YOUSAF RAZA GILLANI

Yousaf Raza Gillani, born on June 9, 1952, is a notable Pakistani politician who served as the 18th Prime Minister of Pakistan from March 25, 2008, to June 19, 2012. His tenure is marked by significant political events and challenges, making him one of the most prominent figures in Pakistan's contemporary political history.

Gillani was born in Karachi into a politically influential family with deep-rooted connections in the Punjab region. He completed his early education at the St. Mary's Academy in Rawalpindi and later attended Government College University in Lahore, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree. He went on to earn a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Punjab, which provided him with a strong foundation for his future political career.

Gillani began his political career with the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) in the 1970s. He was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1985 during the non-party elections held under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime. In 1988, he joined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led by Benazir Bhutto, which marked a significant shift in his political alignment. His decision to join the PPP was influenced by his ideological leanings towards democracy and social justice.

During Benazir Bhutto’s first tenure as Prime Minister, Gillani held several important ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Housing and Works, and Minister for Railways. He demonstrated his administrative capabilities and loyalty to the PPP, which strengthened his position within the party.

In 2001, Gillani faced a major setback when he was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on charges of corruption and misuse of authority during his tenure as Speaker of the National Assembly. He was sentenced to five years in prison. Despite his imprisonment, Gillani maintained his innocence and claimed that the charges were politically motivated. He was released in 2006 after serving nearly five years, emerging as a resilient and determined political figure.

In the 2008 general elections, the PPP emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly, and Gillani was nominated as the party’s candidate for Prime Minister. He was elected with a significant majority and took office on March 25, 2008. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by several significant events, including the restoration of the judiciary, economic challenges, and the fight against terrorism.

One of Gillani’s notable achievements was his role in the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other judges who were deposed by President Pervez Musharraf. This move was widely hailed as a victory for the rule of law and judicial independence in Pakistan.

Gillani's government faced numerous challenges, including economic instability, energy crises, and the ongoing fight against terrorism. His administration worked closely with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and extremism in the region. Despite these efforts, his government was often criticized for its handling of economic issues and governance.

In 2012, Gillani's tenure as Prime Minister came to an abrupt end when he was disqualified by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The court convicted him of contempt for refusing to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari. This decision led to his disqualification from holding any public office, marking a significant turning point in his political career.

Despite his disqualification, Gillani remained an active and influential figure in Pakistani politics. He continued to play a key role in the PPP and remained a vocal advocate for democracy and social justice. In the 2018 general elections, he was elected as a Senator, further solidifying his position in Pakistan's political landscape.

Throughout his career, Yousaf Raza Gillani has been known for his resilience, political acumen, and commitment to democratic principles. His tenure as Prime Minister, marked by both achievements and controversies, has left a lasting impact on Pakistan's political history.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yousaf_Raza_Gillani