Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Charisma is something Bilawal has probably inherited. This young lad has this power, so had his mother and so had his very dynamic grand father.

“I am missing my mama. Yes, I am”, Bilawal may not utter these words quite very often but the lad, who lost his mother probably at a young age, has the words ‘Miss You’ written all over his face. He looked so forlorn and lost at her mother’s death, that it gave an impression of a magnanimous tragedy – which it was, for sure.

“My mother used to say: Democracy is the best revenge”, Bilawal said this in a firm tone when he was made the Chairperson of “Pakistan Peoples’ Party”, after her mother Ms. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi on 27th December, 2007.

‘Bilawal Zardari’ now ‘Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’ is the eldest of the three children of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto and Pakistani political figure Asif Ali Zardari. Bilawal was born on 21st September 1988. His birth was celebrated throughout the country especially in high cadres of PPP, and he was fondly referred to as 'the baby who fooled the President', as the dictator at the time had planned to hold the election on the day he was expected to be born, however, he was born early. Bilawal was till recently was living in with his mother in Dubai, United Arab Emirates before her assassination in Liaqat Bagh, Rawalpindi. He graduated from Rashid School for Boys, a school owned by the ruling family of Dubai, providing the highest standards of education to the elite in the country. He is currently studying at Oxford University, U.K.

A famous political family, a large bank account, studentship at the Oxford University, future as the leader of one of Pakistan’s largest political party and a tragedy foisted onto his young shoulders – all these factors have combined to propel Bilawal Bhutto to shine out as a confident and favorite young boy.

Youngsters, especially girls, have a soft corner for Bilawal. He is young and handsome which makes him the apple of everyone’s eye. Moreover, the fact that he is studying at Oxford is a positive and healthy sign; for Pakistan will have a well-groomed and educated leader once he completes his degree at Oxford. Sticking to his education in the face of such distressing circumstances and trying times has made him all the more favorite.

Girls of all ages, it seems, have decided that Bilawal is as worthy of fan-worship as any pop-star or actor. The internet, especially, is clustered with enamored Bilawal Bhutto fans, declaring him to be ‘100% cute’, ‘charming’, ‘wise’ and ‘adorable’.

Bilawal has shown a politically mature mind in the few interviews he has given. He expressed his desire for the country to become democratic as 'the founding father intended it to be' and championed his parents' struggle. He avoids questions concerning his political future by saying 'he is too young to decide... but wants to serve the people of Pakistan and there is more than one way to do so'.

His parents had kept him out of the limelight, so that he could concentrate on his academia. However, the death of his mother has changed the overall landscape, altogether. It is a paradigm shift for Bilawal, indeed. He is quite very sensible and has accepted the responsibility that has come his way. Bilawal and his siblings have decided to make BHUTTO a part of their names – a welcoming gesture, indeed; and that too out of sheer love for their mother who gave her life for democracy.

Bilawal’s mother and his maternal grand father – Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, fought for democracy and now Bilawal has to carry the torch forward. He has to lead from the front, in order to make Pakistan a vibrant Islamic State. Bilawal probably has what it takes to be a leader. He is willing to embark on a voyage, which though is fraught with unmapped challenges, but still he has the determination and courage and he believes that democracy is definitely the “Best Revenge”.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Chairman & Founder
Pakistan Peoples Party

PERSONAL DETAILS

Name: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Date of Birth: January 5, 1928
Father's Name: Sir Shahnawaz Khan Bhutto
Place of Birth: Larkana District
Mother's Name: Lady Khursheed Begum
Mother Tongue: Sindhi

MARRIAGE:

Married at Karachi to Ms Nusrat Ispahani September 8, 1951.

CHILDREN:

Benazir Bhutto - 1953 - 2007

Murtaza Bhutto - 1954 - 1996

Sanam Bhutto - 1957

Shahnawaz Bhutto - 1958 - 1985

EDUCATION:

Cathedral School, Bombay - 1937 - 1947
Joined University of Southern California - 1947
Transferred to Berkely Campus of USC - 1949
First Asian to be elected to Berkely Student Council
Graduated with Honours in Political Science - 1950
Admitted to Christ Church College, Oxford - 1950
Graduated with Honours from Oxford University - 1952
Called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn - 1953
Lecturer of Sindh Muslim Law College - 1954
Member of Pakistan Delegation to the United Nations - 1957
Addressed the United Nations Sixth Committee on Aggression - October 25, 1957
Leader of Pakistan Delegation to United Nations Conference on the Law of the Seas, addressed the Conference on the Freedom of the Seas.- March - 1958

MINISTERIAL CAREER

Minister of Commerce - 1958
Minister for Information and National Reconstruction - 1959
Minister for Fuel, Power and Natural Resources - 1960
Leader of Pakistan Delegation to the UN - 1959, 1960, 1963 & 1965
Statement in support of Algeria against French Imperialism at UN - 1959
Leader of Pakistan Delegation to Moscow to negotiate agreement on Oil and Gas Exploration with Soviet Union with 120 Million Roubles credit - 1960
Led Pakistan's Delegation to UN and differed with US by not voting against China's Membership - 1960
Foreign Minister of Pakistan - 1963 - 1965
Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, gaining 750 Square Miles for Pakistan 2nd March - 1963
Famous Speech at the U.N. Security Council "We will wage a war for a thousand years" - 22-23 September 1965
Resigned from the Federal Cabinet - June, 1966

PAKISTAN PEOPLES PARTY (PPP)

