Latest news with #Uzair
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
From Pakistan to Mauritania: The man behind a tragic voyage
Representative Image This year, in January, a tragic incident unfolded when a migrant boat was rescued off the North African coast after being lost in the sea for almost 14 days. In this harrowing journey, about 50 people lost their lives. All the passengers took a long journey based on fake promises by the smugglers, who said that they would take them on a safe and legal passage to Europe. Uncovering the truth about the smugglers, BBC has narrowed down the investigation and has tracked one of the traffickers responsible - documenting his activities across three continents. Fadi Gujjar- people smuggler The BBC has tracked down Fadi Gujjar, who hailed from Jaurah in Pakistan's Punjab region. Unlike other Pakistani traffickers who openly advertise illegal routes online, Gujjar maintains a discreet presence, sharing only edited travel footage. His clientele primarily comprises locals from Jaurah. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo BBC got his information after Gujjar, now evading Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), responded to them through voice messages, claiming survivors had "misused" his name regarding the incident, leaving the matter to divine judgment. His Facebook profile indicates Istanbul as his residence, a known trafficker haven. TikTok posts document his presence there since July 2022, showing him at notable locations. Mauritania serves as his operational base, from where the ill-fated vessel departed. The international organisation for Migration reports Mauritania's emergence as a trafficking centre in 2023, with 170 individuals, including 14 children, lost on this route this year. The journey to Europe appeals to many Pakistanis seeking better opportunities, despite the risks. Survivors report paying Gujjar approximately $13,000 (£10,000). Migrants typically travel through Ethiopia or Middle Eastern countries to reach Senegal, then enter Mauritania. Travel records show Gujjar visited Dakar airport twice in 2024. TikTok content places him in Nouakchott from October 2024, with earlier footage from August 2024 showing him socialising with Ali and Shahzad. Breaking promises One survivor named Uzair Bhat reported that Gujjar made false assurances about secure and lawful passage to Europe. He provided BBC Verify with evidence of monetary transfers to an account registered to Gujjar's actual identity, Khawar Hassan. Upon reaching Mauritania, the smuggler changed his stance. "He said going by air will not work from here. I'll send you by a big ship," Uzair stated. "Please cooperate, your visa [to Europe] won't come through." Uzair ultimately accepted these terms. BBC Verify discovered three additional migrants, besides Ali, Shahzad and Uzair, who purchased journeys from Gujjar. Upon arrival in Nouakchott, they report being housed in "safe houses" - concealed buildings in remote alleyways where smugglers illegally harbour migrants. Another individual who used different smuggling services confirmed staying in Gujjar's safe houses. BBC Verify confirmed one such location near Nouakchott port, which survivors indicate Gujjar visited occasionally. The maritime journey Survivors interviewed by BBC Verify departed Nouakchott in a fishing vessel during early hours on January 2. Most passengers had arranged their travel through smugglers in Pakistan. The intended three-day journey became a fatal two-week ordeal at sea. Uzair reported continuous bailing of water from departure. Bilalwal Iqbal described how passengers resorted to consuming seawater, leading to delirium. Survivors state the West African crew, employed by smugglers, withheld food and water and administered daily beatings. "I tried to take one of their bottles of water so they hit me on the head with a rope and the impact just made me fall back," Iqbal told BBC Verify. "Then they pummelled my thumbs with a hammer. I still have those wounds." Their uncle confirmed Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad perished from crew beatings, as reported by survivors. Others succumbed to lack of food, water and cold. The remaining survivors, including crew, had lost hope until spotting a larger fishing vessel. Uzair Bhat swam towards it seeking assistance. The coastguard directed the vessel to Dakhla port, 60 miles away. IOM reported 15 deceased onboard, with 35 missing and presumed dead. Legal proceedings Pakistani authorities identified Gujjar amongst ten smugglers involved. Several arrests occurred, excluding Gujjar. BBC Verify traced his recent TikTok activity to Baku, Azerbaijan, though his current location remains unconfirmed. Following rescue reports, authorities detained his mother and brother in Pakistan for allegedly collecting payments for European routes on his behalf. BBC Verify accessed six Punjab police reports from boat passengers' families. They claim Gujjar received $75,000 (£56,000) for the January incident. Three paid completely, three partially, according to reports. Evidence suggests Gujjar continued arranging European journeys post-January incident. In March, responding to an undercover BBC reporter using survivors' contact details, Gujjar indicated knowing someone who could arrange travel, without offering direct involvement.
