Muhammad Hanif Abbasi (Urdu: محمد حنيف عباسى), born on 4 January 1966, is a Pakistani entrepreneur and a politician affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League (N). He served two terms in the National Assembly of Pakistan, first from 2002 to 2008 and then from 2008 to 2013.
Early Life and education
Born on January 4, 1966, in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi is the son of Muhammad Khalil Abbasi, and he has five brothers and one sister.
After completing his early education at the Muslim League High School in Lahore, where he gained recognition for his passion for football and cricket, he went on to graduate from the Forman Christian College and the University of the Punjab.
With three children, including a son named Hammas Abbasi, who is involved in politics, and two daughters, one of whom is Dr. Areeba Abbasi. Dr. Areeba worked as a medical officer in the emergency department of Benazir Bhutto Hospital before resigning in 2018, citing allegations of political victimization.
Political Career
Early Political Engagement (1977):
In 1977, while still a student, Abbasi initiated his journey into political activism.
Transition to PML-N (2008):
Abbasi formally entered politics as a member of Jamaat-e-Islami but later shifted allegiance to the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) in 2008.
Initial National Assembly Tenure (2002-2008):
Elected as a Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) candidate, Abbasi secured his first term in the National Assembly of Pakistan from NA-56 (Rawalpindi VII) by defeating
Sheikh Rashid Shafique in the 2002 by-elections.
PML-N Affiliation and Re-election (2008):
Joining PML-N, Abbasi triumphed in the 2008 Pakistani general election, once again representing NA-56 (Rawalpindi VII) and defeating former Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad with 73,433 votes.
Challenges in 2013 Election:
In the 2013 Pakistani general election, despite representing PML-N, Abbasi faced defeat in NA-56 (Rawalpindi VII), securing 67,169 votes against Imran Khan’s 80,425 votes.
Disqualification and Legal Battles (2018):
Nominated for NA-60 (Rawalpindi-IV) in the 2018 Pakistani general election on PML-N’s ticket, Abbasi was disqualified and sentenced to life in a narcotics case.
Legal Turmoil and Acquittal (2018-2019):
Arrested in the ephedrine quota case in April 2018, Abbasi received a life sentence but had it suspended by the Lahore High Court on April 11, 2019. The court cited overlooked legal points and the acquittal of all other accused in the case.
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment (2012-2018):
In June 2012, an F.I.R. was filed against Abbasi, accusing him of the misuse of 500 k.g. of ephedrine, a controlled drug acquired for his pharmaceutical company, Gray Pharmaceutical, in 2010.
Bail and Election Controversy (2012-2013):
In November 2012, the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench granted bail to Abbasi. However, just before the 2013 elections, the antinarcotic force submitted a challan to re-examine the case, questioning Abbasi’s eligibility to contest. Despite the pending case, he was permitted to participate in the 2013 elections.
Conviction and Imprisonment (2018):
In July 2018, Justice Sardar Muhammad Akram pronounced a judgment, declaring Abbasi guilty of narcotics charges and sentencing him to lifetime imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 1 million. He was arrested from the courtroom and transferred to Central Jail Rawalpindi.
Controversial Shift and Health Issues (2018-2019):
On September 22, 2018, controversy arose when Abbasi’s picture was released from jail, showing him in casual dress rather than jail apparel, alongside party leadership in Central Jail Adiala. Subsequently, he was relocated from Central Jail Rawalpindi to Attock Jail. During his imprisonment, Abbasi faced health issues, particularly kidney problems. He was moved to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in January 2019 for cardiac procedures and to Shaikh Zayed Hospital in March 2019 for kidney and cardiac problems.
Suspension of Sentence and Legal Considerations (2019):
On April 11, 2019, a bench led by Justice Aalia Neelum of the Lahore High Court suspended Abbasi’s sentence. The court highlighted that all other accused in the case were acquitted, and critical legal points were not adequately addressed during the proceedings.