Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad

Infobox Politician
name = Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad

imagesize =
birth_date = November 6, 1950
birth_place = Rawalpindi Punjab

flagicon|PAK Pakistan
party = Awami Muslim League
citizenship = Pakistani
religion = Sunni Islam

Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad (Urdu: شیخ رشید احمد ) (born In Rawalpindi on November 6, 1950) 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.Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad completed an M.A degree in Political Science from University of Punjab in 1995.

He was affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League (the Quaid-e-Azam group) and was the Federal Minister for Railway and Information.

Political Career:

Sheikh Rasheed Ahamad was first elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1985, and has been re-elected a record six times.He used to be the right-hand man of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.In the General Elections of 2002,He was denied the Party ticket to contest in the General Elections. He contest as an Independent Candidate for the General Elections in 2002 from two seats in Rawalpindi. After winning his home seat, he joined the newly formed Muslim League and become the Minister of the Information and broadcasting. During his time when he was an Information Minister,His department issued lisences to almost 50 Private Tv Channels which is considered as his major Contribution. He was also very outspoken and sometimes said things against his own government.

He previously held the office of Senior Vice President of PML(Q) and has served as Federal Minister for Industries, Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis; Federal Minister for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Federal Minister for Information and Media Development and Federal Minister of Railways.

Rawalpindi being his stronghold and both the constituencies i.e, NA-55 and NA-56. In the General Elections of 2008 from NA-55 he contested against old friend Javed Hashmi of PML(N) and Amir Fida Paracha of PPPP. He gathered 30'993 which accounts to 21.35% standing on 3rd position even loosing from Amir Fida Paracha. Whilst in NA-56 he contested against Hanif Abbasi of PML(N) and Sardar Shaukat Hayat of PPP, he only gathered 10'964 votes which accounts to 10.22% having a humiliating defeat. This is the first ever defeat of Sheikh Rasheed in any sort of elections i.e, National or Provincial.

After losing the General Elections 2008 from his constituency, In his interview to Geo TV he stated that reasons behind his defeat are Red mosque issue, recent wheat, gas and electricity crisis, he also stated that he is having thoughts of forming his own political party which would be the true political party belonging to the people of Pakistan.

Awami Style(Public Style):

Sheikh Rasheed is famous for his 'Awami style' (public style) of politics.His lavishing style specially smoking cigars is most popular in the People of Pakistan.Ironically he is still a bachelor to what extent no one knows.He is hugely popular in Rawalpindi and is known for creating a large number of schools in that city.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, Sub Achha Hai.

On the 1st of June 2008 Sheikh Rasheed formed the Awami Muslim League (AML) after resigning from Pakistan Muslim League(Q)

In Bye-Elections Held on June 26, 2008. He sponsered Begum Nasim Ali [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C06%5C16%5Cstory_16-6-2008_pg11_3] . She only secured 126 votes [http://www2.ecp.gov.pk/vsite/bye/Search.aspx?constituency=NA&constituencyid=NA-55] . There were 3,33,928 total votes in which 39,135 votes were casted.