Historic welcome in Lahore after resignation as Foreign Minister - 21st June, 1966
Manifesto of Pakistan Peoples Party prepared
"Islam is our Faith, Democracy is our Policy, Socialism is our Economy, All Power to the People". October, 1966
Foundation of Pakistan Peoples Party, Lahore - 30th November, 1967
Led Mass Movement for Restoration of Democracy - 1968
Arrested for creating disaffection against Government - November 12, 1968
Landslide victory for PPP in 1970 elections in present day Pakistan - December 7, 1970

PRESIDENT/PRIME MINISTER

Economic Reforms Order Nationalisation of Key Industries - January 3, 1972
Announcement of Labour Policies - February 10, 1972
Workers would participate in Profits
Old Age Pensions and Group Insurance
Land Reforms - 1st March, 1973
Ceiling reduced from 500 Acres to 150 Acres of irrigated land and 1000 Acres to 300 Acres for semi-irrigated land. All lands in excess of 100 Acres allocated to Govt. Servants confiscated and redistributed.
The Law Reform Ordinance - giving effect to the recommendations of the Law Reforms Commission. - 14th April, 1972
Martial Law Lifted 21st April, 1972
Simla Agreement Signed
Pakistan to get back 5000 square miles of territory occupied in 1971 war. India and Pakistan to respect line of control in Kashmir without prejudice to Pakistan's claim. - 2nd July, 1972
National Book Foundation established - 24th September, 1972
Inaugurated Pakistan's first Nuclear Power Plant at Karachi. - 28th November, 1972
Establishment of NDFC - 5th February, 1973
Establishment of Quaid-E-Azam University - 9th February, 1973
Constitution of Pakistan passed unanimously - 12th April, 1973
Establishment of Port Qasim Authority - 27th June, 1973
Elected Prime Minister of Pakistan - 14th August, 1973
Identity Cards for Citizens - 28th July, 1973
Agreement for repatriation of 93,000 POWs - 28th August, 1973
Administrative Reforms Order - September, 1973
Laid Foundation Stone of Pakistan Steel Mill - 30th December, 1973
Nationalisation of Banks - 1st January, 1974
Establishment of Allama Iqbal Open University - 21st May, 1974
Islamic Summit at Lahore - 22 February, 1975
Inaugurated Pakistan's First Seerat Conference - 3rd March, 1976
Kissinger warned Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that if Pakistan continued with its nuclear programme "the Prime Minister would have to pay a heavy price." - August, 1976
Bhutto proposed a Third World Summit - September, 1976

BETRAYAL AND ASSASSINATION

General Elections were held on March 7, 1977. PPP emerged as the victorious Party. At the behest of General Ziaul Haq, PNA accused government of so-called rigging in the elections. Negotiations with PNA resumed. An Agreement was reached on June 8, 1977 for holding Fresh Elections on October 8, 1977.

On July 5, 1977 COAS General Ziaul Haq imposed Martial Law unilaterally. The National Assembly, the Senate and Provincial Assemblies were dissolved and Constitution held in abeyance.

Zia's Military Junta established a dummy government of PNA with CMLA as President. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto arrested on July, 5, 1977 and released on July 28, 1977.

Re-arrested on September 3, 1977 from Clifton, Karachi, on the charges of a fabricated murder case; again released on September 13, 1977 against Lahore High Court bail. Re-arrested at Larkana on September 17, 1977.

On September, 1977 the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Yakub Ali Khan was suspended from service because he had admitted Mrs. Nusrat Bhuto's Petition challenging imposition of martial law.

On October 9, 1977, Maulvi Mushtaq, Chief Justice, Lahore High Court, cancelled the bail already granted to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by LHC.

Mercilessly and despicably murdered on April 4, 1979.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as 'Author'
List of Publication

Peace-Keeping by the United Nations. Pakistan Publishing House, Karachi. - 1967
Political Situation in Pakistan, Veshasher Prakashan, New Dehli. - 1968
The Myth of Independence, Oxford University Press, Karachi and Lahore. - 1969
The Great Tragedy, Pakistan People's Party, Karachi. - 1971
Politics of the People (speeches, statements and articles), edited by Hamid Jalal and Khalid Hasan: Pakistan Publications, Rawalpindi. - 1948-1971
Speeches and Statements, Government of Pakistan, Karachi. - 1971-75
Bilateralism: New Directions. Government of Pakistan, Islamabad - 1976
The Third World: New Directions. Quartet Books, London. - 1977
My Pakistan. Biswin Sadi Publications, New Dehli. - 1979
If I am Assassinated, Vikas, New Dehli. - 1979
My Execution. Musawaat Weekly International, London - 1980
New Directions. Narmara Publishers, London. - 1980

The Legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

As a member of Pakistan's delegation to the United Nation in 1957, at the age of 29 years, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto addressed the Sixth Conference of the United Nations on "The Definition of Aggression", a speech which is still regarded as one of the best on the subject. As a participant at the International Conference in Geneva, Switzerland in March, 1958 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto spoke for mankind with the bold declaration: "The High Seas are free to all." He was the youngest Federal Cabinet member in the history of Pakistan, at the age of 30. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto held the key portfolios of Minister of Commerce, Minister of Information, Minister of National Reconstruction, Minister of Fuel, Power and Natural Resources before becoming the Foreign Minister. As Minister of Fuel, Power and Natural Resources, he signed a path breaking agreement for exploration of oil and gas with Russia in 1960. He set up a Gas and Mineral Development Corporation in 1961 and Pakistan's first refinery in 1962 at Karachi.

