Sardar Saleem Haider Khan is a prominent Pakistani politician who has held several key positions throughout his political career. As of May 2024, he is serving as the Governor of Punjab. His political journey is marked by his affiliation with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and various significant roles he has held in both provincial and federal governments.
Early Political Career and Initial Setbacks
Sardar Saleem Haider Khan’s political career began with an attempt to secure a seat in the Provincial Assembly of Punjab. In the 2002 general elections, he ran for office from Constituency PP-18 (Attock-IV) as a PPP candidate. Despite his efforts, he lost the seat, receiving 37,140 votes. He was defeated by Malik Muhammad Anwar, a candidate from Pakistan Muslim League (Q), commonly known as PML-Q. This defeat did not deter his political ambitions, and it laid the foundation for his future pursuits in Pakistani politics.
Entry into the National Assembly
In the 2008 general elections, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan shifted his focus to national politics. He ran for a seat in the National Assembly of Pakistan from Constituency NA-59 (Attock-III) as a candidate of PPP. This time, his campaign was successful. He won with 71,400 votes, defeating Waseem Gulzar, the candidate of PML-Q. His victory marked the beginning of a new chapter in his political career, and he quickly became a notable figure in Pakistan’s federal politics.
Minister of State for Defence Production
After his victory in 2008, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan was appointed as the Minister of State for Defence Production in the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. This position allowed him to play a crucial role in overseeing Pakistan’s defense-related industries and contributing to the development of defense production strategies. He held this position from November 2008 until February 2011.
Minister of State for Defence
Following his work in defense production, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan continued to rise in political prominence. In June 2012, he was again inducted into the federal cabinet, this time under Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. He was appointed as the Minister of State for Defence, a significant position in the government. He served in this role until March 2013, helping to shape Pakistan’s defense policies during his tenure.
2013 Election and Loss
In the 2013 general elections, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan once again ran for a seat in the National Assembly from the same constituency, NA-59 (Attock-III). However, this election proved to be a setback for him. Despite his previous success, he lost the seat to Muhammad Zain Elahi, receiving 31,831 votes. This defeat marked a temporary halt in his political journey, but it did not diminish his standing within the PPP.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis
Sardar Saleem Haider Khan’s political career saw a resurgence in September 2022 when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed him as a Special Assistant in the federal cabinet. He was tasked with overseeing the Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Division. On October 6, 2022, he assumed this important responsibility. His focus was on managing issues related to overseas Pakistanis, addressing their concerns, and enhancing human resource development in the country.
Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis
Sardar Saleem Haider Khan’s contributions in his role as Special Assistant were recognized, and on December 9, 2022, he was granted the status of Minister of State. He continued to serve in this capacity, playing a key role in matters related to overseas Pakistanis and human resource development until August 2023.
The 2024 General Election and Coalition Government
In the 2024 Pakistani general election, neither the PPP nor Pakistan Muslim League (N), known as PML-N, secured a simple majority. This led to a power-sharing agreement between the two parties, where they formed a coalition government. According to the terms of the PPP-PML-N agreement, the PPP was assured several key positions, including the presidency, chairmanship of the Senate, and governorships of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. These appointments were part of the broader strategy to maintain political stability and share power between the two major parties.
Governor of Punjab
As part of this coalition agreement, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan was nominated by the PPP for the governorship of Punjab. His nomination was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari on May 4, 2024, and just a few days later, on May 10, he took the oath of office as Governor of Punjab. This marked a significant achievement in his political career, as he assumed one of the most important and prestigious positions in provincial politics.
Conclusion
Sardar Saleem Haider Khan’s political journey reflects his resilience and commitment to public service. From his early attempts to win a seat in the Provincial Assembly to becoming the Governor of Punjab, he has held various significant roles within the federal government. His work in defense production, human resource development, and as a representative of overseas Pakistanis showcases his diverse contributions to Pakistan’s political landscape. Now, as the Governor of Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan continues to influence the province’s future, with a focus on governance, development, and the well-being of the people of Punjab.
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