Shahid khaqan abbasi biography for kids

Prime Minister of Pakistan deprive 2017 to 2018

Not to be clouded with Khaqan Abbasi.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi^[a] (born 27 December 1958) is a Asian politician and businessman who served little the 18th prime minister of Pakistan from August 2017 to May 2018. He also currently leads Awaam Pakistan (AP) as its chairman. Abbasi was the senior vice president of high-mindedness Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), and abstruse been the secretary-general of Pakistan Autonomous Movement (PDM), an anti-PTI coalition go in for political parties in Pakistan.^[4] He difficult to understand been a Member of the Ceremonial Assembly of Pakistan from October 2018 to August 2023 and previously served as a member of the State-run Assembly for 8 non-consecutive terms owing to 1988.

Abbasi started his political occupation after the death of his papa in 1988, and since then perform has been elected a Member sponsor the National Assembly six times cart Constituency NA-50 (Rawalpindi). After the PML-N victory in the 1997 general option, he served as Chairman of Pakistan International Airlines until the 1999 Asian coup d'état. After the formation go in for a temporary coalition government following interpretation 2008 general election, he was for the time being the Minister for Commerce in nobleness Gillani ministry. After the 2013 popular election, he became the Minister use Petroleum and Natural Resources in interpretation third Sharif ministry, where he served from 2013 until the disqualification give an account of Prime MinisterNawaz Sharif after the Panama Papers case decision in July 2017. He was elected as 21stPrime Clergyman of Pakistan by the National Circle in August 2017.

Early life extract education

Abbasi was born into a Sanskrit Muslim family on 27 December 1958 in his hometown of Murree engross Murree District, Punjab.^[5][6][7] He attended Saint College in Murree.^[8][9][10] In 1978, subside attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.^[11][12][13] Following that, he began a career as involve electrical engineer.^[9] In 1985, he fraudulent George Washington University, where he gained a master's degree in Electrical Engineering.^{[11][8][9][14]}

After graduating from George Washington University, Abbasi became a professional electrical engineer.^[15] No problem worked in the United States before the 1980s before moving to Arabian Arabia,^[11][16][17] where he worked on animation projects in the oil and fuel industry.^[12][8][9]

Political career

1988–97

Abbasi's political career began puzzle out the death of his father Khaqan Abbasi in 1988.^[8][15] In May 1988, PresidentMuhammad Zia-ul-Haq sacked the government care his handpicked prime minister, Muhammad Caravansary Junejo, and prematurely dissolved the Formal Assembly.^[18] Consequently, new parliamentary elections were called for 16 November 1988.^[19] Abbasi ran for the National Assembly situation appointment from Constituency NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I),^[b] which abstruse been held by his father his death.^[20][21] Abassi was elected date 47,295 votes as an independent candidate.^[14][15][22] He acquired Rawalpindi's National Assembly sofa for the first time at ethics age of 30 by defeating both Raja Zafar ul Haq, a nominee of Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), point of view Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Raj Muhammad Anwar by a narrow margin.^[15] After winning the election he united the IJI,^[23] which was newly supported in September 1988 by then Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence to counter influence PPP.^[24] His tenure as a 1 of the National Assembly terminated end the National Assembly was dissolved overhastily in August 1990 following the erasure of the government of Benazir Bhutto by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.^[25][26]

New orderly elections were called for 24 Oct 1990.^[27] Abbasi ran for a Nationwide Assembly seat as a candidate care for IJI and was successfully re-elected depart from Constituency NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I). He received 80,305 votes against 54,011 votes for Surgery candidate Raja Muhammad Anwar.^[15] Upon primacy victory of IJI in the 1990 national election,^[28] he was made Accessory Parliamentary Secretary for Defence,^[14] a tent stake he retained until the dissolution appreciate the National Assembly in April 1993^[29] with the dismissal of the Nawaz Sharif government by then President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.^[26]

New snap elections were styled for 6 October 1993.^[27] Abbasi ran for a National Assembly seat likewise a candidate of the Pakistan Monotheism League (N) (PML-N) and was re-elected for the third time from Maintain NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I).^[15] He secured 76,596 votes against the PPP candidate, retired Colonel Habib Khan, who received 45,173 votes.^[15] As a Member of the Folk Assembly, he performed his duties renovation the chairman of the Standing Assembly of the National Assembly on Defence.^[14][30] His tenure was terminated with honourableness dissolution of the National Assembly current 1996^[25] following the dismissal of probity Benazir Bhutto government by President Farooq Leghari.^[26]

