Yusuf Raza Gilani

Holding the office of Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan since 2024, Yusuf Raza Gilani remains the only ethnic Saraiki to serve as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. His career, spanning several decades, saw him navigate the complex transitions between military governance and parliamentary democracy, ultimately leading the country from 2008 until his disqualification by the Supreme Court in 2012.

Early Career and Education

Born in 1952 in Karachi, Gilani later moved to Multan. He completed his education at Forman Christian College, Government College University, and the University of the Punjab, where he earned degrees in journalism. He entered the political sphere in 1978 by joining the Pakistan Muslim League under the military government of President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. He eventually left that party following internal political disagreements and transitioned to the Pakistan People's Party in 1988.

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Governmental Roles and Imprisonment

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gilani served in the cabinet of Benazir Bhutto as Minister of Tourism and later as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. He held the position of Speaker of the National Assembly from 1993 to 1997. In 2001, he faced accusations of corruption initiated by military president Pervez Musharraf, resulting in a six-year term of imprisonment at Adiala Jail.

Prime Ministerial Tenure

Following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Gilani assumed the role of Prime Minister after the 2008 general elections. His administration focused on strengthening parliamentary democracy and initiating an impeachment process against Musharraf. His tenure included founding the University of Swat in 2010 and addressing judicial crises. The Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified him from office in June 2012 due to ongoing corruption allegations.

Legislative Leadership

After a period of exclusion from national politics that ended in 2017, Gilani returned to public service. He served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate from 2021 to 2022. He successfully transitioned to the Senate in 2021 and became a Member of the National Assembly briefly in early 2024. In May 2024, he briefly acted as the President of Pakistan while Asif Ali Zardari was abroad.