Post by pakedu on Oct 3, 2014 21:25:58 GMT 5
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed
President Awami Muslim League, Ex # Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, and Information Pakistan
Born: 06 November 1950
Profession: Politician
Affiliation(s): Awami Muslim League
Citizenship: Pakistani
Profile
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was born November 6, 1950 in Bhabra Bazar, Rawalpindi. His father was from Srinagar, Kashmir while mother was from Amritsar. In 1947 his parents migrated from Srinagar and settled in Rawalpindi. They established business in silk.
Education
Rashid got his initial education from Christian High school Rawalpindi. He studied at Rawalpindi Polytechnic College and later at Gordon College. He completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Lahore.passed his M.A examination from Shahpur Jail.
Student Politics
Throughout his education, Rashid was very active in student politics. On November 7, 1968 he organized movement against Ayub regime in which one student Hameed Shaheed sacrificed his life. Rashid was among three student who were barred from getting admission in any educational institution.Later he got admission in Gordon College Rawalpindi and took active part in student politics. He emerged as a successful student leader and was elected in Student Union as Joint Secretary, Secretary, Vice President and President during four years respectively. He graduated from Gordon College and passed his M.A examination from Shahpur Jail. He completed his L.L.B from Lahore.
Business
He became Managing Director of Gulmerg Company, which was doing business in silk and silk yarn.
Personal life
He is not married and lives in Lal Haveli in the heart of Rawalpindi. Lal Haveli has become a tourist destination due to its beautiful, ancient architecture.
Political career
His political career began on the village platform where he woud try to garner support from the local population alongside other speakers. Later, he became the leader of Opposition in the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi.
Election 1985 to 1996
He was first elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1985 general elections as an independent candidate, and was subsequently re-elected MNA for Five times. 1985,1988,1992,1994 and 1996
Right hand of Nawaz Sharif to PML Q
He used to be the right-hand man of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif but Nawaz Sharif left him and then he joined the newly formed Muslim League PML Q.
Popular in Rawalpindi
He is hugely popular in Rawalpindi and is known for creating a large number of schools in that city. He is famous for his "awami style" (public style) of politics. He is one of few politicians who started their political career at grass roots level and rose to prominence. He has spent overall five years in solitary confinement for the cause of democracy.
Kalashnikov case
He was awarded seven years rigorous imprisonment in Kalashnikov case and spent two years in Bahawalpur Jail.
Election 2002
During October 2002 elections he was elected from two seats and established a new record in politics of Pakistan. He is among only few politicians who have been elected MNAs six time consecutively.
Jihadi Camp and Sheikh Rashid
He also ran a jihadi training camp in the late 1980s. This is stark contrast to his contemporary politics as a staunch supporter of "enlightened moderation".
Election 2008 and Awami Muslim League
In the February 2008 general elections, Sheikh Rashid lost both of his Rawalpindi constituencies, NA-55 and NA-56.In June 2008, he announced formation of new political party, Awami Muslim League.
Election February 2010
Sheikh Rashid contested by poll elections held on 24 February 2010. He lost the contest to PML-N candidate Malik Shakeel Awan. Sheikh Rashid worked very hard for the election but he only managed to secure second spot.
During his career, He has served as
Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower,
Information,
Industries,
Sports, Culture, and Tourism and Investment.
Federal Minister for Railways
Books
He is the author of the book Farzand-e-Pakistan, and is currently working on another book, Sub Achha Hai which is in the final stage of its publication.