Former Blackburn councillor Mohammed Khaliq passes away at 84. He was known for community work and political activism.
Mohammed became involved in community projects and stood as a councillor in 1992. He served as a councillor for twelve years.
He helped establish Masjid e Raza mosque, one of the town’s first mosques. He also helped start the Pakistan Welfare Association, a welfare group, and supported other faith organizations.
He actively supported the Labour party, beginning his campaigning in the 1960s when Barbara Castle was Blackburn’s MP.
In 2004, he threatened to resign, along with ten other councillors. They opposed the war with Iraq, considering it unjust and not representative of the people of East Lancashire.
Councillor Parwaiz Akhtar, who knew Mr. Khaliq for 50 years, found him very helpful. He expressed that it is a big community loss and sent prayers to his family.
Former Mayor Hussain Akhtar called it a very sad day, having worked with Mohammed for nearly 40 years. He described his long dedicated service to the community.
Hussain stated that Mohammed worked very hard and helped the community whenever needed, ensuring the community would never forget him.
Mr. Khaliq spoke to his grandson last year for One Voice magazine. He discussed his early life in Pakistan, growing up in the Jhelum district.
He recounted his move to Karachi and his work as a clerk before coming to the UK in May 1960. He then settled in Blackburn in 1962.
He described his early jobs in the UK, initially working in a London factory for six months. He later moved to work in Bradford.
He fondly recalled his first impressions of Blackburn, noting it was like other northern towns. He knew some people already, and found the people were friendly in general.
Mohammed lived on New Park Street and later on Warwick Street. The council demolished Warwick Street in 1979 to make way for a swimming pool.
Having learned English in Pakistan, he also spoke Punjabi and Urdu. He helped those who could not read or write, which marked the beginning of his community work.
His main goal in the UK was to work, as he had already finished his education. Work was rewarding but difficult, with very long hours each day.
He left the textile industry after a while and then began working as a bus conductor.
He mentioned that he didn’t vote at first. Barbara Castle informed him about it one day, introducing him to political participation.
He said there were challenges back then, as far-right groups often attacked people. That is why he became a local activist to make a change.
Mohammed stated that Blackburn is better now. The town center was small in the 1960s and he felt that the bus station and market have improved.
Shazia Kasim, aged 15, transcribed Mr. Khaliq’s words for the magazine.