rangpura in Sialkot, Afzal Mullick, also arrived with wife. Shortly after their first daughter Farah was born. Afzal was studying towards a MSc in Civil Engineering at Strathclyde University and was later employed as an Engineer on the Clyde Tunnel.

Figure 56 : Rashids close friend Afzal Mullick and nephew Yusuf 1962

Figure 57 : Family road trip with Karam Ellahi Mughal and family in his old Humber vehicle. From right; Junaid (son of Karam Ellahi), Razia, Robina, Shahida September 1962

In early 1963, Rashids elder brother Latif came to visit them from Karachi with his wife and family; Taseer (9), Zeenat (4). Latif had come to Edinburgh to take a Medical Examination and spent some time with Rashid and family. It was a very happy reunion for all concerned as for almost 2 ears there had been no contact with direct relatives from Pakistan. See Figure 58. The two families visited Edinburgh and London meeting friends and relatives there.

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Figure 58: Abdul Latifs visit to Glasgow - Early 1963.  From left: Abdul Latif, Shahida, Razia, Robina, Zeenat, Arjamand, Shahbaz, Taseer and Rashid outside 21 Leven St, Pollokshields.

Figure 59: Abdul Latifs visit - Early 1963.  From left: Abdul Latif (with Zeenat), Razia, Shahbaz, Arjamand, Taseer, Robina, Shahida and Rashid in Trafalgar Square, London

Figure 60: Abdul Latif's visit to Scotland - Early 1963.  From right: Abdul Latif (with Zeenat), Shahbaz, Arjamand, Shahida, Robina, Razia, Taseer and Rashid in Edinburgh

Figure 61: Rashid with own family & family of Latif - early 1963 in London at Commonwealth Doctors conference.  From left: Rashid, Shahbaz, Taseer, Razia, Shahida, Arjamand, Zeenat, Robina.

Figure 62: Abdul Latifs visit to Glasgow visiting cousin Karam Ellahi Mughal  Early 1963.  From left: Rashid, Shahbaz, Latif, Taseer, Karam Ellahi, Junaid (son of Karam Ellahi), Naseem (son of Karam Ellahi), Mughlani (wife of Karam Ellahi), Tashfin (son of Karam Ellahi), Naeem (son of Karam Ellahi), Robina, Arjamand, Razia, Shahida

Figure 63 : Rashid outside the Edinburgh Courthouse Princess St 1963. Photograph by Latif.

Figure 64 : The Minhas connection in Glasgow 1963. From the right: Aftab Minhas (son of Lal Hussain, Naseem (son of Karam Ellahi), Shauket Hussain, Tariq (son of Lal Hussain), Shahbaz, unknown, Junaid (son of Karam Ellahi), unknown, unknown, Karam Ellahi, Naeem (son of Karam Ellahi), unknown.

For Rashid 1962 and 1963 were good years as the family settled into life in Pollokshields, with the children going to Pollokshields Primary School on Albert Drive. Rashid was an intellectual and extremely artistic. He was passionate about his childrens' education and would help all his children with their homework; particularly Geography, Mathematics and Arithmetic. Despite the fact that it had been 20 years since he himself had studied.

It was even better for Rashid when his second son Rizwan was born in November 1963. Rizwan was born at home in the living room of 21 Leven Street with the midwife arriving to administer the delivery. Rizwan was the first child born in Scotland and Rashid was very proud. Additionally Rizwan was well cared for by his 3 elder siblings.

Figure 65: Shahbaz's tenth birthday in Leven St. To the right of Shahbaz are Shahida and Robina. Behind is Rashid holding Rizwan (1 month old) and Razia. To the left is Shahbaz childhood friend Khalid Haq. Behind to the right Afzal Mullick holding daughter Farah.

By the early 60s Rashid had become very proficient in photography and was always invited to photograph at Asian weddings and functions in Glasgow. Almost every Pakistani, and many Sikh and Hindu families had photographs taken by Rashid and Minhas Photographer became a household name in Glasgow amongst the community.

Rashids love for photography was a great aspect for the children. Rashid had turned the sitting room of the flat in Leven St into a studio and built a darkroom from a closet in the main bedroom. They grew up with photographs being taken, developed and printed. They were involved in the darkroom and with the enlarger, developing the pictures, washing and printing. He would dry the pictures in the bathroom and often the children were involved in Rashids business. Rashid had even been offered a possible position as a professional photographer in London during this time, although he did not take the position. Rashid's children all developed a keen sense of image and photographs. Later on both Shahida and Robina were both professionally engaged in photography - attributed to the skills passed on by Rashid.

