Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (Urdu: شيخ رشيد احمد, born November 6, 1950 in Rawalpindi) is a Pakistani politician and writer. He served as the Federal Minister for Railways in Pakistan from 2006 to 2008. His previous portfolio have included appointments as Federal Minister for Labor and Manpower, Information and Broadcasting, Industries, Sports Culture, and Tourism and Investment. He formed his own political party Awami Muslim League in 2008.
Early life and Education
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was born in Bhabra Bazar, Rawalpindi.[1]. 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.
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. 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. He became Managing Director of Gulmerg Company, which was doing business in silk and silk yarn.
Political career
His political career began on the village platform where he woud try to garner support from the local population alongside other speakers. Sheikh Rashid and his contemporaries would often fail at this attempt and it has been said that they were not well liked in the villages for not understanding the basic problems.
Later, he became the leader of Opposition in the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi. 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 six times. 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.
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. 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. He was awarded seven years rigorous imprisonment in Kalashnikov case and spent two years in Bahawalpur Jail.
On October 2, 2007, Gen. Pervez Musharraf named Lt. Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, as vice chief of the army starting October 8. If Musharraf wins the presidency and resigns his military post, Kayani will be army chief. Meanwhile, Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed stated that officials agreed to grant Benazir Bhutto amnesty versus pending corruption charges. [2]
In the February 2008 general elections, Sheikh Rashid lost both of his Rawalpindi constituencies, NA-55 and NA-56.[3] After his defeat, there were rumors that Sheikh Rashid had fled to Spain,[4] however, these allegations were later discovered to be false.[5] In June 2008, he announced formation of new political party, Awami Muslim League.
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. He was appointed Federal Minister for Railways in May 2006 and served in that capacity until 2008. His contemporary politics is as a staunch supporter of "enlightened moderation".
Armed Attack
On February 8, 2010, Sheikh Rashid was injured, while three other people, known to be his bodyguards were killed, when armed gunmen opened fire at his vehicle outside his party’s election office in Rawalpindi.[6]. Rashid was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, from where he was discharged after initial medical treatment. Rawalpindi’s Regional Police Officer, Aslam Tareen termed the attack an act of terrorism and targeted killing.[6]
Links with Kashmir
Rashid Ahmed has his roots in Srinagar - capital of the Indian administered Kashmir and is known for his support to the anti-India uprising in Jammu and Kashmir. He shot into prominence when Indian Government denied him permission to visit New Delhi in 2004 fall, after a Kashmiri separatist Yasin Malik said that his residence and farm house has been used by militant organizations. His fiery speeches on Kashmir are widely appreciated in Indian administered Kashmir. He has a dream to visit Srinagar to offer prayers at the graves of his forefathers.
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.[1]
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.
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 people turn to watch this show every year.