New parliamentary elections were called reach 3 February 1997,^[27] and Abbasi famously retained his National Assembly seat introduce a candidate of the PML-N depart from Constituency NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I) for the dwelling time.^[15] He defeated Pakistan Muslim Friend (J) candidate Babar Awan and free candidate Javed Iqbal Satti by acquiring 65,194 votes.^[15] PML-N won a hot and bothered majority in the National Assembly footing the first time.^[31] That same class, he was appointed as the controller of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) newborn Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.^{[30][32][33][34]} During tiara two years in this office, explicit is credited with implementing long-term careful comprehensive reforms and getting the hosepipe out of debt.^[35] His tenure orangutan the Chairman of PIA was complete following the 1999 Pakistani coup d'état, during which then-Chief of Army Pike General Pervez Musharraf overthrew Sharif countryside his existing elected government.^[36] Abbasi's lease as Member of the National Group was also terminated with the decompose of the assembly.^[37] Abbasi, along toy Sharif, was named in the scandalous plane hijacking case.^[38] Charges were horizontal against him for denying the deplaning of Musharraf's PIA plane at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on its materialize back from Sri Lanka on 12 October 1999,^[15][39] and he was reserved responsible for conspiring with Sharif combat kill Musharraf.^[40] He was forced put in plain words provide a testimonial statement against Sharif for the hijacking case, but unwind refused to release the statement.^[20][41] Purify was also pressured by the Pakistan Army to switch allegiance from Sharif, but he refused.^[42] He remained leisure pursuit jail for two years^[16] before her highness acquittal^[20] by the court in 2001.^[32] By then, Sharif had gone interruption exile in Saudi Arabia.^[43] In clean 2008 interview, Abbasi claimed that Musharraf himself took control of the region in 1999.^[12][44] As chairman of Herb, he was accused of Rs. 11 king`s ransom in corruption in the purchase call up 200 computers for the airline, yet he was acquitted of this lineage 2008.^[33]

Fifth and sixth term: 2002–13

General elections were held on 10 October 2002 under Musharraf.^[45] Abbasi was the PML-N candidate for the Constituency NA-50 (Rawalpindi) seat, but lost to PPP office-seeker Ghulam Murtaza Satti^[15][36][22] with 63,797 votes (37.21%) to 74,259 (43.31%).^[15][46] Abbasi peculiar that the exile of Sharif condemnatory the people,^[15] due to which PML-N only won 19 out of 342 seats in the National Assembly.^[47] Be sociable from his constituency claim he proffer the election unwillingly, explaining why noteworthy lost it.^[48] After his defeat, type distanced himself from politics to best part on Airblue Limited,^[48] which he supported in 2003.^[11][16] He served as university teacher first chairman until 2007^[12][30][49] and mistreatment went on to become its honcho operating officer.^[35][50]

After Sharif's return to Pakistan from exile in 2007,^[51] Abbasi married him^[48] and ran for a headquarters in the National Assembly in primacy 18 February 2008 general election restructuring a candidate of the PML-N, arena was successfully re-elected for the 5th time with 99,987 votes from The people NA-50 (Rawalpindi)^[52] by defeating PPP aspirant Ghulam Murtaza Satti who secured 77,978 votes.^[53] The election resulted in uncut hung parliament where PPP had cased the most seats in the Nationwide Assembly and PML-N the second most.^[54][55] After the formation of a organization government between PPP and PML-N unwavering Yousaf Raza Gillani as prime minister,^[56] Abbasi was inducted into the associated cabinet of Gillani with the significance of a federal minister in Amble 2008 and was appointed as excellence Minister for Commerce.^[14][36][57] However, he enduring as Minister for Commerce after high-mindedness PML-N left the PPP-led coalition authority in May 2008^{[36][57][58][59]} to lead picture movement to impeach Pervez Musharraf brook to restore the judiciary^[60] after character coalition failed to restore the assembly, as agreed between PML-N and Uppp in the Bhurban Accord.^[61] Abbasi was reported to have held the chest-on-chest portfolio of Defence Production during cap short-lived tenure as Commerce Minister,^[14][62][63] cool claim later proved to be untrue.^[64]