Figure 67    : Rashid and Razia with Rizwan March 1964

Figure 68  : Rashid and Razia with Rizwan (7 months) and Shahbaz on Dragon Rock in Millport June 1964

Figure 69   : Rizwan being held by dad Rashid outside of 21 Leven St October 1964

Figure 70   : Razia and Rashid at Pollokshields West station on way to Largs with Shahida and Robina and Rizwan. March 1965.

Figure 71 : Razia and Rashid outside Largs Station with Shahida and Robina and Rizwan (being held). March 1965.

Rashids social circle grew in Glasgow and as it did so did the family social functions. Very often the family were invited to dinner parties not only in Glasgow but to Edinburgh and Dundee too. Rashids closest friend at the time was Mr Syed Naqi Ahmed Qadri who moved to Glasgow in 1964 and stayed till 1967, serving as the vice-counsel in the Pakistan consulate. Mr Qadri lived in Kenmure St, very close to Rashid (later Qadris daughter Nazish was to marry Shahbaz). His other friends were Mr Chaudrey Nazir on Maxwell Road, Mr Yousaf in Leslie St, and later Dr Nisar Ahmed who lived in Harthwood. Rashid often liked to associate with educated and cultured people, his view was that such interaction would be positive on the children and infact it proved to be so.

But there were relatives too with whom he maintained close contact; Ahmed Hussain and Bagh Hussain (who shortly afterwards emigrated to Kuwait) lived in Pollokshield too were close at hand as well as Karam Ellahi Moghul and his sons, and Karam Ellahis cousin Arshad Moghul.

Figure 72  : Rashid with Rizwan at corner of Leven St and Kenmure St with passer-by - April 1965

Figure 73 : Rashid with Rizwan at corner of Leven St and Kenmure St - April 1965

Rashid was an immaculate dresser and was always very well-groomed and immaculately dressed. He often alternated between ties and bow-ties and had a variety of hats; his favorites were his fedora or Jinnah cap. The fedora he often wore to work in the 60s and 70s and kept him dry in the rain. Rashid always wore a tie, even at home in the evenings when he was relaxing, and kept a pen in the top pocket of this suit. He wore an expensive Omega Seamaster and kept expensive clothes and shoes. In every way he acted and dressed as a true gentleman. He too ensured that Razia and the children were well-presented especially at Eid and other functions.

Rashid encouraged his children to join organizations that would encourage their development and build their characters (see Figure 74). Shahbaz joined the Scouts and later the Air Training Corps (ATC), Shahida was enrolled in the Girl Guides and Robina in the Brownies. Later on Rizwan was to join the Boys Brigade (a Christian inspired organization).

Figure 74 : Shahbaz, Shahida and Robina (1965)

Almost 2 years after Rizwan was born, another daughter was born to Rashid and Razia in late August 1965. Rashid was delighted and named her Rehela. She was named was too born in the flat in Leven Street.

Figure 75: Celebrating Robinas birthday, December 1965. Rehela (around 4 months) is being held by Razia.

Figure 76 : Rashid with baby daughter Rehela and Rizwan - early 1966

Socially Rashid would ensure that every weekend, weather permitting, the family were taken to the local park. In the early to mid 60s it was mostly Queens Park, and then later on (in the late 1960s) to Roukenglen Park by train.

Figure 78: Family trip to Roukenglen Park, summer 1967 (from left: Shahbaz, Rizwan, Razia, Shahida, Rehela, Rashid, Robina). Taken using self-timer.

Rashid took time off in the summers of the 60s and 70s to spend as much time as possible with the children and ensure they had as well-rounded an education as possible. Rashid would use the free travel offered by British Rail to make trips to different parts of Scotland and further afield. The family travelled almost every weekend during the summer months to his favorite spots on the Ayrshire coast; to include Girvan, Ayr, Troon, Largs, Stevenson but also up north to Fort William, Oban, Inverness and Aberdeen. For all these trips Rashid would wear a suit; either two-piece or three-piece.

Figure 79   : On board the ferry at Oban with Rehela and Rizwan (carried) - 1967

Figure 81   : Rashid and Razia at the beach in Ayr - 1967

Figure 82 : Rashid on a bike belonging to his friend Mr Yousuf with Rizwan (outside the house of Mr Yousuf in Leslie St, Pollokshields) Summer 1967

Figure 88  : Rashid in his traditional Jinnap cap with sons Shahbaz and Rizwan  1967

Figure 84: Eid 1967 Rashid and Razia with the children wearing their school blazers for the photo

Figure 85 : Rizwans 4^th birthday, Nov 1967 with the wife and family of Mr Bagh Hussain Minhas (mother Shameem, daughters Tahira, Samia and sons Tahir and Sameer in the middle). Rehela to left is being held by Shahida.

