Sheikh Rashid Ahmad (born on 1950-11-06) is a Pakistani politician and writer. He is currently serving as the Federal Minister for Railways in Pakistan. His previous position was Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting. 
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was born in Babra Bazaar, Rawalpindi, studied at Rawalpindi Polytechnic College and later at Gordon College. He completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Lahore. 
Throughout his education, Sheikh Rashid was very active in student politics. 
He was first elected to the Pakistani National Assembly in 1985, and has been re-elected a record six times. During his political career, Sheikh Rashid has served as Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower; Information; Industries; Sports Culture; Tourism and Investment; Information and Broadcasting; and currently serving as Federal Minister for Railways. 
Candidate's Party Affiliation 
AWAMI MUSLIM LEAGUE ( CHAIRMAN OF THE PARTY) 
Competitors as per Elections 2002 
Constituency: NA-56 

Early life and Education 

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was born in Bhabra Bazar, Rawalpindi. His father was from Srinagar, Kashmir while mother was from Amritsar. In 1947 his parents migrated from Srinagar and settled in Rawalpindi. They established business in silk. 

Rashid got his initial education from Christian High school Rawalpindi. He studied at Rawalpindi Polytechnic College and later at Gordon College. He completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Lahore. Throughout his education, Rashid was very active in student politics. On November 7, 1968 he organized movement against Ayub regime in which one student Hameed Shaheed sacrificed his life. Rashid was among three student who were barred from getting admission in any educational institution. 

Later he got admission in Gordon College Rawalpindi and took active part in student politics. He emerged as a successful student leader and was elected in Student Union as Joint Secretary, Secretary, Vice President and President during four years respectively. He graduated from Gordon College and passed his M.A examination from Shahpur Jail. He completed his L.L.B from Lahore. He became Managing Director of Gulmerg Company, which was doing business in silk and silk yarn. 

Early Years 

He was first elected to the Pakistani National Assembly in 1985, and has been re-elected a record six times. During his political career, Sheikh Rashid has served as Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower; Information; Industries; Sports Culture; Tourism and Investment; Information and Broadcasting; and currently serving as Federal Minister for Railways. 

He used to be the right-hand man of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif but left Nawaz League and joined the newly formed Muslim League to get into ministership again. He is hugely popular in Rawalpindi and is known for creating a large number of schools in that city. He is famous for his 'awami style' (public style) of politics. He is one of few politicians who started their political career at grass roots level and rose to prominence. He is the author of Farzand-e-Pakistan, and is currently working on another book. 

Political career 

His political career began on the village platform where he woud try to garner support from the local population alongside other speakers. Sheikh Rashid and his contemporaries would often fail at this attempt and it has been said that they were not well liked in the villages for not understanding the basic problems. 

Later, he became the leader of Opposition in the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi. He was first elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1985 general elections as an independent candidate, and was subsequently re-elected MNA for six times. During October 2002 elections he was elected from two seats and established a new record in politics of Pakistan. He is among only few politicians who have been elected MNAs six time consecutively. 

He used to be the right-hand man of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif but Nawaz Sharif left him and then he joined the newly formed Muslim League. He is hugely popular in Rawalpindi and is known for creating a large number of schools in that city. He is famous for his "awami style" (public style) of politics. He is one of few politicians who started their political career at grass roots level and rose to prominence. He has spent overall five years in solitary confinement for the cause of democracy. He was awarded seven years rigorous imprisonment in Kalashnikov case and spent two years in Bahawalpur Jail. 

On October 2, 2007, Gen. Pervez Musharraf named Lt. Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, as vice chief of the army starting October 8. If Musharraf wins the presidency and resigns his military post, Kayani will be army chief. Meanwhile, Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed stated that officials agreed to grant Benazir Bhutto amnesty versus pending corruption charges. 

In the February 2008 general elections, Sheikh Rashid lost both of his Rawalpindi constituencies, NA-55 and NA-56. After his defeat, there were rumors that Sheikh Rashid had fled to Spain, however, these allegations were later discovered to be false. In June 2008, he announced formation of new political party, Awami Muslim League. 

Sheikh Rashid contested by poll elections held on 24 February, 2010. He lost the contest to PML-N candidate Malik Shakeel Awan. Sheikh Rashid worked very hard for the election but he only managed to secure second spot. 

During his career, He has served as Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, Information, Industries, Sports, Culture, and Tourism and Investment. He was appointed Federal Minister for Railways in May 2006 and served in that capacity until 2008. His contemporary politics is as a staunch supporter of "enlightened moderation". 

Current Status 

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is currently the Federal Minister for Railways, as of May 2006. He lives in Lal Haveli in the heart of Rawalpindi. Lal Haveli has become a tourist destination due to its beautiful, ancient architecture. He is still a bachelor. 

He has been organizing a big public meeting on the eve of 14th of August (independence day of Pakistan) at his residence Lal Haveli and the firework show is extremely popular among the people of the city and hundreds of thousands people turn to watch this show every year. 

Sheikh is allways the target of scandals and propaganda from his opponents who criticise him on his numerous affairs and illicit relationships wit famous television and lollywood actresses, amongst them are reema meera resham , anjuman, all the top ptv models and zara sheikh. he reportedly said that the children of benazir resemble Faisal Saleh hayat and Jehangir Badr, hinting that they may be the result of affairs between the former PM and her alleged lovers. He spent seven years in prison because of this comment. 

Armed Attack 

On February 8, 2010, Sheikh Rashid was injured, while three other people, known to be his bodyguards were killed, when armed gunmen opened fire at his vehicle outside his party’s election office in Rawalpindi. Rashid was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, from where he was discharged after initial medical treatment. Rawalpindi’s Regional Police Officer, Aslam Tareen termed the attack an act of terrorism and targeted killing. 

Links with Kashmir 

Rashid Ahmed has his roots in Srinagar - capital of the Indian administered Kashmir and is known for his support to the anti-India uprising in Jammu and Kashmir. He shot into prominence when Indian Government denied him permission to visit New Delhi in 2004 fall, after a Kashmiri separatist Yasin Malik said that his residence and farm house has been used by militant organizations. His fiery speeches on Kashmir are widely appreciated in Indian administered Kashmir. He has a dream to visit Srinagar to offer prayers at the graves of his forefathers. 

Books 

He is the author of the book Farzand-e-Pakistan, and is currently working on another book, Sub Achha Hai which is in the final stage of its publication. 

Personal life 

He is not married and lives in Lal Haveli in the heart of Rawalpindi. Lal Haveli has become a tourist destination due to its beautiful, ancient architecture. 

He has been organizing a big public meeting on the eve of 14th of August (independence day of Pakistan) at his residence Lal Haveli and the firework show is extremely popular among the people of the city and hundreds of people turn to watch this show every year.