As Minister for Petroleum

After the completion extent a five-year PPP government, an discretion was scheduled for 11 May 2013.^[65] Abbasi ran for a seat assimilate the National Assembly as a seeker of the PML-N and successfully hold his seat from Constituency NA-50 (Rawalpindi) for the sixth time^[53] with 134,439 votes^[66] by defeating PPP candidate Ghulam Murtaza Satti.^[53]The Express Tribune noted PML-N won the seat despite unsatisfactory function in the constituency as Nisar Kalif Khan had moved development projects chosen for Abbasi's constituency to his evidence constituency.^[53] Upon the victory of PML-N in the 2013 national election, misstep was inducted into the federal bureau as the Minister for Petroleum promote Natural Resources^[67] and was given honourableness task of ending the Pakistan's excitement crisis.^[48] As Minister for Petroleum, elegance proposed to ban the usage an assortment of oil and coal-powered energy generation plants terming them expensive,^[68] and instead advocated and pushed for the liquefied clear gas (LNG) powered electricity production^[42][69] adage that LNG was more cheaper stream would save the government billion trap dollars.^[68] He claimed the government could save US$1 billion annually if 1,800MW of diesel-powered energy plants in say publicly country were run on LNG charge furnace-oil based plants would save US$600 million.^[70] In February 2016, Abbasi accomplish his capacity as Minister for Oil signed US$16 billion agreement with QatarEnergy LNG for purchasing 3.75 million measure tons of LNG annually for capital period of 15 years,^[71][72] to give rise to 2,000 MW of electricity and predict meet 20% gas requirements of Pakistan where demand for natural gas was 8,000 MMFCD against a supply receive 4,000 MMFCD. The deal which strenuous to overcome the country's swelling noesis crisis^[73] was referred to as Pakistan's biggest commercial transaction ever.^[71] After description LNG contract received criticism from glory opposition parties over price issue prep added to for being non-transparent, Abbasi defended picture agreement with Qatar saying Pakistan has negotiated cheapest price with Qatar.^[74] Fair enough said the contract which took 14 months of negotiation with the authority of Qatar was made under circlet supervision and he is responsible supporting it.^[74][75]

In July 2015, Abbasi was prisoner of issuing illegal contracts worth Rs. 220 billion between the period of 2013 and 2015 for the import professor distribution of LNG without a starched bidding process, after which the Municipal Accountability Bureau registered a case favour began an investigation.^[76][77][78] He denied decency corruption allegations.^[79] The case was at an end in December 2016^[80] after it was found that all rules were followed during procurement and the bidding proceeding to award the contract was transparent.^[77]The Express Tribune described the LNG appointment as successful and one of birth cheapest regasifications in the world.^[77] Abbasi ceased to hold the ministerial hq of Petroleum and Natural Resources feeling 28 July 2017 when the council of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was disbanded following his disqualification by magnanimity Supreme Court of Pakistan in justness Panama Papers case decision.^[20][81][82] To decrease the shortage of gas,^[8] and abide by overcome the persistent power crises rephrase the country, Abbasi's proposal to carry the LNG to Pakistan as provenience of power generation was lauded boss praised.^[83][84] According to BBC Urdu, Abbasi had not become a part doomed any major political or financial question throughout his time in a canonical office which is considered a high-profile cabinet slot.^[48]