Rashid was passionate about the childrens education and wanted to take full advantage of the world-class education system that Scotland had to offer. He drove his children hard and as a result they were successful in both their education and their professional careers.  Shahbaz, who like his sisters studied at Bellahouston Academy, was a good example of this. He came top boy of his class in 1968. Shahida in turn became a prefect and then the following year was elected as Captain of Prefects.  Rashid was very proud of his children and their achievements.

The spring of March 1968 was unusually cold, but brought a blessing for Rashid with another son, Soofwan, born in late March 1968.  The birth took place in Samaritans hospital in Glasgow, rather than at home, since Razia was a little older. Rashid was delighted with his third son who was a big bouncing baby. With the birth of Soofwan the family was complete; 3 girls and 3 boys. Rashid was a happy man and a devoted father.

Figure 86  : Rashid and Razia holding baby Soofwan, with Shahida in the background.

Figure 87 : Rashid holding new baby Soofwan in the main bedroom in 21 Leven St, April 1968.

Figure 88 : Outside the main gate at Bellahouston Academy 1969; Rashid and Razia with Shahbaz and Shahida. Shahbaz holding his prizes for coming top in his class.

Figure 89  : Rashid and Razia and the whole family (from right: Shahbaz, Rizwan, Shahida, Soofwan, Robina and Rehela)  in the living room of 21 Leven St, July 1969.

Figure 90: Eid: late 1969 Rashid with the family

In late 1969, Rashids father Meher Ellahi passed away. The death affected Rashid and he was concerned that he never got a chance to spend time with him since 1956. He was also concerned that he may not be able to see him mother, Hakim Bibi, as she was becoming very frail at this time.

Therefore in the spring of 1970, Rashid set back to return to Pakistan after 14 years away. It was an emotional homecoming for Rashid, and he spent 3 week travelling Pakistan visiting his relatives. He visited Sialkot, Lahore, Mirpur, Gujranawala, Islamabad, Karachi and other towns. Most of all he spent time with him mother, and they talked much about Rashids childhood. She was very happy that he and his children were doing so well. She eventually passed away in 1982.

Figure 92 : Minhas family picnic on Rashids return from Pakistan. From right: Robina, Rashid, Shahida, Rehela, Razia, Soofwan, Rizwan, Shahbaz. Summer 1970.

Living in Scotland raised challenges for the moral well-being of his children. There were the dual influences of Christian education and the perceived immoral standards of average Scots.

Rashid attempted to keep his children engaged in their Islamic virtues too and encouraged the children to say their prayers (namaz) collectively in the evenings before retiring. He himself, at the time, was not the most practicing of Muslims but he did want his children to know about their faith.

In the early 1970s Rashids photography business increased rapidly with the growing affluence of the Pakistani/Asian community in Glasgow and by 1972 he was attending either a wedding, birthday or VIP function pretty much every week. It meant that the children were also attending with him which is turn increased the familys social exposure.

In Glasgow at this time in the 1970s Rashid maintained close contact with his two cousins; Ahmed Hussain (son of Barkat Bibi), who was a local tradesman, and Sharif Minhas (who later in 1976 emigrated to Belgium). Although there was not a large extended family in Glasgow, regular contact meant that the family felt connected. Additionally Rashid at this time grew close to Dr Nisar Ahmed, a physician at the Hartwood Psychiatrichospital (near Shotts). See Figure 93.

Figure 93: Rashid, Razia and Rizwan with the family of Dr Nisar Ahmed  (1972)

In 1971 Shahida completed her secondary education at Bellahouston Academy and started studying at Paisley College, she took Biochemistry. Shahbaz in turn had a great interest in the space race and in 1972 took Aeronautical Engineering at Glasgow University. Additionally Robina was also doing well at Bellahouston.

During this time Rashid not only encouraged them to study but learn about current affairs. It was a turbulent time; Vietnam War, Civil Riots, Racism, etc, Rashid ensured his children were well informed of the events of the day and encouraged reading. Also there were the negative elements of the late 60s and 70s rock n roll, drugs and promiscuity. It was difficult to maintain this and an Islamic balance, particularly in dress.  There were times when the children thought he was too strict. Shahbaz and Shahida were now students at University/ College and were being influenced by the fashions of the day. Rashid wanted a strict moral code followed.

