Shah Mehmood Qureshi

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Foreign Minister of Pakistan
Shah Mehmood Qureshi شاه محمود قریشی

In office March 31, 2008 – Incumbent
Preceded by	Inam-ul-Haq

Born	June 22, 1956(1956-06-22) Muree, Pakistan
Political party	Pakistan Peoples Party
Children	Meher Bano and Gauhar Bano Qureshi
Alma mater	Aitchison College, Forman Christian College, University of Cambridge
Religion	Islam

Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi (Urdu: مخدوم شاه محمود قریشی ) (born June 22, 1956 in Murree) is the current Foreign Minister of Pakistan in the coalition government of PPP, PML-N, ANP and JUI-F formed after 2008 elections.^[1]. He is a senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, where he is the president of PPP Punjab.^[2]

1 Childhood and Early Education
2 Political Career
3 Minister of Foreign Affairs (2008 - Present)
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Childhood and Early Education

Qureshi belongs to a well respected and wealthy feudal family based in the Saraiki-speaking belt of Multan. He is the son of Makhdoom Sajjad Hussain Qureshi, the former Governor of Punjab during PM Junejo's federal government from 1985-1988.

Qureshi got his early education from Aitchison College, Lahore and did his bachelors from FC college, Lahore. He went on to do a Master's degree in law from the University of Cambridge.

[edit] Political Career

Qureshi has been elected to the national assembly on many occasions. It was only in 1997 when he lost to his fierce rival Javed Hashmi, while he defeated Hashmi in 2002 and 2008. ^[3] Being a minister under the Benazir government, he maintained a very clean record. He is a dynamic leader with extensive following among the young.

Following the February 2008 elections, Qureshi was also a candidate to be the next Prime Minister of Pakistan, until Yousaf Raza Gillani was sworn in on March 25.^[4] On March 31, 2008, Qureshi became the Foriegn Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Qureshi has spoken outright about several key issues in Pakistani politics such as military dictatorship and the role of feudalism. ^[5]

[edit] Minister of Foreign Affairs (2008 - Present)

After taking charge of the office, Qureshi immediately made clear that he was committed to establishing peace in the region and that maintaining friendly ties with neighbouring India were amongst his top priorities. ^[6] Qureshi recently went on his first visit as foreign minister to China with Ch Ahmed Mukhtar and President Pervez Musharraf. On his arrival back, he was given praise for his work.