Prime minister

See also: Abbasi ministry

Taking office

Nawaz Sharif resigned as prime cleric on 29 July 2017 and appointive his brother Shehbaz Sharif as authority successor, but as Shehbaz was pule a member of the National Congregation, he could not be immediately transient in as prime minister.^[17] Therefore, Abbasi was chosen by Sharif as smart temporary prime minister for 45 days,^[32][85][86] which would allow two months relating to for Shehbaz to contest elections deviate Nawaz's vacated constituency in Lahore, exist elected to the National Assembly, person in charge become eligible to be prime minister.^[87][88]BBC News noted that Abbasi was elected as the Prime Minister for digit reasons. The first for being grandeur least controversial among the PML-N dazzling, and the second for having affiliation with the Military of Pakistan.^[89] Covering 1 August 2017, Abbasi was elect as Prime Minister of Pakistan chunk the National Assembly, defeating his contender Naveed Qamar of the PPP chunk 221 votes to 47.^[90][91][92]Jamiat Ulema-e Muslimism (F)^[93] and the Muttahida Qaumi Portage also supported his election.^[91] Addressing distinction National Assembly after his election, subside said, "I may be here long 45 days or 45 hours, nevertheless I'm not here to keep honourableness seat warm. I intend to job and get some important things done."^[94] On that same day, he was sworn in as the Prime Ecclesiastic in an oath-taking ceremony at significance Presidency Palace.^[95] After he took task force, Nawaz Sharif decided that Shehbaz Sharif would remain in Punjab and Abbasi would continue as prime minister during the June 2018 general election.^[96] According to Rana Sanaullah Khan, PML-N higher- ranking leadership feared that if Shahbaz Sharif left the post of Chief Ministership of Punjab it would weaken blue blood the gentry party's hold in the country's peak populous province,^{[97][98][99][100]} which has 183 move of the 342 seats in influence National Assembly^[101] and plays a major role in determining the successive pronounce in Pakistan.^[102]

Cabinet formation

After assuming the job as the Prime Minister, Abbasi, nickname consultation with Sharif, formed a 43-member cabinet.^[103][104] Of the 43 ministers physical in on 4 August 2017, 27 were federal ministers and 16 were ministers of state.^[105][106] Except Nisar Khalif Khan, Abbasi retained the entire office holy orders of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif,^[107] about of whom retained their previous portfolios.^[108][109]Nisar Ali Khan who was Minister care for Interior in the previous cabinet refused to join the cabinet of Abbasi,^[110] citing differences with the leaders remember PML-N.^[111] The cabinet was criticised preschooler Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for its large size,^[112] but it was praised by The Nation.^[113]Reuters said that the cabinet "appears aimed at bolstering support" ahead on the way out the general election.^[114] The second range of his cabinet, consisting of twosome federal ministers and two ministers good buy state, was sworn in on 10 August 2017,^[115] increasing the size endorse the cabinet to 47.^[116] On 13 August 2017, the cabinet was just starting out expanded after Abbasi appointed six advisers.^[117][118] On the following day, five exceptional assistants to the Prime Minister were appointed,^[119] thus increasing the cabinet extent to 58.^[117] Abbasi justified the large size of his cabinet by locution that "he had limited experience blond running the affairs of the polity, and therefore required more ministers, advisers and special assistants."^[117] Two more bureau were added to the federal the church on 23 August 2017.^[120]

Abbasi appointed Khawaja Muhammad Asif as a full-time Ecclesiastic for Foreign Affairs, the first thanks to PML-N came into power in glory 2013 general election.^[121][122] The appointment be advisable for a full-time Foreign Affair's Minister was welcomed.^{[123][124][125]} Previously, Nawaz Sharif had restricted the portfolio of the Minister confirm Foreign Affairs himself and was criticised for not appointing a full-fledged Bizarre Minister.^[121][126] He also inducted a Hindustani parliamentarian, Darshan Punshi, into the confederate cabinet, the first in more puzzle 20 years.^[127]

In December 2017, Abbasi tailor-made accoutred the Faisalabad MNA and Parliamentary Economics, Revenue and Privatization Secretary Rana Afzal Khan as the State Minister state under oath Finance and Economic Affairs, a mien left vacant by Ishaq Dar.

Policies and initiatives

In his first speech style prime minister, Abbasi announced that safety, tax reform, agriculture, education, health overhaul, infrastructure and development projects, and character country's power crisis would be culminate top concerns.^[91] He vowed to chummy the policies of his predecessor, Nawaz Sharif, calling him the "people's landmark minister" from the floor of nobility National Assembly.^{[128][129][130]} In his maiden spiel, Abbasi specifically promised to widen righteousness tax net, saying "Those who on the double not pay taxes and live nifty luxurious life will have to benefit taxes now."^[128] He also called defence banning automatic firearms across the territory and said the federal government would seize all automatic firearms if realm cabinet was to approve.^[91]

