Hanzala Malik MSP

Hanzala Malik MSP lives in Glasgow and works extensively across the community including with those providing services for young people, the unemployed and the homeless. He believes passionately in drawing on the strengths of local communities especially in these challenging economic times.

Hanzala Malik was born in Glasgow and has been a Glasgow City Councillor since 1995. He was elected as an MSP for Glasgow in May 2011. He strives to make use of the opportunities from Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games to strengthen community cohesion, support regeneration and stimulate economic growth.

Hanzala holds a BSc in Computing with Business Administration from the University of Paisley, gained in 1995. He has worked in both the private and public sectors including serving as a Special Police Constable and with the Territorial Army.

Hanzala was the spokesman for Glasgow City Council on International Affairs and is credited for establishing Pakistan International Airlines direct flights from Glasgow to Lahore. He maintains a keen interest in International development, health and in growing the Glasgow economy. One of Hanzala’s proudest achievements is the relationship between Glasgow and Lahore (Memorandum of Understanding signed in Lahore in 2004, the twinning of Glasgow and Lahore in Glasgow 2006 and a further signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Glasgow City Council and the Punjab Government in 2010) and the work that he continues to do to make that relationship mutually beneficial for both cities and countries. For example the training provided by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue to the Punjab 1122 Fire and Rescue service coupled with the gift if four fire engines by the people of Glasgow which have saved many lives.

The main focus of Hanzala’s work in Glasgow is to support people to realise their potential, both here in Scotland (and Glasgow in particular) and in the developing world. Hanzala is multilingual, fluent in English, Urdu and Punjabi. Keen on working with people from differing backgrounds and cultures and interested in international relations. Hanzala passion and skill in building international links has contained in the Scottish Parliament he is Vice Convener of the Europe and External Relations Committee.

Hanzala’s most recent work includes establishing and chairing the Cross Party Group on the Middle East and South Asia. In 2012 the group will focus on supporting the diaspora from this region engage better with the political process in Scotland and to build upon international links with the Region where the CPG wishes to augment special relationships and encourage trade and educational links.