Bhutto emerged on the world stage as Leader of the Pakistan Delegation to the UN in 1959. To muster the support for Kashmir issue he successfully toured China, Britain, Egypt and Ireland. He also held a series of talks with the Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh. He was appointed Foreign Minister in 1963 and remained at that post until his resignation in June 1966. Bhutto made indelible imprints on world community by his inimitable oratorical skills in United Nation's General Assembly and the Security Council. He had the vision to build a strategic relationship with China at a time when it was isolated. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto believed in an independent Foreign Policy which had hitherto been the hand maiden of the Western Powers. During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Pakistan and Iran cemented a special relationship. His opposition to the Tashkent accord between India and Pakistan led to his resignation from the government. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto believed in a Foreign Policy of bilateralism in which no state would be entitled to interfere in Pakistan's relations with other states.

During his student days, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had acquired an anti-Imperialist view of the world. He was a firm believer in economic self reliance and political independence themes he expounded in his famous book "Myth of Independence". Bhutto's finest hour came in the reconstruction of Pakistan after the traumatic dismemberment of Pakistan upon the fall of Dhaka on 16th December, 1971. He successfully put the derailed nation back on the track by rebuilding national institutions. His lasting achievement was the unanimous adoption of the Constitution in 1973. He established the Pakistan Steel Mills, Heavy Mechanical Complex Taxila, Port Qasim Authority, Quaid-e-Azam University, Allama Iqbal Open University, Karachi Nuclear Power Plant; thus, fortifying the prosperity, integrity and security of Pakistan. Using his experience as Foreign Minister, Bhutto cemented Pakistan's relation with Afro-Asian and Islamic countries and by 1976 had emerged as the Leader of the Third World. As an author, he brilliantly advocated the cause of hewers of wood and drawers of water of the Third World.

Bhutto was the founder of Pakistan's Nuclear Program. Under his guidance and leadership as Minister for Fuel, Power and Natural Resources, President and Prime Minister, Pakistan developed into the unique Muslim State with a nuclear capability for which he paid with his life. In his book "If I am Assassinated" written from the Death Cell, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto revealed how Kissinger had said "We will make an example of you".

The Pakistan People's Party won the elections held in 1977 with a large majority; but the conspirators soon joined hands with Ziaul Haq at the behest of foreign powers who feared Bhutto's capacity of uniting the Third World countries and sought to punish him for developing Pakistan's nuclear capacity, and imposed Martial Law upon the country on 5th July, 1977. Soon afterwards, Bhutto was arrested and on 18th March, 1978, was sentenced to death in a politically motivated murder trial. The majority of original Court was for acquittal but was whittled down to a 4-3 verdict by the retirement of two judges. Despite appeals of clemency from several world leaders, Bhutto was executed on 4th April, 1979. The great leader of downtrodden masses and a visionary of unparalleled charisma will forever be remembered by his countrymen as Quaid-e-Awam (Leader of the Masses).

RESUME

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has earned a place in the pantheon of leaders from the Third World who earned everlasting fame in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism. He had the privilege of interacting with many of those leaders who played a great role in the epic struggle for national independence in the 20th Century including Mao Tse Tung, Ahmed Soekarno, Chou-en Lai, Jawaharlal Nehru Gamal Abdel Nasser and Salvador Allende. During the period between the end of the Second World War and the end of the Cold War, the world was divided into two blocks: The Capitalist West and the Socialist East. All these leaders aspired to aspects of a socialist pattern of economy. Bhutto shared their faith in a leading role for the public sector as an instrument of self-reliance.

President of Allende of Chile and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan pursued socialist democratic policies in countries long dominated by the military, and thus, were overthrown in the same year - 1977 by the collaborators of the Neo-Imperialists, killed at the behest of the Military Juntas of Pinochet and Zia and followed by long spells of repressive Military regimes which did not retreat until the Cold War drew to an end.

The key factor in the over throw of Bhutto was Pakistan's nuclear capability. The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant was inaugurated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as President of Pakistan at the end of 1972 but long before, as Minister for Fuel, Power and National Resources, he has played a key role in setting up of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. The Kahuta facility was also established by Bhutto.

Bhutto's foundation of the PPP was a setback for the reactionary forces in a country long dominated by the Right. The slogan of "Food, Shelter and Clothing" shifted the focus of Pakistan politics from theological to economic issues. This focus has never shifted back. Bhutto nationalised the commanding heights of the economy; another blow to the capitalist West. During his tenure there was a massive transfer of resources towards the dominant rural economy by setting higher prices for agricultural products.

The Constitution of 1973, passed unanimously, is yet another lasting legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Time has shown that it cannot be replaced. Constitution making in Pakistan was bedevilled, since the birth of the State, by three unresolved issues: (i) The role of Islam in the State, (ii) the degree of Provincial Autonomy, and (iii) the Nature of Executive. Bhutto managed to bring all the political parties, including those like the Jamat-e-Islami, JUI and JUP, who demanded an Islamic State, and the Awami National Party, which was the major party in the Frontier and Balochistan, calling for maximum provincial autonomy, to agree to a consensus on the Constitution, thus, permanently resolving all the three issues. A new institution, the Senate of Pakistan was, created in which the provinces had equal representation, in order to redress the balance of power in Pakistan, probably the only country in the world where one federating unit has an absolute majority. The creation of Council of Common Interest also gave to the provinces a greater weight in the federal dispensation. Islam was declared to be the State religion and the Council of Islamic Ideology given charge of Islamisation of laws. At the same time the Constitution reiterated the basic principle of socialism: "from each according to his ability to each according to his work".

