Profile: From ‘Rental Raja’ to PM Ashraf
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf as the new prime minister is a controversial choice to the say the least. Currently fighting a corruption case in the Supreme Court, he is also blamed fo r the country’s energy woes.
Ashraf was born on December 26, 1950, in Sanghar, Sindh. He received his early education in Sindh and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sindh in 1970. In 1974, he received a diploma in industrial management from England.
Ashraf’s family migrated to Gujar Khan tehsil, in northern Punjab, where they became associated with the agricultural sector. Before joining the Pakistan Peoples Party, Ashraf worked in the agriculture, farming and real estate sectors.
Political career
The new premier served as the water and power minister from 2008 to 2011 and later retained his position in the federal cabinet led by Yousaf Raza Gilani as the information and technology minister in 2012.
He was elected twice as a member of the National Assembly from his constituency, NA-51 Rawalpindi-II of Gujjar Khan in 2002 and 2008.
Ashraf also served as the chairman of Social Action from 1994 to 1996. He was also a member of the National Assembly Standing Committees on Kashmir Affairs and Law, Justice and Human Rights.
Scandals
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf was given the title of Raja Rental after he was accused of receiving kickbacks in the rental power projects. He was also accused of buying property in London from money earned through corruption in various scams.
He is currently defending himself in the Supreme Court.
On March 30, the apex court had directed the National Accountability Bureau to proceed against those who were in the post of minister for water and power from 2006 till the next general elections. As a result, on April 20, NAB issued arrest warrants for 33 persons, including Ashraf.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (16)
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I am very happy, because this is first time in PPP history, that a middle class worker is nominated for PM.
Good Time is Comming,
@Nasir: Let's see which way the court cases against him go!
Innocent until proven guilty - should we not give him a chance
When you guys run out of reasons, you take refuge in foul language. and become a cheap skate showing your cheap mentality. Do not curse others if you have any self respect left you Sameer who ARIAN
vinod, don't worry your well-meaning little heart about our internal affairs. we know you well.
Sorry to say......but he is true reflection of our society
What image of Pakistan are we creating internationally? Shall we not known as a nation of corrupts and criminals? What face overseas Pakistani brothers have to show in other countries and how their worth will be effected?
@Fazal ur Rehman Butt: Dear Rehman Sahib, It pains us to see that people of Pakistan take pride in making fun and berating all their democratic institutions and public figures. Is it not a fact that some time ago a thumping majority of people of Pakistan had elected PPP into power and now you are not tired of calling some one Mr 10%, Rental Raza and so on. The only institution you dare not speak about is Army may be because of mortal fear. But Sir, if you do not give chance democracy to grow how will it function. People get every chance to change by election and they should stick to democracy. Do you know how people of other country feel when you make fun of your President or PM... I am sure you understand.
My dear Pakistanis! Please don't ever vote for PPP until death.
@B.Ally:
It is perfectly true; he is ours and our PM - but his past performance is not ours. We are not "pujaris" of clay statues, but would surely admire anyone with deeds.
Shame on you for defending a Crook .@B.Ally:
Allah he Allah... as Genral Pervaiz Musharraf said, "Pakistan ka Allah ... he... Hafiz"
Yopu have done good to your newspaper by withdrawing the profile RAJA written by Zahid Giskori. This is one some what balanced but still the focus seems to be negative side. Try to get some one write a balanced and fact verified Profile. He did not migrate to Gujar Khan. He is native of Potohar Who happens to live on some of his family land in Sanghar Sindh.
Whether you like it or not he is yours as well as vour Prime Minister so Let us learn to pay respect to an office at least.
@Ahmer Ali Same is the case for governor punjab, mr khosa who was dismissed from the post of attorney general due to corruption charges and he became the governor.
Mostly this has been seen that PPP only appointed the alleged/accused persons of any cases/allegation/accusations on the key posts and Raja Pervez Ashraf is the live example of it.
it is our bad luck that Raja Pervaiz Ashraf is a prime minister of Pakistan