Dr Toaha Qureshi: Advancing housing and social development through four decades of service

Abdullah Jan

Islamabad: From addressing housing challenges to strengthening communities, Prof Dr Toaha Qureshi MBE has dedicated much of his professional life to improving living conditions, supporting social development and creating opportunities for people to build better futures.

For Professor Dr Toaha Qureshi MBE, housing is more than the provision of accommodation. It is closely connected to social stability, individual dignity, community wellbeing and the opportunities available to people seeking to improve their lives.

With more than four decades of experience in housing, community relations and social development, he has built a career around addressing practical challenges facing communities and strengthening the organisations that serve them. His work has included leadership roles in the housing sector, engagement with charitable and community organisations, and initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable people and promoting social inclusion.

Since taking over as chief executive of Ash-Shahada in late 2018, Prof Qureshi has continued to draw on his extensive experience in organisational leadership and community development. His work has focused on supporting the organisation’s mission while contributing to wider efforts to address social needs and improve community services.

Housing has remained a central part of his professional journey. Over the years, he has worked across the sector, gaining experience in its institutional, operational and social dimensions. His involvement with housing associations and charitable organisations has also provided opportunities to contribute to discussions and initiatives concerning housing provision, organisational development and the needs of communities.

His approach reflects an understanding that housing challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Secure accommodation is closely linked to access to education, employment, health and other essential services. Effective housing and social development therefore require cooperation between institutions, community organisations and the people directly affected by these challenges.

Beyond the housing sector, Prof Qureshi has maintained a strong commitment to education, rehabilitation and community development. His work has involved supporting initiatives intended to create opportunities, encourage social participation and help individuals overcome barriers to progress.

He has also served on the boards of housing associations and charitable organisations, bringing his professional experience to institutions working in different areas of social development. These roles have enabled him to contribute to organisational governance, strategic planning and efforts to strengthen services for communities.

His contribution has been recognised through several honours, including the Lambeth Civic Award, the British Community Honours Award and a Metropolitan Police Commendation Award. He was also awarded an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to community relations.

Alongside his executive and community responsibilities, Prof Qureshi has remained active as an educator, author, speaker and commentator, sharing his experience on issues relating to management, social development and community relations.

His professional journey highlights the important relationship between housing provision and wider social progress. At a time when housing pressures and social inequalities continue to challenge communities, his experience underscores the need for sustainable institutions, effective leadership and a long-term commitment to improving people’s lives.

For Prof Qureshi, the central focus of this work has remained the same: strengthening communities by addressing their needs, expanding opportunities and helping build a more secure and inclusive future.