Profile of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani

By:Mohin Bukhari

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

ISLAMABAD: Covering a long political journey as Speaker National Assembly and Federal Minister besides serving a five-year prison term, the 56-year old Yousaf Raza Gilani took oath of his office Tuesday as country’s 22nd Prime Minister.
The sober Gilani hails from an influential and spiritual family of Multan that has enjoyed being in power since 1921.
Gilani began his long political journey in 1978. A well-read and soft-spoken Gillani is known as a good administrator with a firm decision-making capability.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani won from NA-151 Multan-IV securing 77664 votes against Sikandar Hayat Khan Bossan of Pakistan Muslim League who secured 45765 votes.
He could not contest the 2002 elections for being in jail. He was released from Adiala jail on October 7, 2006. He also wrote a book ‘Chah-e-Yousuf se Sada’ (Cry from the Yusuf’s Well) while in jail.
Yousaf Raza Gilani was arrested in 2001 for alleged illegal appointments on government payroll. In interviews, he recalls the time served in jail as a learning experience, where he got chance to reflect on his life and hone his ability to take firm decisions.
In 1993, Gilani had defeated Malik Sikander Hayat Bosan. He served as Speaker of the National Assembly from September 17, 1993 to February 16, 1997.
He contested the election in 1997 on PPP ticket but lost.
Gilani joined the Pakistan Peoples Party in 1988. During Benazir Bhutto’s government of 1988-1990, Gilani served as Minister of Tourism from March 1989 to January 1990 and again served as Minister of Housing and Works from January to August 1990.
His entry into politics was from the platform of Muslim League during General Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law in 1978 and was inducted in to party’s Central Working Committee.
During the government of Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo, Gilani served as Minister of Housing and Works from April 1985 to January 1986 and Railways Minister from January 1986 to December 1986.
Gilani holds a Master’s degree in journalism from the Punjab University. Born on June 9, 1952 in Karachi, Makhdoom Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani studied at Forman Christian College in Lahore and La Salle High School, Multan.
Yousuf Raza Gilani has four sons and a daughter. He is also related to Pir Pagara, the head of PML-Functional.
A well-travelled man, he has an ear for music, reads poetry and has a desire to serve the have-nots.