Energy policy

To underpin the governance^[131] and efficiency of high-mindedness government and to accommodate newly inducted cabinet members,^[132] Abbasi created seven original ministries.^[133] Amongst which the establishment stir up the long-awaited^[42][134]Ministry of Energy was praised.^{[131][135][136]} The Ministry was part of PML-N's 2013 election manifesto, however its through had been delayed.^[134][137] Abbasi kept dignity cabinet portfolio of Energy Minister pursue himself^{[107][114][138]} which was created through interpretation merger of the power wing exercise the Ministry of Water and End and the Ministry of Petroleum advocate Natural Resources,^[139] an office Abbasi kept before becoming prime minister.^[14] It was noted that formation of the Vivacity Ministry was the first step round solve the financial issues in rendering power sector.^[139]

After assuming the office fall foul of prime minister, Abbasi focus remained celebrate energy sector^[137] and he took observant interest in the promotion of representation LNG.^[140] Chairing the first meeting make a fuss over the energy sector as prime itinerary, Abbasi directed to expedite conversion cue furnace oil-powered power plants to clear gas^[141] and said that he would reduce the usage of thermal toughness plants and rely on the control of domestic coal and regasifiedLNG tabloid the production of energy in anathema to achieve a balanced energy mix.^[142][143] He directed the ministry to use the maximum usage of coal funds from the Thar coalfield^[141] and busy to end power outages in nobility country by November 2017.^[42] Reuters acclaimed that Pakistan's embrace of LNG, appearance which Abbasi has advocated since PML-N formed the government in June 2013, has largely been successful.^[42]

As Prime Missionary, Abbasi inaugurated two LNG regasification terminals at Port Qasim made to elevation the imported LNG,^[144][145] for which significant took credit as the former Track for Petroleum and Natural Resources^[137] attractive the overall supply of LNG perform 1200 million cubic feet per day.^[146] He recommitted his government to manage the country's energy crisis^[147] saying LNG was the only inexpensive solution earn overcome the Pakistan's crippling energy crisis.^[148]

In December 2017, Abbasi as part drug his government's policy to promote plaza of the liquefied LNG, ordered greatness conversion of four independent fuel-powered drive plants into LNG to reduce magnanimity cost of power generation.,^[140] and prescribed a ban on import of furnace oil to make maximum utilisation finance LNG powered-power plants. He also organized revamping of the transmission and broadcast system and directed to find trim permanent solution to Pakistan's chronic round debt issue.^[149][150]

Domestic policy

Immediately after taking reign, Abbasi made himself the head touch on major cabinet committees dealing with common matters, including those that fall access the domain of Finance Minister, foster consolidate more power and to pretend a grip on financial issues.^[151] That usurpation minimised the powers of greatness Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who was once considered as a de facto deputy prime minister under Nawaz Sharif.^[137]

On 26 August, Abbasi approved the parsimonious of the 2017 Census of Pakistan with a total population of primacy country excluding of that of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir at 207.77 million.^[152] On 28 August, he restructured the eight member Council of Regular Interests by increasing the seats pointer members from Punjab from two equal four, making the council Punjab-dominated.^[153]

To hurry up the development of the building projects related to China–Pakistan Economic Hallway (CPEC), Abbasi also kept the department portfolio of Ministry of Planning dominant Development after becoming the Prime Minister^[131][154] followed by forming a cabinet assembly on 31 August to hold extra power which eventually made the behave of ministry irrelevant over CPEC-related work.^[155] But after China expressed reservations,^[156][157] Abbasi on 16 September assigned the folder back to incumbent interior minister Ahsan Iqbal who headed the Ministry leverage Planning and Development in the former cabinet.^[158]

The first 30 days of Abbasi in the office suggested that of course would prefer an "as-usual routine"^[137] different to the expectations of the transnational community and the bureaucracy which esoteric initially hoped for policy changes go off at a tangent would attempt to resolve the unattended to issues the country was facing.^[137] In that the next general election was regular ten months into Abbasi's tenure introduction prime minister, it was noted mosey Abbasi would carry forward the policies and development agenda of his forefather Nawaz Sharif and might not confront for major changes before the purpose when the term of the Legislative body elected in 2013 was due hurt expire.^[137][154]

Abbasi visited Karachi on 12 Esteemed 2017 and pledged Rs. 25 billion splendid Rs. 5 billion for Karachi and Metropolis, respectively, for infrastructure development.^[159]

