A BRADFORD community figure has spoken of the devastation caused by the Pakistan floods, while also praising the local people and organisations who have been raising money for the victims.

Dr Javed Bashir, who is a safeguarding consultant at Strengthening Faith Institutions, said that the situation in the country is beyond desperate.

Dr Bashir also advised people to be wary when donating, claiming that fraudsters and criminals may be looking to take advantage of the situation.

More than 33 million people in Pakistan – or one in seven people – have been affected by the floods and over 1,100 have died since June.

“It has been the worst disaster in a decade,” Dr Bashir, who was born in Pakistan but grew up in Keighley, said.

“It’s terrible. So many lives are being lost, people are being displaced and the country doesn’t have the resources to help them.

“As always, it’s the poor and the most vulnerable who suffer the most. We’re very privileged in this country, so it’s hard for us to understand.”

Dr Bashir urged people to only donate to registered charities.

He added: “Fundraisers are targeting people in places like White Abbey Road, Ingleby Road, Great Horton Road and Leeds Road.

"Many of these charities are unknown and unrecognised, therefore I urge people to check the charities’ names and registrations on the Charity Commission’s website, and to look for a Fundraising Regulator badge.

“Fraudsters sometimes take advantage of generosity during emergencies. It’s important that our donations reach deserving people."

Dr Bashir added that there has always been a charitable spirit in Bradford, and that people in the district have been doing their best to support.

He referenced how the district supported people following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, where Dr Bashir himself also went to assist on the ground.

“Bradfordians have always been generous when making donations to support people all over the world,” he said.

“Bradford is once again stepping forward and donating generously.

“A past T&A campaign raised over £81,797 for the South Asian Earthquake appeal between October 2005 and November 2007. 

“The Midland Doctors Association (MDA) also opened its medical institute in Muzaffarabad in 2012, with over £2.3m raised in Bradford, to offer free healthcare to Kashmiri people.”

“Ultimately, it is important for all organisations and volunteers from Bradford to contribute their expertise to the rescue, evacuation and rehabilitation of the afflicted people by providing them with shelter, food and medical services.”