The never ending tussle between the Head of State and Parliament was resolved by empowering the Prime Minister. Ironically, it is opponents of Bhutto who have, through 13th Amendment of 1997, restored the role of the Prime Minister as was envisaged in the original Constitution of 1973 after General Zia had shifted power to dissolve the Assembly and make key civilian and military appointments to the President No better tribute can be paid to the foresight and sagacity of the martyred leader.

Finally, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had the courage of his conviction to decide to lay down his life rather than compromise or seek appeasement. The last chapter of his life is a glorious example of martyrdom for the cause of resurrection of democracy.

At the time of his over throw, Bhutto was emerging as a spokesman of the World of Islam and the leader of the Third World. The age of Bhutto was an Age of Revolution. Although his life and career were cruelly terminated, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto will forever shine in history as one of the Great leaders who took part in the liberation of the Third World from the yoke of Imperialism and Neo Colonialism during the Twentieth Century.

Asif Ali Zardari

Asif Ali Zardari

Asif Ali Zardari is the chief of the Zardari tribe and the husband of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He served as a member of the National Assembly, and as environment minister during the second term of his wife's premiership. His last position in the government of Pakistan was as a senator until 1999 when the senate and assemblies were dissolved by Gen. Pervez Musharraf who took over the reins of the government in a coup against the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Introduction

Asif Ali Zardari is the chief of the Zardari tribe and the husband of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He served as a member of the National Assembly, and as environment minister during the second term of his wife's premiership. His last position in the government of Pakistan was as a senator until 1999 when the senate and assemblies were dissolved by Gen. Pervez Musharraf who took over the reins of the government in a coup against the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

History and Background

In 1990, he was arrested on charges of blackmail, based on allegations that he attached a bomb to a Pakistani businessman, Murtaza Bukhari, and forced him to withdraw money from his bank account . However, the charges were not proven and he was released from prison in 1993 when Pakistan People's Party took power. During the final days of his wife’s second premiership, just before her government was dissolved by the then president, Farooq Leghari, his brother in law Murtaza Bhutto was assassinated. He was subsequently arrested on murder charges in 1996. The verdict was set aside following a major scandal, when audio tapes titled 'murdering justice' were revealed. These tapes proved Zardari had nothing to do with the murder and the accountability bureau was blackmailing the judge to issue a guilty verdict.

Early Years

He was kept in custody from 1997 to 2004 on charges ranging from corruption to murder, all of which were never proven. He was granted bail and released in November 2004 when a judge said the cases were all false. However, he was re-arrested on 21 December 2004 after his failure to attend a hearing in a murder trial in Karachi. He was charged with conspiracy in the 1996 killing of a judge and his son. These charges coincided with his plans to launch massive protests in the country.

Current Status

Zardari is currently lives in NY but also has a home in Dubai. He is suffering from diabetes and a spinal ailment as a result of his prolonged imprisonment.

In August 2004, Zardari acknowledged owning a £4.35m estate in Surrey, England (including a 20-room mansion and two farms on 365 acres, or 1.5 km², of land), which the Pakistani authorities allege was bought with the proceeds of corruption. However, a British court cleared him of these allegations in 2006.

Zardari has spent a total of 11 years in prison, without ever being convicted. He says that the charges are politically motivated.

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was born in Lahore on December 25, 1949. He is the eldest son of late Mian Muhammad Sharif, a joint owner of the Ittefaq Group of Industries.

Nawaz Sharif received early education from Saint Anthony’s High School. After graduating from the Government College Lahore, he obtained LLB degree from the Punjab University.

Nawaz Sharif, who remained a member of the Punjab Provincial Council for sometime, joined the Punjab cabinet as finance minister in 1981. He raised the allocation of funds for the development of rural areas to 70 per cent of the Annual Development Programme of the province. He also held the portfolio of sports and was able to reorganise the sports activities in the province.

In the party-less general elections of 1985, Nawaz Sharif won with an overwhelming majority both in the national and provincial assembly election. On April 9, 1985, he was sworn-in as Punjab chief minister.

On May 31, 1988, he was appointed caretaker chief minister after dismissal of assemblies by General Ziaul Haq. He was again elected as chief minister after the 1988 general elections and massive uplift of Murree and Kahuta was undertaken during his term as the Punjab chief minister.

On November 6, 1990, Nawaz Sharif was sworn-in as prime minister of Pakistan after the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (Islamic Democratic Alliance) or IJI won the October 1990 elections. However, he could not complete his five-year term and was dismissed by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan in April 1993. He was reinstated by the Supreme Court but had to resign along with the president on July 18, 1993.

His party was defeated by the Pakistan People’s Party in the general elections of 1993. However, Sharif was appointed as leader of the opposition in the National Assembly till its dissolution in November 1996.

During his tenure as the prime minister, efforts were made to strengthen the industries with the help of private sector and projects like Ghazi Brotha and Gwadar Miniport were initiated. Land was distributed among landless peasants in Sindh. Relations with the Central Asian Republics were strengthened and the Economic Cooperation Organisation was given a boost. In an attempt to end the Afghan crisis, the Islamabad Accord was reached between various Afghan factions. His most important contribution was the economic progress despite the US sanctions on Pakistan through the Pressler Amendment.

