Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan

Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan (Urdu: چوہدری نِثار علی خان‎; born 31 July 1954) is a Pakistani politician who served as the Interior Minister from 2013 to 2017. He is currently an independent member-elect of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab - elected to represent PP-10 (Rawalpindi V) - having won in the General Election 2018. He however was unsuccessful in winning a National Assembly seat[2] A former leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Khan had been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan between 1985 and May 2018. He was the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly from 2008 to 2013.

Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan
34th Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control
In office 7 June 2013 – 28 July 2017
President	Mamnoon Hussain
Prime Minister	Nawaz Sharif
Preceded by	Malik Habib
Succeeded by	Ahsan Iqbal
Leader of the Opposition
In office 17 September 2008 – 7 June 2013
President	Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister	Yousaf Raza Gillani
Preceded by	Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi
Succeeded by	Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah
Minister for National Food Security & Research
In office 31 March 2008 – 13 May 2008
President	Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister	Yousaf Raza Gillani
Preceded by	Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan
Succeeded by	Nazar Muhammad Gondal
Minister for Communications
In office 29 March 2008 – 13 May 2008
President	Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister	Yousaf Raza Gillani
Preceded by	Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination
In office 1997–1999
President	Wasim Sajjad Muhammad Rafiq Tarar
Prime Minister	Nawaz Sharif
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources
In office 1997–1999
President	Wasim Sajjad Muhammad Rafiq Tarar
Prime Minister	Nawaz Sharif
In office 1990–1993
President	Ghulam Ishaq Khan
Prime Minister	Nawaz Sharif
Minister for Science and Technology
In office June 1988 – December 1988
Preceded by	Malik Naeem Khan Awan
Succeeded by	Jehangir Bader
Personal details
Born	(1954-07-31) 31 July 1954[1] Chakri Vakilan, Punjab, Pakistan
Nationality	Pakistan
Relatives	Iftikhar Ali Khan (brother)

Born in Chakri Vakilan, Khan was educated at Army Burn Hall College. Khan has served in various federal cabinet positions since 1988. He briefly served as the Science and Technology Minister in 1988. During Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's first and second tenures, he held the cabinet portfolio of Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister. During the Gillani ministry, he briefly served as the Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister with the additional portfolio of Communications Minister. In June 2013, during the third Sharif ministry, he was appointed as the Interior Minister, which he held until the dissolution of the federal cabinet in July 2017 following the dismissal of Sharif by the Supreme Court.

Early life and education

Khan was born on 31 July 1954[3][1] to Brigadier (retired) Fateh Khan[4] in Chakri village, Rawalpindi District. He attended Aitchison College and Army Burn Hall College.[5]

He is the younger brother of General Iftikhar Ali Khan.[6][7]

Political career

Khan began his political career in the 1980s[8] after becoming chairman of Rawalpindi district council.[9] He became close to Nawaz Sharif during the rule of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.[10]

He was first elected to the National Assembly in the 1985 general election from constituency NA-52 (Rawalpindi-III).[5] He was re-elected to the National Assembly from the same constituency in the 1988 general election on the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad ticket.[11] He was then appointed as the Federal Minister for Science and Technology.[12][8] After getting re-elected for the third time to the National Assembly in the 1990 general election[5] on the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad ticket from constituency NA-52 (Rawalpindi-III),[11] Khan was made the Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources and Provincial Coordinator, where he served from 1990 to 1993 during the first government of Sharif.[5] He was re-elected to the national assembly for the fourth time in the 1993 general election from constituency NA-52 (Rawalpindi-III).[5]

He was re-elected to the National Assembly for the fifth time in the 1997 general election from constituency NA-52 (Rawalpindi-III)[5] and was for the second time appointed as the Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, where he served until he was dismissed in October 1999 after the coup d'état when then Chief of Army Staff, Pervez Musharraf, overthrew the elected government of Sharif.[5][13] Khan was placed under house arrest for many weeks.[11] It was during his tenure as Member of the National Assembly, he became the most powerful man in PML-N after Nawaz Sharif.[9] Khan was also among Sharif's loyalists who kept the PML-N alive during the Musharraf rule.[14] Musharraf was reportedly appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on the recommendation of Khan.[11]

Khan was re-elected to the National Assembly for the sixth time in the 2002 general election from constituency NA-52 (Rawalpindi-III).[5] However, he lost the election in constituency NA-53 (Rawalpindi-IV).[11]

He was re-elected as a member of the National Assembly in the 2008 general election for the seventh time, both from constituency NA-52 (Rawalpindi-III)[5] and from constituency NA-53 (Rawalpindi-IV). Later, Khan vacated the NA-52 seat and retained NA-53.[15]

Khan was appointed as the Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock and Federal Minister for Communications in March 2008 in the government of Yousaf Raza Gillani, but his tenure was short-lived due to PML-N's decision to leave the Pakistan Peoples Party-led coalition government.[16][17][5][18]

