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The children were told that they were being taken on a day trip to a nearby city, while their mother, Naushin, went shopping with another daughter, Huma, now 15.

Mrs Hanif, 38, was said to be furious when she learnt that her husband had taken them to the camp.

The couple are believed to have separated — after an arranged marriage that lasted 18 years — not long afterwards.

The youngest children, Amina and Sana, now 8, see their father, who is said to own dozens of flats in Glasgow and overseas, through a mediation service.

The family claim that they are being forced to sell the home where they live in Newton Mearns, an affluent suburb of Glasgow, because they cannot afford to pay the bills, it was reported.

A spokesman for the SNP said yesterday: “Councillor Hanif is currrently in Pakistan, and has not had the opportunity to put his side of the story.

“On the face of it he has not broken the law, and there is no suggestion of any involvement in anything untoward. Nevertheless, this was very foolish and inappropriate conduct.

“He is well aware of the SNP’s strong views against firearms, particularly involving children. Councillor Hanif has this afternoon been suspended from the party, and therefore the council group, pending a disciplinary hearing where he will have the opportunity to explain himself and this incident from 2005.

“Given this action, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Hanif's CV

— Joined the SNP in 1997 and fought council elections in 1999 and 2003

— Stood for Westminster in 2005 in Central Ayrshire

— Was elected to serve as councillor for Glasgow Southside Central ward in May 2007

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