Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, born on 1 November 1945, is a Pakistani politician who previously held the position of Chief Minister of Punjab. Serving as a member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab from August 2018 to January 2023, he dissolved the assembly during his tenure as chief minister. In 2023, he parted ways with the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML(Q)) and, along with his son Moonis Elahi and 10 other former PML(Q) MPAs, joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) due to political differences with the party president and cousin, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. He assumed the role of president within the PTI, having previously been the president of the Punjab Division of the PML(Q).
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi’s political journey includes serving as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2013. Following a successful campaign in the 2002 general elections, he held the position of Chief Minister of Punjab until 2007. In 2008, he briefly took on the role of the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan. Over two terms, from 2008 to May 2018, he remained a member of the National Assembly. Additionally, he served as the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from 2018 to 2022.
A significant development occurred in late February 2023 when Pervaiz Elahi, along with 10 former MPAs from his party, announced his decision to join the political ranks of the Imran Khan-led party. On 7 March 2023, Pervaiz Elahi was appointed as the President of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, marking a new chapter in his political career.
Early life and education
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi was born on 1 November 1945 in Gujrat, Punjab, into a family deeply rooted in politics and industry. His father, Chaudhry Manzoor Elahi, an industrialist, belonged to a family of politicians and industrialists in Gujrat, specifically from the Punjabi Jat family of the Warraich clan.
Unlike his younger brother, Chaudhry Zahoor, Pervaiz’s father, Chaudhry Manzoor, remained non-political, focusing on his textile business. Initially active in Ludhiana and later in Amritsar after completing his B.Sc. Engineering, he was compelled to return to his native village of Natt in Gujrat due to the 1947 partition. Chaudhry Manzoor, who had two daughters and three sons, including Pervaiz and Javed (who managed the family business), and Sabahat (residing in Thailand, engaged in carpet manufacturing), passed away in 2005 at the age of 90.
Pervaiz pursued his early education at Forman Christian College in Lahore until 1967 and later enrolled at Watford College of Technology, where he obtained his Diploma in Industrial Management.
In terms of family connections, Pervaiz is a cousin of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and is married to Shujaat’s sister. The couple has two sons, Moonis Elahi and Rasikh Elahi. While Moonis is known for his political involvement, Rasikh has chosen a different path, described as a “Sufi religious scholar” who avoids politics and public appearances.
Tragically, Pervaiz’s brother-in-law, Ashraf Marth, who served as the SSP Gujranwala, was assassinated in 1997 by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militants.
Beyond immediate family members, Pervaiz has other relatives involved in politics, including Chaudhry Tajamal Hussain, his father’s cousin, who has been an MNA. Tajamal Hussain’s son, Chaudhry Mubashar Hussain, is also a politician. The intricate web of familial and political connections underscores the deep-rooted involvement of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and his extended family in the political landscape of Pakistan.
Political Career
Early Political Career: Chairman of Gujrat District Council (1983-1987)
Pervaiz initiated his political journey by securing the position of chairman of the district council of Gujrat, a role he held for a four-year term starting in 1983.
Provincial Minister for Local Government and Rural Development (1985-1993)
His commitment to public service led to his appointment as the Provincial Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, a significant role that spanned eight years from 1985 to 1993.
Legislative Tenure: Multiple Terms in the Provincial Assembly (1985-1993)
Simultaneously, Pervaiz was elected as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab in 1985, and subsequently in 1988, 1990, and 1993, showcasing his consistent popularity and support among constituents.
Acting Leader of the Opposition (1993-1996)
In a pivotal period from 1993 to 1996, Pervaiz assumed the role of acting leader of the opposition in the Provincial Assembly of Punjab. This responsibility was shouldered during the absence of Shahbaz Sharif, who had traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Legal Challenges and Imprisonment (1993-1996)
During Benazir Bhutto’s government in 1993-1996, Pervaiz faced legal challenges, resulting in his imprisonment at Adiala Jail for several months. Throughout this difficult period, he benefited from the mentorship of Barrister Ijaz Hussain Batalvi and his legal team, which included prominent figures such as M.A. Zafar, Nawaz Bhatti, and Akhtar Aly Kureshy Advocates. Furthermore, he appointed Akhtar Aly Kureshy as the legal advisor to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab during his tenure as Speaker.
Political Transition and Support for Shahbaz Sharif (1997)
In a noteworthy turn of events during the 1997 Pakistani general election, it was reported that Nawaz Sharif had promised Pervaiz the position of chief minister of Punjab if PML-N emerged victorious. However, when PML-N secured victory, Nawaz appointed his brother Shahbaz Sharif as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Despite this, Pervaiz, in a show of support and unity, endorsed Shahbaz Sharif for the position while deciding not to join the provincial cabinet.
