An MMA fighter from Oldham has travelled to Pakistan with international charity Muslim Aid to meet communities still recovering from devastating floods and is now calling on people across the North of England to help families rebuilding their lives.

Haider Khan, a professional mixed martial arts athlete, travelled to Sindh province, where he visited Muslim Aid projects supporting communities still recovering from catastrophic flooding.

Pakistan experienced one of the worst climate disasters in its history in 2022, when monsoon floods affected more than 33 million people — roughly one in seven Pakistanis — and submerged large areas of the country. Years later, many families are still struggling to rebuild homes, livelihoods and essential services.

During his visit, Haider met families benefiting from Muslim Aid’s flood-resilient smart housing programme, which is helping communities construct safer homes designed to withstand future climate shocks. He spent time listening to families’ experiences and learning about the challenges they continue to face as they rebuild their lives after the disaster.

Haider also visited a school for people with disabilities where children and young people took part in inclusive sports activities. Drawing on his experience as a professional athlete, he joined students for P.E. sessions and shared messages about resilience, discipline and self-belief.

Following the visit, Haider is appealing to communities across Oldham and the wider North of England, including the region’s large Pakistani diaspora, to support families still living with the long-term impact of the floods.

Haider Khan said:
“Visiting Pakistan with Muslim Aid has been an incredibly humbling experience. Meeting families who are still rebuilding after the floods and seeing the determination of young people here has really stayed with me. Sport teaches you resilience, discipline and belief in yourself, and it meant a lot to share that with the students I met. I hope this visit helps shine a light on the challenges communities are still facing and encourages people to support Muslim Aid’s work.”

Muslim Aid runs 18 projects across Pakistan, supporting communities through emergency relief and longer-term recovery programmes. In the past year alone, more than 385,000 people have received support through the charity’s work in the country.

Supporters across the UK are being encouraged to contribute to Muslim Aid’s Ramadan appeal to help communities affected by disasters around the world.