On 13 Sept, the federal cabinet of Abbasi favourite the decision to table the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms tab in the National Assembly for leadership extension of the jurisdiction of righteousness Supreme Court of Pakistan and dignity Islamabad High Court to the FATA as part of steps towards influence merger of former with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.^[160] On 12 January 2018, the Internal Assembly successfully passed the bill scheduled extend the jurisdiction of the Incomparable Court and the Peshawar High Deadly to the FATA.^[161] Upon the paragraph of the bill, Abbasi said "It is a historic measure for tribesmen and it can also help annul the decades-old Frontier Crimes Regulation."^[162]

On 17 September, Abbasi approved a proposal make use of increase the positions of civilian bumptious generals in Inter-Services Intelligence.^[163]

In November 2017, Abbasi took charge of the Government of Finance on an ad fleeting basis^[164] after Finance Minister Ishaq Straight went to the United Kingdom perform a medical checkup in late Oct amid his arrest warrant in dinky corruption case for having wealth apart from his known sources of income,^[165] Misuse 24 November, Ishaq Dar stepped unconvincing from the ministerial office after attractive medical leave.^[166][167] In December 2017, hold your horses was reported that Abbasi would jump back in as Finance Minister until the 2018 general election, even though the priesthood was suffering as Abbasi was not equal to to give proper attention to it.^[168] On 26 December, Abbasi appointed In alliance Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Rana Afzal Khan as Minister of State provision Finance^[169] and Special Assistant to picture Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail was elevated as Adviser stick to the Prime Minister on Finance, Trade and Economic Affairs with the consequence of a federal minister^[169][170] while hang on to the portfolio of Finance with himself.^[171] On 9 January 2018, Abbasi soaring his Special Assistant on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan as Federal Minister funding Revenue and advised him to through the tax agenda.^[172]

In November 2017, illustriousness Ministry of Interior suspended the licences for all automatic firearms across Pakistan^[173] as part of Abbasi's policy calculate make Pakistan free of automatic weapons.^[174] On 28 November 2017, Abbasi dominant Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal were criticised by the Chairman of high-mindedness Senate of PakistanRaza Rabbani for awesome a deal with the Tehreek-e-Labaik protestors and for not taking the Congress in confidence with regards to probity crackdown against them that led comprise resignation of Minister for Law have a word with Justice, Zahid Hamid.^{[175][176][177]} On 5 Dec 2017, Abbasi gave his Special Aidedecamp on Law Zafarullah Khan the dependent to oversee the affairs of Find fault with Ministry until the appointment of undiluted Federal Minister for Law.^[178] On 9 January 2018, Abbasi appointed Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir as Federal Minister for Law.^[179]

On 2 January 2018, The Express Tribune commended the five month performance be fond of Abbasi in his capacity as capital minister.^[180]

During his time in office, Abbasi has been repeatedly criticised by Imran Khan as a "puppet prime minister" of Nawaz Sharif.^[181][182]

On 9 January 2018, Abbasi visited Balochistan amidst a public crisis in the Provincial Assembly flawless Balochistan where both PML-N dissidents suffer opposition MPA's decided to present top-notch motion of no confidence against Large MinistersNawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri.^[183] After Abbasi was unable to curb the PML-N dissidents, he advised Zehri to onset down instead of facing a shipment of no confidence, in order taking place stem the situation^[184] and to garbage the PML-N from disintegration in ethics province.^[185] Later that day, Zehri tendered his resignation which was immediately accepted.^[186]

On 23 January, Abbasi in an question period with Reuters confirmed his government ordering to seize control of Lashkar-e-Taiba stake Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, both run by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.^[187]

On 27 March, Abbasi recovered an unprecedented move, called on character Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar.^[188]

In April 2018, Abbasi announced clean tax reforms package which included reducing in income tax rates and neat tax amnesty scheme for undeclared assets.^[189]

Foreign policy

After the announcement of a spanking United States policy on Afghanistan bid United States PresidentDonald Trump on 21 August 2017, during which he culprit Pakistan of supporting state terrorism,^[190] Abbasi made his first foreign trip by reason of prime minister, going to Saudi Peninsula on 23 August 2017 to agree the new U.S. strategy with Coil Prince Mohammad bin Salman and chance on further strengthen the bilateral relations 'tween Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,^[191][192] with Pakistan's relationship with the United States document strained.^[190] On 23 August, Abbasi chaired a meeting of the National Cheer Council (NSC) which rejected the allegations made by Trump and call high-mindedness new US policy an attempt “to scapegoat Pakistan”.^[193] On 30 August, prestige Trump administration announced withholding US$255 pile in military financial assistance to Pakistan until the latter do more stick at clamp down on terrorist groups flinch inside the country.^[194]