Fifth Term in the Provincial Assembly and Speaker Role (1997-2001)
Pervaiz’s political journey continued as he was re-elected as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab for the fifth time in 1997. During this term, he assumed the prestigious role of the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, serving from 1997 until June 2001. This period marked a significant chapter in his legislative and leadership contributions to the province.
Detention and Political Realignment (1999)
After the 1999 military coup, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi faced detention by the National Accountability Bureau on corruption charges. The charges were eventually dropped following an agreement where he severed ties with the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and pledged support to President Pervez Musharraf in establishing the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q).
Formation of PML-Q (2001)
In collaboration with his cousin Shujaat and other dissenters, Pervaiz Elahi departed from the PML-N, forming their own political entity known as the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q).
Sixth Term in the Provincial Assembly (2002)
In the 2002 Pakistani general election, Pervaiz Elahi secured his sixth term as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab.
First Term as Chief Minister of Punjab (2002-2007)
Post the 2002 elections, Pervaiz Elahi assumed the role of Chief Minister of Punjab for the first time, serving from October 2002 to October 2007.
Dual Representation in 2008 General Election
During the 2008 Pakistani general election, Pervaiz Elahi achieved dual representation, being elected as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan for the first time and securing his seventh term in the Provincial Assembly of Punjab.
PML-Q's Prime Ministerial Candidate (2008)
In the aftermath of the 2008 general elections, PML-Q nominated Pervaiz Elahi as its candidate for the position of Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Leadership Role and Ministerial Portfolio (2008)
In 2008, he assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly but later relinquished this position. Subsequently, Pervaiz Elahi was appointed as the Federal Minister for Defence Production and Industries in the Yousuf Raza Gilani cabinet.
Deputy Prime Minister Role (2011)
A ceremonial post was created in 2011, appointing Pervaiz Elahi as the first Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. It’s important to note that this position held no executive powers, even in the absence of the Prime Minister.
Electoral Victory in 2013 (2013)
In the 2013 Pakistani general election, Pervaiz Elahi contested and won from NA-105, a National Assembly constituency in Gujrat. His victory came as he defeated candidates from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Electoral Success and Provincial Leadership (2018)
In the 2018 Pakistani general election, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi secured re-election to the National Assembly as a candidate of PML-Q from NA-65 (Chakwal-II) and NA-69 (Gujrat-II). Simultaneously, he retained his seat in the Provincial Assembly of Punjab as a PML-Q candidate from PP-30 (Gujrat-III). Opting for his provincial assembly seat, he vacated his National Assembly positions and emerged as a joint candidate for the Speaker’s office in the Provincial Assembly, supported by both Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PML-Q.
Speaker of the Punjab Assembly (2018)
On 16 August 2018, Pervaiz Elahi secured victory in the election for Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, garnering 201 votes against Muhammad Iqbal Gujjar, who obtained 147 votes.
Acting Governorship (2018)
His political responsibilities expanded when, on 19 August 2018, Pervaiz Elahi assumed the role of acting governor of Punjab following the resignation of Rafique Rajwana.
Nomination for Chief Minister (March 2022)
In March 2022, Imran Khan nominated Pervaiz Elahi as the candidate for the position of Chief Minister of Punjab after the resignation of the incumbent, Usman Buzdar.
Chief Minister of Punjab (July 2022)
Amidst a four-month-long constitutional crisis, Pervaiz Elahi took the oath as the 18th Chief Minister of Punjab on 27 July 2022.
Controversial Denotification and Legal Restoration (December 2022)
On 22 December 2022, the Governor of Punjab, Balighur Rehman, denotified Pervaiz Elahi from his position, citing his failure to take a vote of confidence from the Provincial Assembly as the reason. However, the Lahore High Court reinstated Pervaiz Elahi on 23 December 2022.
Vote of Confidence and Dissolution of Provincial Assembly (January 2023)
After securing victory in a vote of confidence on 12 January 2023, Pervaiz Elahi advised Governor Balighur-Rehman to dissolve the Provincial Assembly.
Change in Leadership (January 2023)
On 22 January 2023, Pervaiz Elahi was replaced as Chief Minister by Mohsin Raza Naqvi, appointed by the Election Commission of Pakistan to lead a caretaker government.
Future Political Endeavors (Ongoing)
Pervaiz Elahi’s political journey continues, with reports suggesting his candidacy in the next Punjab provincial election for a seat in PP-34 Gujrat-VII, this time as a representative of PTI.