Farzand-e-Pakistan: A Candid and Revealing Account of Pakistani Politics by Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad

Farzand-e-Pakistan: A Biography of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad is a prominent Pakistani politician who has been serving as the Minister for Interior since 2021. He is also the leader of Awami Muslim League (AML), a political party that he founded in 2008. He is known for his outspoken and controversial statements, as well as his loyal support for Prime Minister Imran Khan. He has been elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan eight times from different constituencies of Rawalpindi.

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In 1995, he published his autobiography titled Farzand-e-Pakistan (Son of Pakistan), in which he narrated his life story, his political journey, and his views on various national and international issues. The book was well-received by his supporters and admirers, but also faced criticism from his opponents and detractors. The book is considered as one of the most candid and revealing accounts of Pakistani politics by an insider.

In this article, we will explore the life and career of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, as well as his book Farzand-e-Pakistan. We will also discuss the reception and impact of the book, and why it is worth reading for anyone interested in Pakistani politics.

Early Life and Education

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad was born on November 6, 1950, in Rawalpindi, Punjab. He belongs to a Kashmiri family that migrated from Srinagar during the partition of India in 1947. His father, Sheikh Muhammad Nawaz, was a contractor and a politician who was affiliated with Pakistan Muslim League (PML).

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad received his early education from Sir Syed School in Rawalpindi. He then attended Gordon College, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in commerce. He also completed his LLB degree from Punjab University Law College. He was interested in politics since his student days, and participated in various student unions and movements. He was influenced by the ideology of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and joined his party in 1970.

Political Career

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad started his political career as a member of PPP. He contested his first election in 1977 from NA-55 Rawalpindi, but lost to PML candidate Raja Zafarul Haq. He remained loyal to PPP during the martial law imposed by General Zia-ul-Haq, and was arrested several times for his opposition to the military regime.

He won his first seat in the National Assembly in 1985 from NA-55 Rawalpindi as an independent candidate. He then joined PML, which was led by Muhammad Khan Junejo at that time. He served as the Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower in Junejo's cabinet until 1988.

He retained his seat in the National Assembly in 1988, 1990, 1993, and 1997 elections from NA-55 Rawalpindi as a PML candidate. He served as the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Federal Minister for Railways, Federal Minister for Sports, Culture, Tourism and Youth Affairs, and Federal Minister for Commerce in various cabinets of Nawaz Sharif, the leader of PML.

He parted ways with PML in 2002, after Nawaz Sharif was ousted by General Pervez Musharraf in a military coup in 1999. He formed his own party, AML, and contested the 2002 election from NA-55 Rawalpindi as an independent candidate. He won the seat and became an ally of Musharraf's government. He served as the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and Federal Minister for Railways in Musharraf's cabinet until 2007.

He lost his seat in the National Assembly in 2008 election from NA-55 Rawalpindi to PPP candidate Malik Shakil Awan. He challenged the result in the court, and won the by-election in 2010. He also won the 2013 election from NA-55 Rawalpindi as an AML candidate. He became an ally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which was led by Imran Khan, and supported his campaign against the PPP government.

He retained his seat in the National Assembly in 2018 election from NA-60 Rawalpindi as an AML candidate. He joined the PTI-led coalition government and was appointed as the Federal Minister for Railways. He resigned from his ministry in 2020, after a train accident that killed 74 people. He was then appointed as the Federal Minister for Interior in 2021.

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has faced many controversies and challenges during his political career. He has been accused of corruption, nepotism, mismanagement, and violation of electoral laws by his opponents. He has also been involved in several legal cases and inquiries against him. He has survived several assassination attempts and attacks on his life. He has also been banned from entering several countries, including India, UK, and Canada, for his controversial statements and activities.

Despite these difficulties, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has also achieved many awards and recognitions as a politician. He has been awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian award of Pakistan, by President Arif Alvi in 2019. He has also received several honorary degrees and titles from various universities and institutions. He is regarded as one of the most experienced and influential politicians in Pakistan, who has a strong following among the masses.

Farzand-e-Pakistan: The Book

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad published his autobiography titled Farzand-e-Pakistan (Son of Pakistan) in 1995. The book is divided into 11 chapters, each covering a different aspect of his life and career. The book covers his childhood, education, family, friends, mentors, political journey, role in various governments, views on various national and international issues, personal experiences, anecdotes, and predictions.

The book is written in a conversational style, as if Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad is talking to the reader directly. The book is full of humor, sarcasm, wit, and wisdom. The book reveals many secrets and insights about Pakistani politics and politicians that are not known to the public. The book also reflects the personality and ideology of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, who is proud of his Kashmiri heritage, loyal to his country, passionate about democracy, and fearless about expressing his opinions.

The book received a positive response from his supporters and admirers, who praised him for his honesty, courage, and patriotism. The book also faced criticism from his opponents and detractors, who accused him of lying, exaggerating, and defaming others. The book also sparked controversy for its controversial statements and claims about various issues and personalities.

The book had a significant impact on Pakistani politics and society. The book increased the popularity and credibility of Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad among the people. The book also influenced many other politicians to write their own autobiographies or memoirs. The book also inspired many journalists, writers, researchers, and students to study and analyze Pakistani politics more deeply.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad is a remarkable Pakistani politician who has played an important role in Pakistani politics for over four decades. He has served as a minister in various governments under different leaders. He has also faced many challenges and controversies during his career. He has written his autobiography titled Farzand-e-Pakistan (Son of Pakistan), which is one of the most candid and revealing accounts of Pakistani politics by an insider.

If you are interested in Pakistani politics or want to know more about Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad's life and career, you should read Farzand-e-Pakistan (Son of Pakistan). You will find it informative, entertaining, and enlightening. You will also learn a lot about the history and culture of Pakistan from this book. 71b2f0854b