Pakistan Muslim League again won the elections held in February 1997 and Nawaz Sharif was again elected as prime minister with an overwhelming majority on February 17, 1997. He remained in power till being overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf on October 12, 1999.

Taking advantage of his absolute majority in the National Assembly, he added a landmark in the constitutional history of Pakistan by repealing the controversial Eighth Amendment. The Thirteenth Constitutional Amendment stripped the president of his powers, under Article 52(b) of the Eighth Amendment, to dismiss the prime minister and dissolve the National Assembly.

Nawaz Sharif added another feather to his cap when the Parliament adopted the anti-defection law as Fourteenth Amendment Bill. His development venture of the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway was appreciated by a segment of the society while others criticised it for being an extravagance for a developing country.

In 1998, the world powers exerted pressure on him for not testing nuclear devises but he rejected the pressure and conducted the nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, making Pakistan first nuclear power among the Islamic countries. It was in direct response to five nuclear tests by India just two weeks earlier.

However, later Sharif attempted to normalise relations between India and Pakistan. He took an initiative in February 1999 and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee visited Lahore via bus through Wagah border in 1999 and the two leaders signed historical Lahore Declaration.

In May 1999, relations between Pakistan and India once again became bitter because of Kargil War. The latest conflict between the two nuclear powers posed a threat to the South Asia region. However, after the intervention of international community, particularly US President Bill Clinton, talks resumed between India and Pakistan.

During his second tenure, his working relationship with the apex court severed and his differences with Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah became public. He also developed an uneasy relationship with President Farooq Leghari, who had earlier been his major political opponent. With the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment, the president was on a direct collision course with the prime minister. A few months later, this and the dramatic confrontation with the judiciary culminated in the removal of Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and on December 2, 1997, the resignation of President Farooq Leghari.

On October 12, 1999, the government headed by Nawaz Sharif was overthrown in a military coup. Controversy over the Kargil operation, corruption charges and the so-called plane hijacking conspiracy case are considered to be the main reasons for his ouster.

After an extensive trial, Nawaz Sharif was charged and found guilty in the ‘plane hijacking conspiracy’ case. On request of the Saudi Royal family, the Pakistan government exiled him to Saudi Arabia along with the whole Sharif family on December 20, 2000.

He moved to the UK in 2006 from where he attempted to come back to Pakistan on September 10, 2007 but was again deported to Saudi Arabia the same day. Finally, he landed in Lahore on November 25, 2007 along with the whole family. Several cases of corruption against him are still pending decision in local courts.

During his first term as prime minister, Sharif had fallen out with three successive army chiefs: General Mirza Aslam Beg over the 1991 Gulf War issue; General Asif Nawaz over the ‘operation cleanup’ in Sindh; and with General Waheed Kakar over the Sharif-Ishaq imbroglio.

Nawaz Sharif was a cricketer and played a first class game in the 1973-74 season representing Pakistan Railways.

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is married with four children, two sons and two daughters. His elder son Hussain Nawaz is also married and settled in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and looking after the family business, whereas younger son Hassan Nawaz is settled in London and running his family business from there. His both daughters are married. Mariam Nawaz is married to Capt. (R) Safdar and younger is married with the son of Senator Ishaq Dar.

Kashmala Tariq MNA PML (Q)

Kashmala Tariq

The face above speaks volumes of Ms. Kashmala Tariq’s poise and determination. She has gained prominence with her flamboyant and outspoken attitude. Though not from a political or aristocratic background, her approach towards the ill treatment of women of Pakistan has won her a great deal of support. A kind soul, who has been working day in and day out for the emancipation and uplift of women, and has a promising and compassionate attitude for the masses. At a very young age, she has achieved milestones. She has touched success at every point and stage of her life. Married and a mother of a son, Ms. Kashmala Tariq worked with her heart and sinew for standing out as a shining star and a symbol of pride for the women folk of Pakistan.

Ms. Kashmala Tariq was born in Lahore on January 24, 1972. Her educational background includes graduation from Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore in 1991; followed by an LL.B from Punjab University Law College in 1996 and LL.M from London School of Economics, U.K in 1999.

Leadership qualities are something innate in her. Throughout her academic career she had been a ‘guiding light’ for her peers. Her records prove that the name ‘Kashmala’ always signified confidence and courage. She has been leading from the front, always. Kashmala, confident lass at Kinnaird, finally made it to Punjab University for her LLB, where she won a merit scholarship in 1992. After completing her LLB, she did her LLM from London School of Economics (LSE), UK in 1999. At LSE she remained the President of the LSE Students’ Union between 1998 and 1999. Being an active student member at LSE, her leadership abilities blossomed and became more fine and unique. She learnt new ways of dealing with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural groups of people. This gave her a new insight, which is probably unique to her.

Politics has been her passion, right from the very beginning. She was Secretary General of an Environmental NGO (Sath) from 1992 to 1995; and has served as President of the Peoples Students Federation (PSF) from 1993 to 1995. Her stay at Punjab University made her well-versed with the political maneuverings and trends prevalent in Pakistan. This exposure made her street-wise and helped her to go a long way in her political struggle, later in life. At LSE she was able to lead the LSE Students’ Union – an honor for Ms. Kashmala, indeed. During her stay at LSE, she developed her political affiliations with ‘Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf – Imran Khan’s brain child’. For two long years i.e. 1998 – 2000, she remained ‘Chief Organizer – Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf UK’.