Gulf Today
06-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai students' initiative funds education in India and Pakistan
A group of Dubai-based students has launched a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged students in India and Pakistan to provide education and empower young minds, fostering a sense of unity and hope across borders. The diverse group of young entrepreneurs including Dua Zafar (Pakistan), Uzair Masuood (Pakistan), Si Thu Tin (Myanmar), Ruth Schnarch (Israel), Shayan Mobadder (Germany), and Snigdha (India) has established 8BP which is more than a brand; it's a movement that turns cultural narratives into wearable statements. Talking to Gulf Today, Dua Zafar and Uzair Masuood, students of Tetr College of Business, Dubai, said that they have worked tirelessly to make a difference to start a unique startup to gather a group of like-minded friends. 'We believe that the greatest empowerment comes through education,' Dua said. The 8 Billion Project (8BP) aims to use fashion as a force for connection, culture, and empowerment. The brand focuses on creating clothing that tells stories and celebrates shared identities, particularly in the context of Indo-Pakistani culture, bridging the gap between the two countries through their designs. Through their project, they are supporting students in both India and Pakistan by providing essential resources like school tuition, exam fees, uniforms, and mentorship. 'Our focus is on slum schools and underserved communities, ensuring that those who need help the most are able to access quality education and build a better future,' added Uzair. The initiative, known as the 8 Billion Project, goes beyond just helping students. '8BP is more than a clothing brand; it's a movement,' explained Dua. Despite deep cultural ties between India and Pakistan, political divisions between the two countries led to a unique challenge for students from Pakistan enrolled at Tetr College of Business. They were restricted from travelling to India, while the rest of their batch continued their studies there. This prompted the idea for a peacewear brand that could bridge the cultural divide and raise awareness of the rich, shared culture between these two nations. 'It was this political and cultural disconnect that sparked the idea for 8BP — using fashion to celebrate the connections that exist between people, regardless of political boundaries,' said Uzair. The debut collection of 8BP highlights Indo-Pakistani culture, telling stories through clothing — whether it's a 'chai' (tea) stall where friendships are brewed, the Himalayan peaks shared by two nations, or the rivers that sustain millions on both sides of the border. 'Fashion is more than just clothing to us; it's a way of telling the stories that often go untold, celebrating the common threads that unite us,' said Dua. 'The 8 Billion Project is a community-first brand. Every piece created is designed to celebrate shared identities, bridge cultural divides, and bring people together,' explained Uzair. At the heart of the brand's mission is its commitment to giving back — 8 per cent of its profits are dedicated to funding education initiatives in India and Pakistan. 'We believe in the transformative power of education. Our goal is to support underprivileged students and help them build better futures, one classroom at a time,' added Dua. Currently bootstrapped, 8BP's focus is on slum schools and underserved communities in both countries. The contributions go directly towards covering essential costs, such as school tuition, exam fees, books, uniforms, and stationery. In addition, the initiative provides mentorship and career guidance programmes to help students thrive. 'By partnering with grassroots initiatives and local educators, we ensure that our contributions directly transform lives,' said Uzair. Adding to this, Dua said: 'As the project grows, 8BP aims to expand its impact beyond South Asia. We're looking to make peacewear a movement that uplifts communities around the world, not just in India and Pakistan.' With the help of their team, the brand is already scaling its efforts through pop-up events, collaborations, and a strong online presence. Speaking about their approach to streetwear, Uzair shared, 'Our approach to streetwear is more than just fashion; it's about creating pieces that tell stories and spark conversations.'
