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"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH

By:  Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH

I am writing to give a short report on the GTG that we had in Oxford on 10 January (aka Oxford group), who shall, from now on, be referred to as KA (UK and Ireland chapter).
At the outset I would like to appreciate the work of Imran Qureshi and Tashfeen Matiullah (who was later elected as General Secretary of KA) who worked tremendously hard to arrange the GTG within such a short space of time. I would also like to thank Zulfi, whose visit proved a catalyst in organising the meeting.

The meeting was held in Wolfson College, Oxford and was attended by approximately 15 Kohatians. The guest of honour was Mirza Khursheed Anwar Beg (former Principal). The meeting was chaired by me (only because I was the senior most at the begining, although someone more senior arrived later).

Following the usual 'gup shup' as well as trying to get secrets from the horse's mouth (i.e. Khursheed Sahib), the meeting started formally with recitation by the new Haji, Zulfi.

1. We first had a few words from Khursheed Sahib who talk about general things and our role as kohatians in helping our Alma mater. 

2. The issue which has troubled us all, i.e. the current situation in Pakistan, was discussed at length. We discussed what role can we, as Kohatians and as Pakistanis, play in resolving the situation. After a number of suggestions it was finally decided to draft a letter to the Predsident and PM with copies sent to all the newspapers in Pakistan, UK and USA. Altaf Qadir and Imran Qureshi are going to write the first draft and we have targeted the middle of February as the time when work would be complete (Altaf and Imran, better get going).

3. The matter of writing letters neatly brings me to the other hot subject -- that of writing to Barak Obama. Unfortunately none of us remembered to print the draft of the letter and therefore it was pointless trying to discuss this in the meeting. Our sincerest apologies for this oversight and I hope we can add to the excellent words on the net. Saeed, may I suggest that the letter be saved as a Word document and sent as an attachment. You can ask for volunteers who would like to add/correct the letter and you can then make a rota of who goes first, next and so on.

4. The next topic of discussion was the work of KA. Zulfi gave a very good and precise summary of what we have been able to achieve so far, both in terms of monetary help to deserving Kohatians as well as the GMC initiative. He also apprised us of the work regarding Kohatians Welfare Foundation and efforts to register it. We are encountering a few difficulties but hopefully they will be overcome in due course. Once registered KWA will become an NGO, which will help us gain access to various facilities, including funding. All those present appreciated the efforst of the present 'karta dharta' and hoped that they will continue their efforts. Khursheed Sahib was very keen for KA to try and reinstate the government funding. He was reassured that this is 'work in progress' and hopefully we will see the results in the near future.

5. The meeting formally decided to launch KA (UK & I chapter). Those present were keen to help deserving cadets in any way possible and we felt that we should have regular donation, which can than be sent to the head office on an yearly basis. It was suggested that we may be able to institute one or two scholarships (although Zulfi wanted 5!!! -- I think he has been saying to many 'panchgana namaz'). The meeting felt that we should open an account in the Association's name where people can donate money according to how much thay can afford (but a minimum of £10/month). We realise that opening an association account can be a problem but I am going to get information from another association. This should be done ASAP so that we can start collecting money. One or two members raised their concerns about transparency and accountability. They were assured that the there are procedures in place and we also expressed our confidence in our present setup in Pakistan. It was decided that we should have meetings twice a year. The next meeting will be in June, again in Oxford.

6. The last item on the agenda was elections .The following were elected:
President Naim Khan, 6th entry, RH
Gen Secretary Tashfeen Matiullah, 28th, RH
Treasurer Zubair Qureshi, 11th, IH
Ireland rep Khalid Khan, 9th, KH
Juniors motivator -- I am sorry but can't remember who it was. Can someone help me out please!!

After the meeting, we all proceeded to Tashfeen's flat for dinner, which was a great effort by the ladies and the food was thoroughly enjoyed. Imran + Tashfeen, please thank the ladies once again. Following the food, the instructions of our esteemed President (little IG) were discussed and thanks to the generosity of everyone present, especially Altaf Qadir, we collected £1000 for Zulfi to take back.

I think this is long enough. If I have missed out anything or made a mistake, please point it out.

Naim Khan
513/RH

"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH		"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH
"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH		"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH
"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH		"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH
"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH		"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH
"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH		"Get together in Oxford, January 10, 2009"  Photo courtesy Naim Khan, Kit No. 513, RH