Ms. Kashmala Tariq’s political career did start in her student life, but she joined mainstream politics when she was in UK and became Chief Organizer of PTI. However, her affiliations with Imran Khan could not last long. On her return to Pakistan, she joined PML (Q). As of today, Ms. Kashmala shares her political school of thought with PML (Q). Ms. Kashmala is known as a staunch supporter of General Pervez Musharraf. She was also one of the few legislators, who met President George W Bush on his trip to Pakistan in March, 2007. Ms. Kashmala has also gained the trust of the PML-Q leaders for her unflinching support to the regime of President Pervez Musharraf, on TV talk shows and on the floor of the National Assembly.

Kashmala Tariq was elected to the Parliament in Pakistan on a Women Reserve Seat in the Punjab Province. An ardent advocate of Musharraf’s enlightened moderation theory; she feels a dire need of awareness and education for the masses. Her political success has been scandalized, quite a number of times.

Such events and occurrences have made her the darling of the Urdu-language media. In spite of all odds, Ms. Kashmala has come a long way in her political journey. Such minor hurdles come and go. There are forces that oppose and forces that make you move along; it is how you manage to fair well.

Ms. Kashmala has faired well, exploring a new world for herself and for her fellow women folks. Her realistic and intelligent ideas have made her a popular political figure at a very young age.

She likes travelling has travelled to Europe, Far East and U.A.E.
Her hobbies include Horse Riding and Swimming. She is a brave young lady who has always loved dauntingly difficult tasks and interests. She is vigorous and this very vigor is, arguably, her core competency.


Her areas of legislative interests include:
Education
Women Development
Law Membership of National Assembly Committees
Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human rights
Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue
Standing Committee on House and Library

Nilofar Bakhtiar
Senator
Former President
PML Women Wing
Ex-Federal Minister For Tourism Pakistan Muslim League-Q

An ardent admirer of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Nilofar Bakhtiar finds a great deal of sagacity, guidance and meaningfulness in the following words of Quaid e Azam:

“You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place or worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State.”

(Quaid e Azam’s Presidential address to the constituent assembly, 11th August 1947)

Another quote of Jinnah inspires her which states that women should stand by their men even in the battlefield.

Nilofar believes that we must give women and minorities their due. She feels that by doing so we shall fulfill Quaid’s promise and resolve. She herself has fought for women rights all through her political career.

The poise and determination which Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar possesses, is something which comes in only when you know how to make the most out of your life. She has what it takes to be a woman of substance and intellect.

Family:

She is married and a mother of two sons and one daughter. Her eldest son has carried forward his mother’s legacy and has recently got married after completing his degree in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and returning to Pakistan. Carnegie Mellon’s program in Public Administration happens to be the same which Osama’s mother qualified way back in 1986. Her only daughter is undergoing her degree on Fulbright scholarship at Berkley; her youngest son is in class 6th though. Nilofar’s progeny has made her real proud.

Nilofar has two brothers, both retired brigadiers. Her only sister is a house wife and is her major moral support after the death of her parents.

Nilofar was born in CMH Bannu in the NWFP on 9th September 1957; as her father was posted there at that time. Her Maiden name is Nilofar Ali. Her father retired as a colonel from Pakistan Army. Her family has a background of Social Work and Military Service for over four generations. Carrying forward the family traditions, Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar, has indeed come a long way in social work. Her main thrust of work has been on the uplift of women, health and educational projects. Proud of the fact that she has her roots in the middle class strata of the Pakistani Society, she was married to Bakhtiar ud Din Ahmed who runs a printing business by the name of ‘Imprint’ and has been a major source of moral support for her, throughout.

Academia:

Her academia speaks volumes of her intellectually sound personality, which she does possess – for sure. After completing her high school from “Presentation Convent, Rawalpindi”, she eventually did her “Bachelors of Arts” from ‘Punjab University’ in 1976. Her bachelors earned her a Government Scholarship for a diploma in ‘Hotel Management and Tourism’ from ‘Institute of Hotel & Tourism Management, Salzburg, Austria’. After her diploma from Austria in 1977, Nilofar moved to ‘Cornell University, New York, USA’ for a summer term. Her intellectual appetite has always been driving her ambitions; she ended up joining “Carnegie Mellon University” for her ‘Masters in Public Administration’ on USAID’s scholarship in 1986. Earlier, after her return from Austria she served PTDC, Flashmans, Cecil Hotel and Inter-Continental as part of the work bond which was a requirement of the scholarship for the diploma. Meanwhile, she also became actively involved in women rights movements.

Politics and Nilofar:

Leadership is something innate in her. She was ‘House President’ in Presentation Convent, ‘General Secretary’ at CB College, ‘President’ at Cornell, and remained ‘Course President’ at Austria. Nilofar has never remained without a portfolio.

Her illustrious political career tells us that it takes grit, commitment and perseverance to make a fair picture at the end of the day. Her political port-folio is rich and shining. She has remained “Federal Minister for Tourism”. She joined Pakistan Muslim League in 1990. She was elected as a member of the Municipal Corporation and headed PML election campaigns in 1990, 1993, and 1997. She has remained member of Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting; Standing Committee on Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs and Tourism; Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs.

She is the former President of the Women's Wing of the Pakistan Muslim League in Rawalpindi. She was appointed as a member of the Central Working Committee in 1996. She has always worked for the cause of women in Pakistan. She is and has remained an ardent advocate of the emancipation of the women folk. She remained imprisoned during Tehrik-e-Nijat, after anti-government protests. She serves on the board of numerous educational and civic bodies.

