AN Afghan war hero who is now rebuilding his life in Inverclyde has been hailed for the  'powerful' and 'heartfelt' impact he is having on people's lives.

The Tele recently highlighted the inspirational life of dad-of-two Bilal Wardak who was awarded a British Empire Medal for his bravery and courage.

Senior Afghan diplomat and security advisor Bilal, 39, fled for his life with his family as his country fell to the Taliban, after years of serving alongside international forces in a number of government roles.

Since settling in Port Glasgow he has helped other families across the country in his work with the Refugee Council and he is now also serving as a community councillor.

Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan, who invited him to the Time for Reflections has spoken about the impact he has had on him

Mr McMillan said: “When I first met Bilal just over a year ago, he struck me as a warm and engaging person, who was so grateful for the support he had received from the local community after his move to Inverclyde two years prior.

"Bilal and his family have been through a significant ordeal, but the strength he shows to move forward and help others in the community is something we can all learn from.

“During my time as an MSP, I have invited several local religious leaders to Parliament to deliver Time for Reflection – but recently I have wanted to invite local people with interesting stories to tell; people who have shown great character in the face of adversity.

"Bilal certainly fits that criteria. His words to MSPs were powerful and heartfelt. He did himself, his family and his community proud.”

Born at a time when Afghanistan was still under Soviet rule, Bilal grew up during the years of the Taliban.

When the international forces led by the US moved in in the early 2000s, Bilal joined the police force, rising through the ranks rapidly and fighting corruption.

He went on to join the ministry of the interior before moving to join the EU forces, then the UK and laterly the US embassy as an advisor. 

In that time Bilal risked his own life to rescue colleages as the security situation in the country deteriorated.

Bilal, his wife Huma and their young children, were given a safe passage out of the country close to the deadline when the USA pulled troops out.

They ended up in Manchester during the pandemic and were then sent to Inverclyde.

Bilal said: "We are very happy in Port Glasgow, it is very friendly and I have now joined the community council. I want to be part of the community."

He also works tirelessly to help Afghans like him, who served the UK and international forces before the country fell again to the Taliban, through his work with the Scottish Refugee Council.