Figure 94: Family at home in Leven St. From right; Razia, Rashid, Shahida, Robina, Rizwan, Soofwan and Rehela (Spring 1974)

Additionally Rashid would make a point to ensure that the family ate halal meat. The meat was either bought from Anwar butchers in the West End, near Charing Cross. Later on the Rashid would get halal chickens from farms and butcher them in the halal tradition themselves, this was often done with the assistance of his friend, Dr Nisar Ahmed who lived in Hartwood.

At around this time Rashids company British Rail Parcels privatized to form National Carriers Ltd, and Rashid moved to work at their Logistics Depot on Kilbirnie St, around 2 miles from Leven St. Rashid never had a car, and would walk the 2 miles to the Depot in the morning, walking another 4 miles back & forth for lunch, and then walking another 2 miles home in the evening. Rashid did the total of 8 miles every day for 20 years in all Scottish weather conditions (always carrying an brolly just in case). Later in life he attributed his strong health to the fact that he stayed fit by walking every day.

Throughout the 1970s Rashid took his children on field trips by train all over Scotland and often down to London and Manchester to visit relatives. Rashids cousin Abdul Majid Minhas (son of Fazal Ellahi) lived in Manchester with his young family; Umer, Yasmin and Jamal. Additionally Abdul Majids brother Abdul Hamid, had moved to Edinburgh and was often visited by the family. 

Figure 95: Rashid and Razia with Soofwan (6) and Rizwan (10): Summer 1974

In 1975 Rashids sister Ameena Begum (1935-1999) and husband Arif Chughtai came to visit with the whole family. It was a notable visit as for the first time in many years (since Latif in 1962) had there been a visit from Rashids own family and the visiting family was made very welcome. Rashid delighted in taking them all around Scotland and visited many distinctly Scottish sites making a memorable visit.

Meanwhile Rashid continued his passion of photography and in 1975 he bought a state-of-the-art Hassleblad camera, a very unique German design that was the Rolls-Royce in cameras and captured extremely high quality images. With his new Hassleblad Rashid became an even better photographer and even more Glasgow families invited him to take wedding and family photographs. Additionally at this time Rashid rekindled his love for Urdu and Persian poetry by engaging in Mushairas (poetry sessions) in the community and also listening to Urdu/ Hindi classic songs from Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore.

Early in 1975 Rashid had received a request from his brother, Abdul Aziz, to accommodate his son, Tariq, who had recently qualified with a BA from Punjab University to attend University in Glasgow. Rashid accepted and in 1975, Tariq the second son of Abdul Aziz, came to Scotland to live the family and study at Paisley College of Technology. Tariq stayed with the family for two years till 1977 when he took up an apartment in Paisley of his own.

Rashid was extremely proud when his son Shahbaz graduated in Aerospace Engineering in June 1976. Shahbaz, now 22 years old wished to travel to the US to complete his postgraduate education. After much deliberation it was agreed that in the best interests of Shahbaz and that of the family, that he be allowed to complete his education in the US. So in June 1976, Shahbaz set off to the brave new world of the USA (Figure 96). He was to take a MS degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Minnesota, followed by further postgraduate study at the University of Maryland.  It was an emotional time for both Rashid and Razia, having their son leave then when he was in his prime, and when his support was needed.  However Rashid always took the wise (and brave) decision to do what was best in the best interests of his children, rather than in the interests of the parents alone. This outlook was to benefit all his children in the long-run.

Shahida, who was studying Microbiology, at this time had met Ron Abraham, a student at Paisley College and the two decided to marry in 1975. Ron converted to Islam and changed his name to Ibrahim. Initially Rashid was less than happy at Shahidas choice at the time, marrying out of the culture, and it took some time for him to come to terms with Shahidas decision. However within a few years Rashid also formed a bond with Ibrahim and he was very much accepted as part of the family.

Figure 96 : June 1976 - Shahbaz sets of for USA from Glasgow Airport (from left; Robina, Soofwan, Rehela, Razia, Rizwan, Shahbaz, Rashid, Tariq (son of AbdulAziz).

While Shahbaz was in the USA, Tariq stayed with the family. Rashid immediately took a liking to his nephew Tariq and felt like he was in own son while Shahbaz was in the US. Tariq become one of the family. Therefore when in 1977 Tariq decided to move away to Paisley and take a place of his own, Rashid was somewhat saddened and preferred that his nephew stayed close to him.

