Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad

Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad (born 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.

Shaikh Rasheed ahmed was born in Rawalpindi.[citation needed] 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, Shaikh Rasheed was very active in student politics.

He was first elected to the National assembly of Pakistan in 1985, and was re-elected a record six times.

He used to be the right-hand man of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif but left Nawaz League and joined the newly formed Muslim League to get into ministership again. 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 is the author of Farzand-e-Pakistan, and is currently working on another book, Sub achha Hai.[citation needed]

Shaikh Rasheed ahmed was appointed Federal Minister for Railways in May 2006 and served in that capacity until 2008.

He lives in Lal Haveli in the heart of Rawalpindi. Lal Haveli has become a tourist destination due to its beautiful, ancient architecture.

Lal HaveliHe 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 thousands people turn to watch this show every year.

He also ran a jihadi training camp in the late 1980s.[1] This is stark contrast to his contemporary politics as a staunch supporter of "enlightened moderation".

In the February 2008 general elections, Shaikh Rasheed lost both of his Rawalpindi constituencies, NA-55 and NA-56.[3] after his defeat, there were rumors that Shaikh Rasheed 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.