She has held the following offices in the Federal Cabinet, Government of Pakistan:

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Minister In-charge, Women Development, Special Education and Social Welfare (2002-2006)
Minister for Tourism (2006-2007)
Bakhtiar is currently elected as a Senator, Government of Pakistan, for a six-year term (2006-2012)

A noble cause turned into a controversy:

A controversy over her parachute jump in France, initiated a long drawn process of politicking. The parachute jump was a part of fund-raising campaign for the 2005 Earthquake. She likes to work for noble causes, for it relinquishes her soul.

In April 2007, Islamic clerics in Pakistan issued a Fatwa urging that she be punished and fired from the government after some newspapers printed photographs of her hugging a male colleague after landing from a parachute jump in France. The clerics stated that this was "an illegitimate and forbidden act, and that without any doubt, she has committed a great sin, and that Muslim women must stay at home and must not venture out uncovered.

Bahktiar described the hug as a congratulatory pat, after her parachute jump. "It was just a pat because he felt so proud of me; I did it for a good cause. I did not have any practice of para jumping. I thought it was brave on my part."

On May 21 2007, Nilofar Bakhtiar announced her resignation as Tourism Minister, over the parachute controversy. However, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz rejected this resignation.

Ms Bakhtiar complained of a campaign of intimidation against her, and had told a Senate Standing Committee that her life was under threat. Ms Bakhtiar said she was disappointed by her Cabinet colleagues who had failed to stand by her.

Working for womens’ emancipation – working on, on and on:

Nilofar remains committed to her cause and her devotion to duty is un-wavering. After all, people do throw stones at the tree that bears good fruit. She is an icon of strength for the public in general and the women folk in particular. She has taken many initiatives regarding women and feels that unless we empower women, we cannot prosper.

She has the honor of being one of the senior-most female members of the Party and rose up to the office of the founding member as well as the national president of the party’s women wing. She distinguished herself by becoming the only female office bearer of her party who was persecuted for political activism and was sentenced to six months imprisonment for leading a national movement for the restoration of democracy in the country. Legislation on Honor Killing in Pakistan in 2003, is one example among many of her untiring commitments to the cause of gender justice

During her tenure as “Advisor to the Prime Minister and Minister In-charge, Women Development, Special Education and Social Welfare (2002-2006)” she left no stone unturned in making women stronger than ever before. A woman of substance she is, indeed!

Conferences Attended:

Guest Speaker at Lions Clubs Conferences & Conventions in Australia, America, Canada, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Middle East, England, Sweden, Norway, Japan, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya
SAARC Conference on the Development of Women in India
UN sponsored “Beijing + 5” Conference on Women in 1995 in China.
World NGO Conference at UN Headquarters New York, USA 1995.
Headed the Women Sports national contingent to Iran during the Asian Games
Attended the 47th, 48th and 49th sessions of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, New York, 2003-2005
UNIFEM Conference in Bhutan
Hosted the 5th South Asia Regional Ministerial Conference of the SAARC Countries at Islamabad, May 2005
NAM Conference held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 2005
ECOSOC Ministerial Roundtable Conference at the UN Headquarters, New York, 2005
SAARC Tourism Ministers Conference in Bangladesh, 2006
Represented the country at five international Tourism Fairs during 2006-2007 at Berlin, Delhi, New York, Paris and London
World Tourism Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, Azerbaijan, 2006
Hosted the World Tourism Organization (WTO) conference at Islamabad, 2007
Chaired the WTO Conference on World Tourism Day, titled “Tourism Opens Doors For Women,” Sri Lanka, September 2007

Awards and Honors:

Several time gold medalist in debating competitions
Awarded a USAID scholarship for Masters at Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh
Visited the United States on invitation from the US Government to observe primary elections in 2000
Bolan, Mussawar, U.N., Citizen and several other awards for social work and humanitarian services
Several Lions Leadership and presidential Awards, including the highest honours bestowed by the association
First woman to receive the “Ambassador of Goodwill Award” by Lions Clubs International.
She is also on the board of several educational institutions and welfare centers, including Fatima Jinnah Women University, OPF Girls College, National Fund for Culture & Heritage, Film Censor Board
Woman of the Year Award in 2004 by Star Awards
Invited to celebrate the International Women’s Day, 8th March, as a state guest in Berlin, Germany
Visited China on the invitation of All China Women’s Federation
Visited Paris on the invitation of local community in Paris
Women’s Achievement Award, a recognition by the Print and Electronic Media Association of India, 2007
Currently elected as Vice Chairperson of the International Red Cross Society in Pakistan
Currently serving as Vice President of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi
Currently serving as Chairperson, NGO Bardaasht (Tolerance)
Recently appointed Special Advisor to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) on Gender and Tourism. Also choosen to be a member of World Steering Committee for Women Development by United Nations Fund for Women Development.
Nilofar Bakhtiar is pioneer of many a previous legislations for women and currently she is working for the rights of the women under newly enacted Nizam-e-Adal in Malakand and Swat areas.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed's Profile

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad (born on 1950-11-06) is a Pakistani politician and writer. He is currently serving as the Federal Minister for Railways in Pakistan. His previous position was Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was born in Babra Bazaar, Rawalpindi, studied at Rawalpindi Polytechnic College and later at Gordon College. He completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Lahore.
Throughout his education, Sheikh Rashid was very active in student politics.
He was first elected to the Pakistani National Assembly in 1985, and has been re-elected a record six times. During his political career, Sheikh Rashid has served as Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower; Information; Industries; Sports Culture; Tourism and Investment; Information and Broadcasting; and currently serving as Federal Minister for Railways.

