Hanif Raja

Baillie Hanif Raja, MBE was born in Jabot, Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, and arrived in Scotland in 1968. He came to Glasgow for higher education. Initially he studied English only but went on to further studies in English and Business at Langside College.

In 1969 he started his first small business. He opened a grocers shop which did well enough for him to buy a further two shops by 1972. During this period he continued to attend evening classes for a business management qualification. After that he went to do an insurance course at Glasgow College of Technology.

He joined the labour party in 1973 and has remained a committed member ever since.

In 1974 he became an elected member of the Strathclyde Community Relations Council (SCRC). He was the first editor of SCRC's newsletter 'Community Voice'. He was Chair of the Media Committee of SCRC in 1978 and the following year he was one of the founders of the Kashmir Welfare Society (Scotland), of which he is currently the president.

Hanif Raja is a founder of Tehrik Kashmir Movement.

He has been closely involved with Jamiat Ithad-Ul-Muslimeen and has held many posts there. His business interests remain varied and successful and he intends to remain active in the coming years.

Hanif Raja is director of Hansons Scotland Group Ltd, Importers of Work-wear. His other interests include: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport - substitute, Glasgow Community Justice Authority, Barlinnie Prison Visiting Committee, Glasgow Dean of Guild Court Trust, Pollokshields Area Partnership - Chair and Jobs and Business Glasgow - Director