In September 2008, he was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly after the resignation of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.[8][19] In October 2011, he became the first-ever chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly (which was created to audit the accounts of the government) to present annual reports,[20] but he resigned[8] in November 2011 claiming that accountability was not possible under the Pakistan Peoples Party regime led by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani.[21]

For the 2013 general election, Khan was made part of PML-N’s central parliamentary board tasked with selecting candidates for the election.[14] Khan was re-elected to the National Assembly from constituency NA-52 (Rawalpindi-III) for the eighth time in the election[13] and was appointed as the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control in the Sharif cabinet,[22][23] as he had a close relationship with the Pakistan Armed Forces.[24]

In 2013, Dawn reported that, although Khan had no post in PML-N, he was known for his assertiveness in the party’s affairs and had had differences with other PML-N leaders.[5][4] Reportedly, before the 2013 election, Khan lobbied to become the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan,[25] and proposed that Shehbaz Sharif be made Minister for Water and Power, but Nawaz Sharif did not give the party ticket to Khan for the provincial seat. In spite of that, Khan contested the election for provincial assembly seat as an independent candidate and won.[4] Dawn reported that Khan was once considered the de facto chief minister of Punjab.[11]

In March 2015, The News International commended the 21-month progress of Khan as Interior Minister.[26] However, Khan was held responsible for failing to implement and enforce the proposals and plans of the National Action Plan.[4] Khan was also criticised for delaying the inauguration of the Safe City Project in Islamabad,[4] under which 1,800 surveillance cameras were installed across the city.[27] During his tenure as Interior Minister, he issued the approval to launch Biometric passport in Pakistan.[28]

He ceased to hold ministerial office on 28 July 2017 when the federal cabinet was disbanded following the resignation of Sharif after the Panama Papers case decision.[29] A day earlier, Khan had announced that he was considering stepping down as Interior Minister and resigning from membership in the National Assembly because of his differences with the party leaders.[30] After the resignation of Sharif, Khan held a farewell meeting with his Interior Ministry staff and made it clear that he would not become part of the next federal cabinet of the incoming prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who is junior to him.[31][32] As of September 2017, Khan was the longest continuously-serving member of the National Assembly, who was elected to the National Assembly eight times since 1985 election.[33] On 4 August 2017, Abbasi announced his cabinet without Khan being a member.[34] However, reportedly Khan did not renounce his seat in the National Assembly.[35] Khan was accused for giving safe passage to Pervez Musharraf for going out of Pakistan despite a treason case against him.[36]

In February 2018, Imran Khan offered Khan to join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf before 2018 general election.[37] On 27 February, it was reported Nawaz Sharif has parted ways with Khan.[38]

In June 2018, he parted ways with PML-N[9] and announced to run for the 2018 general election as an independent candidate instead of seeking the nomination of PML-N and criticized Sharif brothers saying "These Sharifs will not able to show their faces anywhere if I decide to open my mouth."[39] In July 2018, he in a press conference said "My decision to run as an independent candidate does not mean I have parted ways with the PML-N".[40]

He was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab as an independent candidate from Constituency PP-10 (Rawalpindi-V) in the 2018 general election.[41] In the same election, he also ran for the seat in the National Assembly as an independent candidate from Constituency NA-59 (Rawalpindi-III) and Constituency NA-63 (Rawalpindi-VII), but was unsuccessful.[42] Following the election, he went outside Pakistan and did not take oath of the provincial assembly seat.[43]

In January 2019, a petition was filed in the Lahore High Court against Khan which directed the Election Commission of Pakistan to de-notify him for his failure to take oath as member of the Punjab Assembly.[44]

Political views

Despite being perceived as anti-American, a contradictory version of Khan's political views surfaced in a US diplomatic cable which was leaked by WikiLeaks in 2011.[5] The cable, which was sent by the former United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson, in September 2008 reads: "As always, Nisar insisted that he and the PML-N were pro-American (saying that his wife and children in fact are Americans)." Khan clarified that he was not against the American nation, but was opposing the US policy towards Muslims after the 9/11 attacks.[45]