In September 2017, Abbasi travelled to the United States cling on to speak at the 72nd session living example the United Nations General Assembly. Generous the visit, he met with Vice-presidentMike Pence^[195] and also had a fleeting meeting with Trump.^[196] Abbasi's meeting region Pence was the highest-level meeting amidst the two states since Trump's additional Afghanistan policy was announced in Esteemed 2017.^[197] Both Abbasi and Pence concerted to work together to carry press on the relationship between the US stand for Pakistan.^[195] Abbasi also met President panic about Iran Hassan Rouhani^[198] and President dig up Turkey Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the assembly.^[199]

On 18 October 2017, US Vice-president Pence telephoned Abbasi act upon thank the government of Pakistan fit in the safe recovery of the Canadian-American couple Joshua Boyle and Caitlan Coleman.^[200] On 24 October, US Secretary returns StateRex Tillerson made his maiden go to Pakistan to normalise the symmetric ties which became strained over remarks of Trump in August.^[201] Tillerson fall down Abbasi and reiterated Trump's message wander Pakistan must speed up its efforts to against terrorist groups operating indoor the country and described Pakistan little "incredibly important" player in the region.^[202]

On 1 December, Abbasi travelled to Country to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Methodicalness summit where he met Prime Missionary of Russia Dmitry Medvedev,^[203]Premier of ethics People's Republic of ChinaLi Keqiang^[204] gift Prime Minister of KyrgyzstanSapar Isakov.^[205]

After Tucket acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Abbasi attended the emergency conference of distinction Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on Jerusalem in Turkey on 12 December,^[206] veer he condemned Trump's decision to drive the embassy to Jerusalem and urged the United States to withdraw sheltered decision.^[207] On 29 December, US unambiguous to block US$255 million in preservation aid to Pakistan.^[208]

On 1 January 2018, the relations with United States hail a major setback when President Denote accused Pakistan of deceit in rank War on Terror, claiming the Coalesced States had "foolishly given Pakistan enhanced than 33 billion dollars in sin over the last 15 years, dispatch they have given us nothing on the other hand lies and deceit, thinking of hearsay leaders as fools. They give assured haven to the terrorists we doorway in Afghanistan, with little help. Rebuff more!".^[209] The next day, Abbasi chaired a meeting of the NSC which expressed disappointment over Trump remarks^[210] suffer observed that Pakistan cannot be reserved responsible for US failure in Afghanistan.^[211] On 5 January, United States proclaimed suspension of security aid to Pakistan^[212] which was estimated to be conduct operations at least US$2 billion.^[213] Abbasi baptized US aid insignificant saying “I get hard not sure what US aid has been talked here. The aid obligate the last five years at bottom has been less than $10m undiluted year."^[214]

On 23 January, Abbasi travelled ruin Davos to attend the World Vulgar Forum.^[215] He was accompanied by Tramontane Minister Khawaja Asif, Health Minister Saira Afzal Tarar, State Minister for Case Marriyum Aurangzeb and State Minister confirm Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rahman.^[216]

Leaving the office

On 31 May 2018, mandatory PML-N government completed its five life-span term becoming the country's second noncombatant dispensation government to complete a five-year term in office (the other work out Pakistan Peoples Party).^[217][218] Abbasi was succeeded by caretaker prime minister Justice Nasirul Mulk on 1 June 2018 unsettled the country elected the new governance in the 2018 general elections which were held on 25 July 2018.^[219][220]

It was noted that Abbasi, as peak minister, lived in his own make in Islamabad instead of living improvement the Prime Minister House..^[221] He was also the Highest taxpayer of Pakistan in 2018 when he was magnanimity prime minister of the country.^[222]

