‘Remarkable' Mosque paid tribute to Glasgow's ‘first Asian GP'
He was born in India in 1938 before migrating to Pakistan and settling in Multan. He became a doctor in 1965 after working as a trainee surgeon when the war broke out between India and Pakistan.
After leaving the army to pursue a career in medicine, Dr Kausar came to Glasgow in 1972, where he said he 'fought' to become a GP.
Speaking in an interview with Colourful Heritage, he said: 'Outsiders were not allowed to become GPs here and the local GPs only gave us very minor, underpaid and overworked duty jobs. They (British Medical Association) offered me the same, but I said I wanted to be a partner. They didn't give me a job.
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"Then I said I'd open my own surgery so I looked for a place in Pollokshields and submitted an application to open my surgery there. They said 'unless you have a thousand patients, we will not give you any money which means you will be giving a free service so how will you live, eat and pay the bills'.
He served as a medical officer in the 1965 war (Image: Facebook) "I said it's no problem, I'll see for myself but they still rejected my application. They refused to allow me to become a GP even though I was fully trained in all aspects. I appealed, and it was rejected again. I made a final appeal to the Secretary of State and told them I would fight it up to the European Committee."
An independent inquiry was set up following his appeal and soon after, he applied for a GP role at a practice in the west end and was given the job.
He said: "I was the first GP who fought and got his rights on his merits."
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Following the news of his passing Glasgow Central Mosque, where he was heavily involved, has paid tribute to him.
Omar Afzal from Glasgow Central Mosque said: 'I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Kauser. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this time. He lived a remarkable life as a physician, a soldier, a poet, and much more.
'He dedicated many years of his life to the Glasgow Central Mosque, where he served as General Secretary, bringing with him the decorum and strength such an office demands.
'Remarkable' Mosque pays tribute to Glasgow's 'first Asian GP' (Image: Facebook) 'He was also a formidable advocate for Muslim communities in Scotland; often speaking truth to power, and challenging misconceptions around Islam and Muslims.
'Well over a thousand mourners took part in his funeral prayer - a reflection of the impact that he had, and the way he touched people's lives.
'Whilst his warmth and wisdom will be sorely missed, his legacy will live on through the impact he made across civil society.'
Lawyer and Activist, Aamer Anwar, also paid tribute to him, in a post he said: 'Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Surely we belong to Allah (SWT) and to Allah (SWT) we shall return. Sad to hear Dr Kauser has passed away.
Dr Kauser spent much of life serving the Muslim community and the wider community. For many years, he was the President of Glasgow Central Mosque. He was a pioneer, a trailblazer, a father to the community and will be hugely missed.
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