Telegraph
11-03-2025
- Telegraph
The Pakistani village doctor ‘at heart of people-smuggling route' stretching to Britain
Down a narrow lane in a village in north-east Pakistan, surrounded by high cement walls, looms the two-storey compound of one of the country's most wanted people smugglers. Master Uzair – once Poranwala's poorest resident, so impoverished that neighbours took him in – bought the empty plot around 15 years ago, neighbours say. This was an early sign that his smuggling ring was profitable. As his wealth grew, so did his home in the village, with new additions, a second wife and several cars. Soon, Uzair was widely regarded as the area's top smuggler. 'Everybody wants to become rich overnight, and Master Uzair did it,' says Mukhtair, 55, who lives next door and had a front-row seat for this rags-to-riches tale. 'He earned so much money after he became a smuggler.' The 59-year-old has smuggled hundreds, possibly thousands, of people from the district of Gujrat, an ancient city flanked by two rivers, via boats to Europe, some of whom then made onward passage to the UK, according to villagers and relatives of those who paid him. Some of Uzair's 'clients' who paid about 2.5 million rupees apiece (£6,900) made it all the way, though others did not survive the journeys. Uzair was one of the smugglers who placed people on the Adriana, a fishing trawler that sank off the coast of southern Greece in June 2023 in one of the Mediterranean's deadliest migrant shipwrecks on record. The Telegraph visited Poranwala after speaking to families who lost loved ones on that vessel, many of whom remain indebted to the smuggler and are still hoping for justice. Residents helped to piece together a picture of the mysterious figure at the start of a smuggling network which is thought to stretch from Pakistan to northern Africa, before reaching European shores via the Mediterranean. But the man himself was nowhere to be found. Villagers say they have heard Uzair has fled to either Spain or South Africa, leaving behind grieving families still indebted to him. Only 100 people survived out of an estimated 750 people aboard the Adriana, at least half of whom were Pakistani. The ship departed from Libya and was en route to Italy when it sank near Pylos, in southern Greece. The tragedy remains the subject of multiple, ongoing inquiries. In February, Greece's ombudsman found that there were signs the coast guard had overlooked indications that the boat was at risk. A naval court is investigating, and lawyers have filed on behalf of survivors seeking criminal charges against members of the search-and-rescue operation. Parwez Akhtar, 30, was nervous when his neighbours first brought news of a boat accident in Europe, saying his brother, cousin and uncle – all of whom had paid Uzair for their journeys – had drowned at sea. 'As soon as I heard about the boat accident, I went that very day to Master Uzair's home to demand an update,' says Mr Akhtar. Uzair had taken half the payment up front in cash and was due the rest upon arrival: a guarantee for both sides. 'He kept denying it, saying that the wrecked ship wasn't his, and that his ship would reach Europe at any moment, pressing me to be satisfied with the outcome and to pay the remainder of the cost,' he says. The exchange lasted only a few minutes, ending when Mr Akhtar refused to pay Uzair as he had not heard anything from his relatives and needed to find out whether they were alive. Mr Akhtar began a frantic search for survivors, eventually connecting with a family whose son had been on the Adriana. He sent pictures of his relatives to the survivor, who then confirmed that they had all perished at sea. He immediately rushed back to Uzair's compound to demand reparations. He wanted the money paid to be refunded, but the smuggler refused to come to the door. 'His family at the house said: 'Your deal is with Uzair, not with his son, or others in the family; you should talk to him, and only him about the money and all your affairs.'' About a dozen people who hailed from Mr Akhtar's small village, about three miles from Uzair's house, are estimated to have died on the Adriana. Uzair's successful rise from poverty to become an international people smuggler relied on leveraging the upstanding reputation that he and his family built over decades. His father, whom people called Doctor Yusuf – a way to show their respect – taught English to local youths. Uzair himself gained the community's trust as a local medic treating village children at his clinic, which earned him paltry wages but widespread recognition in the area – and the nickname Master. 'Everyone respected Doctor Yusuf,' says Bagh Ali, 46, who was among the many who took his English language classes. 'When Master Uzair started his smuggling business, he took advantage of this reputation. He would say: 'We are trustworthy people, and it is a guarantee from us that it will be our great pleasure to transport these young men to Europe.'' He also lured people by falsely reassuring them that he would provide valid paperwork, passports and visas, often targeting young men. Once abroad, he said, they would be earning exponentially more money than they ever could back home. With this, Uzair began to build his network and successfully sent groups overseas. As the years passed, people he had sent abroad started to send funds home to their families in Gujrat, buying cars for relatives or investing in various businesses such as shopping centres. Uzair, too, started to change. Aside from expanding his house, he started to wear the best fabrics in traditional dress, and often donned Western-stye three-piece suits with shiny, leather shoes. But Uzair and his network of 'recruiting' agents did not have to make much of a hard sell to those in Gujrat. Residents here have been migrants for generations, including directly to the UK – the complicated, bloody legacy of being under British control for more than a century, which left a lasting dream for many Pakistanis to go overseas. Some of the first arrivals to Britain worked for the British East India Company. Numbers swelled into the thousands after the Indian subcontinent was divided in 1947 and the British left. These days, interest in migration has continued, inspired by their forefathers and driven by many contemporary