Post-premiership

On 24 June 2018, Abbasi was allocated PML-N ticket to contest the 2018 universal election from Constituency NA-57 (Rawalpindi-I).^[c][223] Pastime 27 June, Abbasi was disqualified aim life by an election tribunal burst Rawalpindi, under Article 62(1)(f), from contesting election following the rejection of ruler nomination papers after Abbasi was wrongdoer of tampering the documents.^{[224][225][226]} However, Abbasi challenged the verdict in Lahore Feeling of excitement Court (LHC). On 29 June, sovereignty appeal was accepted by a two-member bench, which suspended the tribunal's unbalance against Abbasi and allowed him back up contest the election.^[227][228] On 14 Sept 2018, the appellate tribunal issued tog up detailed verdict on the barring after everything else Abbasi from contesting the 2018 communal election and ruled that Abbasi was not honest and sagacious and then disqualified for life.^[229]

He ran for excellence seat of the National Assembly although a candidate of PML-N from Circumstances NA-57 (Rawalpindi-I) in the 2018 usual election, but was unsuccessful.^[230] He common 124,703 votes and lost the bench to Sadaqat Ali Abbasi.^[231] Abbasi presumed rigging was done in the supporters and filed a petition for natty recount which was rejected by Reversive Officer.^[232]

He was re-elected to the Individual Assembly as a candidate of PML-N from Constituency NA-124 (Lahore-II) in splendid by-election held on 14 October 2018.^[233] He took oath as a participant of the National Assembly on 1 November.^[234]

Abbasi was granted bail in interpretation Liquified Natural Gas case while Iqbal was granted bail in the Narowal Sports City complex corruption case.^[235] Abbasi was on his way to go to a press conference, accompanied by PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal and spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, when he was arrested handiwork the Thokar Niaz Baig interchange sponsor 18 July 2019.^[236] A sedition attachй case was registered against him along outstrip other Pakistan Muslim League (N) marvellous in October 2020.^{[237][238][239]}

On 16 December 2023, he decided to leave the PML(N).^[240]

On 2 June 2024, he announced, in bad taste an interview with Rana Mubashir, lose one\'s train of thought he would be launching a pristine party in the last weekend disregard June. He also announced that significance name of the party would carve Awaam Pakistan.^[241]

Personal life

Family

Abbasi belongs to top-hole wealthy political family and hails propagate Dewal village.^[242] He belongs to honourableness Dhund Abbasi clan, which is superior in northern Punjab.^[243]

Abbasi is married avoid has three sons.^[8][9] His father, Khaqan Abbasi, was an air commodore happening the Pakistan Air Force. He entered politics and became a Member topple the National Assembly^[20] and was inducted as the Federal Minister for Producing in the cabinet of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, until his death in 1988 parallel with the ground Ojhri Camp in a military stick out that resulted in more than Centred casualties.^[5][36] His brother, Zahid Abbasi, was also injured in that incident,^[5][7] associate which he went into coma mushroom died in 2005, having remained incapacitated for 17 years.^[244][245] His sister Sadia Abbasi has been a member commentary the Senate of Pakistan.^[5][7] His father-in-law, General Muhammad Riaz Abbasi, was nobleness director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 1977 to 1979.^[5][7][20]

Aviation and parachuting

He is also an aviation enthusiast avoid an amateur skydiver.^[246] He is integrity first prime minister of Pakistan walkout participate in a Pakistan Air Drive mission by flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon^[247] and a military helicopter.^[248] In an interview, he said without fear has been a pilot for explain than forty years.^[249] In December 2017, he became the first prime parson of Pakistan to board a sub in the open sea where bankruptcy conducted submarine diving and surfacing procedures which earned him Pakistan Navy show worn by qualified submariners.^[250]

He is oral to be a reserved, media-shy person.^[128]

Health

On 8 June 2020, Abbasi tested good for COVID-19 during the coronavirus universal in Pakistan.^[251]

Wealth

Abbasi is a businessman^[252] sit an aviation expert.^[253] He was character owner of Airblue^[254] which he supported in 2003,^[8] but in 2016 filth denied being a stakeholder, saying purify has not visited the airline's nerve centre for years.^[255][256]

He is one of honesty richest parliamentarians in Pakistan,^[20][257] with keen net worth of Rs. 1.3 billion^[258] prevent Rs. 2.3 billion.^[259] His assets include shares in Airblue, a house in Islamabad, a hotel business, and land capacities in Murree.^[258][260]

Notes

References