Farooq Leghari Biography

Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari, born on May 29, 1940, in Choti Zerin, Dera Ghazi Khan District, British India (now in Punjab, Pakistan), was a Pakistani politician who served as the 8th President of Pakistan from 1993 to 1997.

Leghari came from a political family, with his father, Nawabzada Mohammad Khan Leghari, being an influential politician. He obtained his early education in Pakistan and later pursued higher studies abroad. He attended the Forman Christian College and then went to the United Kingdom for further studies, earning a degree in Political Science from the University of Oxford.

In the early 1970s, Farooq Leghari became actively involved in politics and joined the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He held various political positions, including serving as a Member of the National Assembly and as a federal minister in Bhutto’s government.

In 1993, after the dismissal of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government, Farooq Leghari was elected as the President of Pakistan. During his presidency, Leghari focused on promoting democratic values, strengthening institutions, and combating corruption.

However, his presidency was not without controversy. In 1996, Farooq Leghari dismissed the government of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, accusing her of corruption and misgovernance. This move led to political unrest and eventually led to the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Leghari’s presidency also saw tensions with the military establishment. He clashed with the powerful military chief, General Jehangir Karamat, over the role of the military in politics. This conflict ultimately led to General Karamat’s resignation.

In 1997, Farooq Leghari’s presidency came to an abrupt end when he resigned from office. He cited differences with the government and dissatisfaction with the political system as reasons for his resignation.

After leaving the presidency, Leghari remained involved in public life, advocating for democratic reforms and good governance. He also played a role in the formation of the National Reconstruction Bureau, which aimed to address governance issues in Pakistan.

Farooq Leghari passed away on October 20, 2010, leaving behind a legacy as a politician who strived for democratic values and institutional reforms in Pakistan. His tenure as President remains a significant chapter in the country’s political history.