Introduction
Sheikh Rashid Ahmad (born on 1950-11-06) is a Pakistani politician and writer. He is currently serving as the Federal Minister for Railways in Pakistan. His previous position was Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was born in Babra Bazaar, Rawalpindi, studied at Rawalpindi Polytechnic College and later at Gordon College. He completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Lahore. Throughout his education, Sheikh Rashid was very active in student politics.

He was first elected to the Pakistani National Assembly in 1985, and has been re-elected a record six times. During his political career, Sheikh Rashid has served as Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower; Information; Industries; Sports Culture; Tourism and Investment; Information and Broadcasting; and currently serving as Federal Minister for Railways.

Early Years
He was first elected to the Pakistani National Assembly in 1985, and has been re-elected a record six times. During his political career, Sheikh Rashid has served as Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower; Information; Industries; Sports Culture; Tourism and Investment; Information and Broadcasting; and currently serving as Federal Minister for Railways.

He used to be the right-hand man of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif but left Nawaz League and joined the newly formed Muslim League to get into ministership again. 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 is the author of Farzand-e-Pakistan, and is currently working on another book.

Current Status
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is currently the Federal Minister for Railways, as of May 2006. He lives in Lal Haveli in the heart of Rawalpindi. Lal Haveli has become a tourist destination due to its beautiful, ancient architecture. He is still a bachelor.

He has been organizing a big public meeting on the eve of 14th of August (independence day of Pakistan) at his residence Lal Haveli and the firework show is extremely popular among the people of the city and hundreds of thousands people turn to watch this show every year.

Sheikh is allways the target of scandals and propaganda from his opponents who criticise him on his numerous affairs and illicit relationships wit famous television and lollywood actresses, amongst them are reema meera resham , anjuman, all the top ptv models and zara sheikh. he reportedly said that the children of benazir resemble Faisal Saleh hayat and Jehangir Badr, hinting that they may be the result of affairs between the former PM and her alleged lovers. He spent seven years in prison because of this comment.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was injured while three other people, including two bodyguards, were killed.

RAWALPINDI: Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was injured while three other people, including two bodyguards, were killed when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle outside his party’s election office here on Monday.

Rawalpindi’s Regional Police Officer Aslam Tareen termed the attack an act of terrorism and targeted killing.

Sheikh Rashid, who was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, was in a stable condition when last reports came in.

According to initial medical reports, X-rays showed that he was not hit by a bullet. However, he had a slight swelling on his leg, a doctor said.

Later, he was discharged from the hospital.

The AML chief was attacked by two masked gunmen at his party’s election office near Mohammadi Chowk, in Khayaban-i-Sir Syed, while he was getting into his vehicle.

Sheikh Rashid’s bodyguards chased the fleeing gunmen, but they were gunned down by their accomplices, security sources said. Kalashnikovs were used by the attackers who managed to escape on motorcycles.

The identity of the gunmen was not known, police said.

Tanveer, an eyewitness, said all of a sudden the gunmen appeared in the crowd and opened fire.

He said: “Sheikh Rashid has been on the hit list of terrorists since the Lal Masjid operation (July 2007) and he has been provided security by the Punjab government.”

Sheikh Rashid, who had been a member of the PML-Q and was information and railways minister in the previous government of Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, formed his own political party after losing his National Assembly seat in 2008. He is contesting a by-election to NA-55, Rawalpindi.

All candidates contesting the by-election had been advised in writing to inform the police and district administration one day before a public meeting or any other gathering. But Monday’s function was not a scheduled event and the police were not intimated.

A large number of Sheikh Rashid’s supporters gathered outside the hospital and shouted slogans against certain political leaders and police. Some of the angry protesters burned tyres on the roads to block traffic.

Five police personnel had been deployed at the residence of Sheikh Rashid in Rawalpindi, but no police squad was provided to him during his inter-city movements.

Those who lost their lives in the attack were identified as Anwar-ul-Haq, Javaid and Shahid Shahzad.

Mohammad Hassan and Ilyas Abbasi were injured.

Sheikh Rashid recorded his statement before the Pirwadhai police late in the night.

He said he was coming out of his election office after attending a meeting when some unidentified gunmen opened fire, killing three of his associates.

“Two of the gunmen who were wearing shawls appeared on the scene while their two other accomplices were standing at a short distance. Sheikh Rashid did not identify any person by name as prime accused.

A police source said that Sheikh Rashid had accused a senior police officer of negligence.

The police formed a team to probe the attack.

INVESTIGATION:

The Punjab government has set up a high-level team comprising representatives of the Punjab Police, ISI and IB to probe the incident.

According to the provincial government, it will give financial assistance to families of the dead and to all the injured. Instructions had already been issued for treatment of the wounded persons at government expenses, a handout said.

Reuters adds:

The violence is likely to raise political tension in Rawalpindi.

Sheikh Rashid was hurt but not by a bullet, an aide, Javed Qureshi, told Reuters. He had apparently injured a foot when he fell over during the attack, he said.“ Unidentified gunmen opened fire with Kalashnikovs. It was an assassination attempt,” Mr Qureshi said.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik told parliament two guards and two other people were killed. Two guards were wounded.

Police had earlier said the AML chief had been wounded in the shooting. Television showed pictures of supporters carrying a conscious Sheikh Rashid into hospital.