Figure 97: Rashid with son Soofwan on his birthday March 1977. From right Tariq, Rashid, Rizwan, Soofwan, Razia, Robina and Rehela.

The late 70s brought slightly more affluent times for Rashid and family. With the additional income from photography and funds coming from the Shahbaz (when he started working in 1978) the family felt a little more prosperous. However the family was still by no means well off and still crowded into the little flat at 21 Leven St.

Rashid was also a great fan of Indian movies, and this flourished in the 1970s, when on Sunday afternoons he regularly took the family to Glasgow City Centre to see the latest Bollywood films of the time. The family would take the train from Pollokshields to Glasgow Central Station where the films were shown at the nearby Regent, Classic Grand and LaScala Cinema. The Sunday showings which lasted over 6 hours (normally 2 films) were also a social event for the Glasgow community, and Rashid would meet many friends there. Rashid also loved the

In 1978 Rashid sent his son Rizwan to the USA to visit his older brother Shahbaz; this visit was to be a memorable one for Rizwan. Later in 1978 the son of Abdul Latif, Taseer came to visit his uncle in Glasgow for a week. Rashid enjoyed this visit and took Taseer to see the beauty of Scotland, it also gave him the opportunity to get to know his nephew well.

Rashid actively followed Pakistani politics, and with the rise of the Pakistan Peoples Party in the 1970s, he found a party with a similar ideology to his. He was a great admirer of Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto, Figure. He greatly admiring Bhuttos firebrand mode of politics with leftist leanings. Rashid was terribly shocked when Bhutto was deposed and hanged by General Zia in April 1979. He despised the interference of the army in the politics of Pakistan and felt that after 1979 that the energy had been sapped out of Pakistan.

In 1979, with Robina now studying at Stob College, Rashid felt that it was time to arrange for her wedding. Therefore through a local businessman Nawab Din (who owned D&D Cash and Carry) he arranged for her marriage to Munir Ahmed Choudhry (his nephew). Munir had just completed his MSc in Materials Science from Strathclyde University and was working for Mr Din at his Cash and Carry. The couples was married in November 1980. It was a happy time for Rashid and Razia.

Later in the same month Rashids nephew Tariq left Scotland to pursue studies in the US, going to the University of Kentucky to pursue a MS in Electrical Engineering.

Figure 98: Rashid with Rizwan on Rizwans 16^th birthday. Also in picture is Tariq, Rizwans friend (Nov 1979)

Fgure 99: At the marriage of Robina Nov 1980, Rashids sons Rizwan (2^nd right) and Shahbaz (3^rd right) with son-in-law Ibrahim (left) and cousin Tariq (2^nd left)

 Figure 100 : November 1980: Rashid and Razia with Robina shortly after Robinas wedding. Soofwan, Rizwan and Rehela at the back

Figure 101 : March 1981 - Soofwans birthday party. Back-row from right; Munir, Rashid, Rizwan, Razia, Rehela, Shahida and Bilal (Afzal Mullicks son).

In the Autumn of 1981, after successfully completing Higher-levels, Rizwan proceeded to Glasgow University to study Aeronautical Engineering. Rashid was happy that Rizwan was following in the footsteps of his elder brother.  In the Autumn of 1983 Rehela followed Rizwan and also went to Glasgow University to study Physics.

Figure 102: Dec 1981- Proud Dad Rashid with 3 sons from left; Rizwan , Shahbaz and Soofwan.

Figure 103: Dec 1981- Rashid with family having dinner. From right; Rashid, Rizwan, Soofwan, Shahbaz, Munir, Rehela and Razia.

In December 1981, Rashid arranged the wedding of his oldest son Shahbaz to the daughter Nazish of a close personal friend, Mr S N A Qadri. Mr Qadri who used to live in Pollokshields moved to Birmingham in 1969 with his family, however Rashid and Mr Qadri kept in touch. Shahbaz and Nazish were married in Birmingham in June 1982, and shortly after Nazish parted to join Shahbaz in the US.

Figure 104: May 1982 - Proud Dad Rashid (centre) with (from left) Soofwan Shahida, Robina, Rizwan (at bottom), Rehela and Munir (son-in-law).

Rashid was a keen cricket fan, and whenever there was a visiting cricket team (particularly Pakistan), Rashid would go and watch. Often he would be invited to attend to take photographs of the team with local personalities, see Figure 62.

Figure 105: June 1982 - Rashid watching a cricket match in Glasgow between Scotland and Pakistan with camera on lap. Rizwan behind on 2^nd row.