Charlie Changes Lives of the Poor and Homeless
by Mohammed Iftkhar ("Ifty")

It was about two years back, whilst in Kashmir that I decided to visit the family of my priest friend.

There, I met a very poor chap named Kala and his family, his home was nothing more than a bunch of branches.

Aerial view of Kala home, a thin sheet is all they have to offer some protection from the elements

Whilst it is true to say that there are many homeless people in Kashmir and poverty surrounds one's every view, it’s easy to accept that this is just a way of life for the locals.

I guess because I come from a country where most of us have not encountered starvation and have not been left entirely to our own devices to feed, provide shelter and educate our children, that we perhaps take our own circumstances for granted.

When hope is all one has, when no one cares and no one sees or listens to your cries for help, only the massively incredibly strong get through each day.

Kala had been homeless and had been in search of shelter for his wife who was pregnant and had a 3 year old daughter.

Kala and his family stumbled across my priest friend who gave them a piece of land to build their own home.

In Pakistan, land is the only item of any value that a person may have, and to give a piece of it away for nothing is unheard off. Many people are killed over land disputes because people guard their only possession with their lives.

But the priest and his family are very good people, they reached out and gave a piece of their family heritage and only valid possession for nothing.

Kala built himself a shelter on the land that the priest had given to him. His home was made from sticks and branches. At night snakes would drop through the roof and there was a constant threat from wild animals such as bears.

Rear view of Kala's home, a magnet for wild animals

Just imagine this guy really has to sleep with one eye open at night for fear that has little daughter could be eaten by wild animals or bitten by snakes and spiders.

Kala's home circled in the distance - they live alone

When I returned to England I quickly became immersed back into busy modern life and all the trimmings that come with it. I soon forgot about my encounter with Kala.

It was not until I was on a visit with Charlie some months later that the thought and emotions I had felt came back to me.

Charlie asked me about my visit to Pakistan Kashmir and I mentioned to him about Kala and the way that he lived.

What happened next will always stick in my mind: Charlie looked down with disappointment, the mood changed from laughing and joking to one off sadness evident on Charlie’s face.

Charlie asked more and more about Kala’s situation and, ironically, Charlie explained to me how Kala must feel, in exactly the same way that Kala told me how he felt.

Charlie was clearly concerned and I said to him "Charlie we can not do anything to change the way Kala lives. There is millions like him"

"Why not?" he replied.

I was dumbfounded and stuck for a valid excuse. "Ifty, I share a lot in common with the poor, the young and the defenceless, because I know what it feels like to have nothing but a thread of hope to get me through each day.

"Go back to Pakistan and do something to help this man. I will help you. You have the power of freedom - don’t be selfish with it."

To this day that thought stays in my mind. I realised that Charlie was right; I realized the power of freedom and that by only thinking of myself was a selfish act.

Within days a letter landed through my letter box from Charlie. It was full of ideas and questions about Kala.

Over the course of the next month Charlie became extremely focused on getting a project off the ground for Kala.

Charlie single handed put in place a fund raising day in aid of Kala so that a house could be built for him.

True to his word Charlie got me all the help I needed and with his friends' support we rallied around the croft street area of Walsall where I lived.

Names of some of the people who donated towards this project, their names were transferred to the plaque,
proof of their contribution.

Charlie wanted to involve young kids and with his friends like Balla and many more from the area. Enough money was raised to build Kala a house.

Charlie done all this from behind a brick dungeon. Parents saluted Charlie’s good work. They were thrilled that their children had been encouraged to do something positive with their lives.

But no one could have been more thrilled than Kala and his family. The money was sent to Kala via the priest who ensured the funds made a house for Kala.

It may seem like nothing much to us, but to Kala and his family it was a giant leap of hope for the future.

Through the awareness that came about from Charlie’s sincerity to help the poor, his name has reached many villages in Kashmir.

Can you imagine that we do not fully understand the torture one feels in this situation as Kala, but Charlie instantly recognised Kala’s silent screams?

I could have easily forgotten about Kala and I even thought that it was imposable for me to do anything to help him.

It was Charlie who made me stop and think of what I am saying and the selfish act I was about to commit.

I must admit Charlie made me and all the people young and old, who rallied round that day, feel a sense of accomplishment and self worth.

What is ironic is the fact that this types of compassion that Charlie has had all his life and demonstrated at any given opportunity is rarely mentioned or even known other than by those who personally know Charles Bronson.

Kala in his new home with his wife and child, A message from Kala to Charlie

Kala holding his daughter in front of their new home and a personal message from Kala

A plaque proudly displayed on Kala’s new home. Proof to the people who donated funds
and a personal message from Charlie to Kala.


Pictured: Kala in the middleand  the priest’s children. Like many people in Pakistan they too
sincerely support the Free Charles Bronson campaign.


Plaque been placed on the front of Kalas Home.


Cooking area outside, There is no gas electricity or running water here.


Me and Kala: final farewells. Even at this point I have to promise Kala that I will thank every one for him,
particularly Charlie for making it happen.