Yousaf Raza Gillani

Yousaf Raza Gillani, born on June ninth, nineteen fifty-two, is a prominent Pakistani politician and journalist, renowned for his role as the sixteenth Prime Minister of Pakistan from two thousand eight to two thousand twelve. He holds the distinction of being the first and only ethnic Saraiki prime minister in the country's history. Currently, he serves as the chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, a position he has held since two thousand twenty-four.

Raised in Multan, Gillani pursued his education in political journalism at the Government College University and the University of the Punjab in Lahore. His political journey began in nineteen seventy-eight when he joined the Pakistan Muslim League, contributing to the government under President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. However, he transitioned to the Pakistan People's Party in nineteen eighty-eight, where he held various significant roles, including Minister of Tourism and Speaker of the National Assembly.

In two thousand one, Gillani faced a setback when he was arrested on corruption charges by military president Pervez Musharraf, leading to a six-year imprisonment. Following the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto in two thousand seven, he was elected as Prime Minister in the two thousand eight general elections. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen parliamentary democracy, initiate foreign policies, and improve nuclear energy projects, alongside founding the University of Swat in July two thousand ten.

Despite his achievements, Gillani's premiership faced challenges, culminating in his disqualification by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in June two thousand twelve due to corruption allegations. After a brief hiatus from national politics, he returned in April two thousand seventeen. He served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate from two thousand twenty-one to two thousand twenty-two and briefly acted as the President of Pakistan in May two thousand twenty-four.

As a veteran of the Pakistan People's Party, Gillani continues to play a vital role in the political landscape, currently serving as the vice-chairman of the party's Central Executive Committee and as a Member of the National Assembly.