A 211–89 vote in the National Assembly of Pakistan secured the premiership for Raja Pervez Ashraf in June 2012. He assumed the executive office following the disqualification of Yousaf Raza Gillani, who was ruled ineligible due to contempt of court charges. His tenure marked a shift in leadership for the Pakistan Peoples Party during a volatile political period.
Background and Early Career
Born on 26 December 1950 in Sanghar, Sindh, Raja Pervez Ashraf belongs to a Punjabi-speaking family with deep roots in the Minhas Rajput clan of Pakhral. Originally hailing from the Rawalpindi District, his background includes a long-standing familial connection to national politics. He pursued his higher education at the University of Sindh, graduating in 1970 before engaging in agricultural interests. His political trajectory began in earnest with parliamentary election attempts in 1990, 1993, and 1997, eventually yielding success in 2002.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Water and Power Ministry
Before rising to the premiership, Ashraf served as the Minister for Water and Power starting in 2008. His tenure was defined by chronic electricity shortages and widespread public criticism regarding load shedding. Despite this, his office oversaw the addition of approximately 3,570 megawatts to the national grid. He navigated complex issues including circular debt and structural inefficiencies within the power sector. To address immediate energy needs, he implemented rental power projects, a policy approach that drew significant controversy. He also prioritized long-term hydro projects, including the 970-MW Neelum-Jhelum scheme and various installations in Gilgit–Baltistan.
Leadership and Legislative Service
Ashraf served as the 17th Prime Minister of Pakistan from June 2012 to March 2013. His time in office involved managing diplomatic and economic hurdles, including challenges with the Chinese Exim Bank regarding loan disbursements for critical infrastructure. Beyond his executive duties, he maintained a long-standing role as a Pakistan Peoples Party loyalist. Later in his career, he returned to legislative leadership, serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan from April 2022 to March 2024. Throughout his career, he represented the Rawalpindi-II constituency.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 December 1950, Sanghar
- Education: University of Sindh
- Prime Minister of Pakistan: 2012–2013
- Speaker of the National Assembly: 2022–2024
- Political Affiliation: Pakistan Peoples Party
- Clan: Minhas Rajput
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Spouse: Nusrat Pervez Ashraf
Questions readers ask
What major infrastructure project did Ashraf prioritize as Prime Minister?
He focused on hydro projects, most notably the 970-MW Neelum-Jhelum project.
Did Ashraf hold any legislative leadership roles after his premiership?
Yes, he served as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan from April 2022 to March 2024.
