ISLAMABAD: Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat called on Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Federation Navy, Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Korolev, on Monday, at the Central Naval Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, according to Director General Public Relations.
During his visit to Russia, discussions on professional matters, bilateral naval collaboration and security in the Indian Ocean were held, said the official statement.
Vice Admiral Shaukat also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment and performance in its fight against terrorism, including Pakistan Navy’s contributions toward regional maritime security to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
A memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation between both navies was also signed by both dignitaries.
During the visit, the Pakistani vice chief also attended a naval parade commemorating Russian Federation Navy Day.
Korolev appreciated the role and contributions made by the Pakistan Navy in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Pakistan and Russia enjoy cordial relations. It is expected that the visit of the vice chief will enhance collaboration between the two countries in general and navies in particular, the statement said.
Pakistan, Russia sign MoU for naval cooperation
Pakistan, Russia sign MoU for naval cooperation
- Vice Admiral Shaukat highlighted Pakistan Navy’s contributions toward regional maritime security to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region
- Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Federation Navy appreciated the role and contributions made by the Pakistan Navy in maintaining peace and security in the region
Report highlights role of British Muslim charitable giving in supporting UK public services
- The study, “Building Britain: British Muslims Giving Back,” finds that donations from British Muslims are helping to bolster overstretched service
LONDON: British Muslim charitable giving is playing an increasingly significant role in supporting frontline public services across the UK, according to a new report by policy and research organization Equi.
The study, “Building Britain: British Muslims Giving Back,” finds that donations from British Muslims are helping to bolster overstretched services, including local councils, the NHS and welfare systems, at a time of growing financial pressure.
The report estimates that Muslim donors contribute around £2.2 billion ($2.9 billion) annually, making them the UK’s most generous community.
This figure is around four times the national giving average and rises to almost 10 times the average among higher earners.
According to the findings, Muslim-led charities are providing a wide range of support, including housing assistance, emergency cash grants, food provision and mental health services, easing demand on statutory services.
Equi points to evidence from 2023 showing that housing support delivered by the National Zakat Foundation helped prevent evictions that would have cost councils an estimated £28.8 million, with every £1 of charitable spending generating £73 in public sector savings.
The report also highlights a generational shift, with younger British Muslims increasingly directing their donations toward domestic causes such as homelessness, child poverty and mental health challenges.
Despite their growing impact, Muslim charities face a number of barriers, including de-banking, restrictive funding rules, securitization measures and what the report describes as limited recognition from government. Equi argues that these challenges are constraining the sector’s ability to maximize its contribution.
“British Muslim giving is not just generosity but a lifeline for public services that needs recognizing,” said Equi Managing Director Prof. Javed Khan.
“From preventing evictions to supporting mental health, these donations are saving millions for the taxpayer and strengthening communities across Britain. The evidence is clear that Muslim-led action is delivering frontline support where the state is struggling,” he added.
Equi is calling on policymakers to engage more closely with Muslim-led charities and to move beyond what it describes as symbolic recognition.
The report recommends measures such as UK-based match-funding schemes and greater faith literacy within policymaking, which it says could unlock billions of pounds in additional domestic spending while maintaining the UK’s global humanitarian commitments.
The study concluded that with greater collaboration between government and Muslim charities, charitable giving could play an even more transformative role in strengthening public services and social cohesion across the country.