References

1. "Detail Information". www.pildat.org. PILDAT. Archived from the original on 21 April 2014. Retrieved 26 April 2017.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
2. "PP-10 Results - Election 2018 Results - - Candidates List - Constituency Details - Geo.tv". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
3. "If elections are held on time…". www.thenews.com.pk. Archived from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
4. "Chaudhry of Chakri on a crossroads again". Pakistan Today. 16 August 2016. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
5. "Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan". Dawn. 25 April 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
6. "Nisar's last bet". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
7. "Former defence secretary laid to rest in Chakri". DAWN.COM. 24 August 2009. Archived from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
8. "Federal cabinet unveiled: Enter the ministers – The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 8 June 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
9. Yasin, Aamir (12 June 2018). "Nisar's 34-year association with PML-N comes to a bitter end". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
10. Ghumman, Khawar (7 June 2013). "Experience and loyalty count in the PML-N kitchen cabinet". DAWN.COM. Dawn. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
11. "Pindi's NA-53 getting ready for hot contest". DAWN.COM. 25 December 2007. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
12. "Federal Ministers". most.comsatshosting.com. Ministry of Science and Technology. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
13. "Chaudhry Nisar wins NA-52 election in Rawalpindi". Dawn. 12 May 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
14. Mahmood, Amjad (26 March 2013). "'Loyalists dominate' N parliamentary board". Dawn. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
15. "As Pakistan goes to polls: Take a peek at some major NA constituencies". DAWN.COM. 10 May 2013. Archived from the original on 5 March 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
16. "List of Federal Ministers". www.communication.gov.pk. Ministry of Communications. 31 October 2016. Archived from the original on 31 October 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
17. "Gilani to sit on resignations till Asif's return: Decision final: Nisar". Dawn. 14 May 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
18. Wasim, Amir (26 August 2008). "Nawaz pulls out of coalition: Justice Saeeduz Zaman is PML-N candidate for president's post". DAWN. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
19. "Nisar is now Leader of Opposition in NA". Dawn. 18 September 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
20. Zaman, Qamar (19 October 2011). "Rare feat: Nisar becomes first PAC chief to present annual reports". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2012.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
21. "Stepping up the pressure: Chaudhry Nisar quits parliamentary watchdog". Tribune Express. 28 November 2011. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2012.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
22. Jamil, Farah (7 June 2013). "26 member Cabinet to take oath today". Aaj News. Archived from the original on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
23. "Sharif's 25-member cabinet takes oath". Dawn. 7 June 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
24. "Nisar Khan to be Pakistan government's point man for dealing with Taliban". NDTV.com. 8 June 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
25. "Campaign trail: For Chaudhry Nisar, party comes first – The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 9 May 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
26. "Well done, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan!". www.thenews.com.pk. The News International. 24 March 2015. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
27. Asad, Malik (6 June 2016). "Nisar inaugurates Safe Cities project in Islamabad". DAWN.COM. Dawn. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.CS1 maint: BOT: original-url status unknown (link)
28. Qarar, Shakeel (13 December 2017). "Govt to issue e-passports from March 2018: Ahsan Iqbal". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 27 January 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
29. "PM Nawaz Sharif steps down; federal cabinet stands dissolved". Daily Pakistan Global. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
30. Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (28 July 2017). "Nisar not to leave Sharif in the lurch". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
31. "Ch Nisar not to join Khaqan Cabinet, appointment of FM urged – PakObserver". PakObserver. 31 July 2017. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
32. "Search for new interior minister a challenge for Khaqan". The Nation. Archived from the original on 31 July 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
33. Zaman, Yusuf (6 September 2017). "Parliament trivia". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 22 February 2018.
34. News, ABC. "Pakistani president swears in members of new Cabinet". ABC News. Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
35. "Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi delays Cabinet formation as interior minister refuses post". Firstpost. 3 August 2017. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
36. Asad, Malik (21 December 2017). "'Nisar allowed safe passage to Musharraf'". DAWN.COM. Archived from the original on 22 December 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
37. Wasim, Amir (12 February 2018). "Imran advises Nisar to join PTI". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
38. "Nawaz parts ways with Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan: report". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
39. Hussain, Javed (11 June 2018). "Chaudhry Nisar confirms he will contest election independently, lashes out at Sharif family". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
40. Iqbal, Amjad (11 July 2018). "Nisar waves aside rumours of forming a 'jeep group'". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
41. "Chaudhry Nisar wins PP-10 election". The News. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
42. Reporter, A (3 August 2018). "Chaudhry Nisar to contest by-elections for Pindi NA seat". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
43. Yasin, Aamir (8 September 2018). "Ex-MPA from Chaudhry Nisar's group meets Nawaz in jail". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
44. Bilal, Rana (26 January 2019). "MPA-elect Chaudhry Nisar's failure to take oath challenged in LHC". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
45. Newspaper, From the (13 September 2011). "Chaudhry Nisar admits his wife, children are US citizens". Dawn. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2016.

Preceded by Malik Naeem Khan Awan	Minister for Science and Technology 1988–1988	Succeeded by Jehangir Bader
Preceded by Unknown	Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources 1990–1993	Succeeded by Unknown
Preceded by Unknown	Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination ? – 1999	Succeeded by Unknown
Preceded by Unknown	Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources 1997–1999	Succeeded by Unknown
Preceded by Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan	Minister for National Food Security & Research 2008–2008	Succeeded by Unknown
Preceded by Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi	Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly 2008–2013	Succeeded by Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah
Preceded by Malik Habib	Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control 2013–2017	Succeeded by Ahsan Iqbal