factors, with people hoping to escape economic hardship, religious persecution, sectarian violence, discrimination over sexual orientation and the aftermath of deadly natural disasters from floods to earthquakes. Pakistanis make up the largest group of people claiming asylum in the UK, filing more than 10,000 applications in 2024, according to government data. That represents about 10 per cent of the claims made for the year at 108,138 people, the highest annual level since records began in 1979. Fifty-three per cent of the asylum claims filed in the UK last year by Pakistanis were approved at the initial decision stage, though outcomes can change after an appeal or review. In Uzair's village, the contrast between poverty and relative wealth is starkly visible, reflected in the houses that dot the lush, green landscape, framed by the soaring Himalayas. Those who stayed generally live in modest, mud-brick homes surrounded by livestock, while households whose relatives took a gamble abroad have shinier abodes, made of concrete, glass and steel. The disparity is clear, too, in clothing and transport, from tattered rags upwards, and rickshaws to sleek, modern cars. Some returned to live in Pakistan, where the monthly median income is an estimated £250, with far more money in their pockets. For a smuggler such as Uzair, displays of wealth served as a billboard to further his 'business'. Despite knowing all the risks, one construction worker in the village working on a large house – whose owner saw his fortunes change after making it to the UK a few years ago – told The Telegraph that he was saving money to pay a smuggler to take him to Europe. 'As soon as I have enough money, I will try this myself,' he says. Uzair is named as one of 156 human smugglers and traffickers in Pakistan's Red Book, a catalog of the country's most wanted criminals. The list, issued by the Federal Investigation Agency, says that Uzair is suspected of violating a 1979 Pakistani law on emigration and another from 2018 on smuggling. If arrested and convicted, Uzair could face up to 14 years in prison. The Telegraph could not independently confirm Uzair's current whereabouts, though his mansion in Poranwala sits empty, protected by security cameras and a large red metal gate. For a time, his family remained at the compound – an elderly mother, two wives and a gaggle of children. But eventually, they disappeared as well, after being harassed by the families of survivors demanding reparations and justice following the Adriana shipwreck. That deadly incident was perhaps the last time Uzair managed an attempt to trick people into risky journeys abroad. 'He lied to the people,' says Bagh Ali. 'He is a greedy person, and he only did this to become more and more rich.' Many villagers were far less outspoken about Uzair, fearful of retaliation given his power and influence. A father whose son died on the Adriana, for instance, refused to say anything about the smuggler. Mr Akhtar, whose family sold all their land and cattle and borrowed large sums to pay Uzair, is still repaying those debts on top of suffering from the staggering loss of life. For a time, he would ride his scooter on occasion to Uzair's house, hoping to recoup money lost and begin to mend his pain. But Uzair gradually stopped answering messages online, then halted even reading them; one day, the number was cut off entirely. That was when Mr Akhtar realised he could only rely on himself to move his family past this tragedy. He is planning to sell his remaining land to pay off what is owed, though to this day has not been able to bring himself to break the news to his parents that Shamsher – his brother and their son – died at age 30. 'Until now, I've been telling them that my brother is stuck in Libya and will soon reach Europe,' he says. 'I'm afraid that if I tell them the truth, they might have a heart attack.'
Emirates Woman
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
Want to enjoy a midweek read? Here's Dubai's best library cafés
Here's Dubai's best library cafés to visit on World Book Day and beyond As we enjoy World Book Daywhich is a global celebration of books, reading, and the joy of storytelling, it's time to see some cafés that promote the reading culture in Dubai. It aims to promote literacy and encourage people of all ages to discover the magic of books. The burgeoning library cafés culture in Dubai has allowed multiple book lovers to engross themselves in hours of solitude. Whether you're looking to catch up on some reading or simply get some inspiration in a new setting, Dubai offers a myraid of cafés to visit. What to expect in a library cafe Ambiance Quiet, cozy, and conducive to reading or working. The decor often includes bookshelves, comfortable seating, and good lighting. Menu Typically includes coffee, tea, and other beverages, along with a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. Some library cafes might offer more extensive menus with salads, soups, and other simple meals. Wi-Fi Most library cafes provide free Wi-Fi, making them ideal for students, freelancers, or anyone needing internet access. Books and resources Some of the spaces are attached to public libraries or bookstores, giving you easy access to books, magazines, and other reading materials. Group activities Many library cafes host events such as book readings, author signings, poetry nights, or even workshops and classes. Overall, they are a great concept, blending the quiet and studious environment of a library with the casual, relaxed atmosphere of a cafe. They offer a space where you can read, study, or work while enjoying a cup of coffee or a snack. With the ultimate blend of matcha, books and delectable food, these cafés are a great addition to unwind at for hours. 1/9 Lulu & The Beanstalk The space is designed as a cosy retreat to sip a cup of high-quality coffee and get lost in a good book (the venue features a collection of over 1,000 rare volumes). The menu presents a celebration of Indian Ocean cuisine with Chef Uzair's comfort food given an upscale twist. Inspired by their grandmother, Mama Lulu, this unique café is the byproduct of filmmaker-sisters Wafa and Amirah Tajdin. Located in ICD Brookfield, DIFC, this spot is a must-visit. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @whatgigiwears
