Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, born on January 25, 1978, is a prominent Pakistani politician with roots in Karachi. She is aligned with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a major political entity in the country. As a political figure, Sharmila has been actively involved in representing the interests and concerns of her constituency. Her affiliation with the PPP indicates her alignment with the party’s ideology, policies, and political objectives. Given her association with one of the significant political forces in Pakistan, Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam likely plays a role in advocating for the party’s agenda and contributing to the broader political landscape of the nation.
Early Life and career
Faruqui is the maternal granddaughter of N M Uqaili, who previously served as Pakistan’s Minister of Finance. She is the daughter of Usman Farooqi, a former bureaucrat who held the position of Chairman at Pakistan Steel Mill. Faruqui is also the niece of Salman Faruqui, a close associate of former President Asif Ali Zardari. She completed her Master of Business Administration from the Adamson Institute of Business Administration and Technology in Karachi and holds a Master of Laws degree.
In her personal life, Faruqui is married to Hasham Riaz Sheikh, a former Wall Street investment banker currently serving as an advisor to former President Asif Ali Zardari. The marriage took place on March 5, 2015. Notably, Faruqui frequently appears on television political news, talk, and public affairs channels where she defends her party and government against allegations of corruption.
Before entering the realm of politics as a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Faruqui pursued a career as an actress. Notably, she showcased her acting skills in the drama serial “Panchwa Mausam,” where she shared the screen with Aijaz Aslam, Talat Hussain, Abdullah Kadwani, and Gulab Chandio.
Political Journey
Sharmila Faruqui’s foray into politics commenced with her tenure as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, a position she held from 2013 to 2018. This initial phase of her political career saw her actively engage in legislative responsibilities and serve as a representative for the people of Sindh.
Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public service, Faruqui not only completed her first term but also secured re-election in the 2018 Pakistani general elections. This electoral victory affirmed her popularity and the trust placed in her by the constituents. The decision of the electorate to re-elect her underscored their confidence in her ability to address their concerns and contribute meaningfully to the legislative landscape.
Following her re-election, Faruqui resumed her role as a member of the Provincial Assembly in February 2020, marking a continuation of her service in the legislative domain. This dual-term representation highlights her sustained dedication to serving the people of Sindh. It emphasizes her ongoing commitment to actively participating in the legislative processes, advocating for the interests of her constituents, and contributing to the development and governance of the province.
Financial Misconduct (2001): The Faruqui Family Controversy
In the year 2001, Sharmila Faruqui, along with her father Usman Faruqui, the former chairman of Pakistan Steel Mills, faced serious allegations of financial impropriety. The accusations centered around the purported embezzlement of a substantial amount, totaling Rs 195 billion ($1.95 billion), from Pakistan Steel Mills and the Government of Pakistan. These allegations were characterized as acts of political corruption and fraud.
Legal Proceedings and Plea Bargain: Involvement of Anisa Faruqui
Anisa Faruqui, Sharmila’s mother, became embroiled in the legal proceedings surrounding the allegations. She entered into a plea bargain with the National Accountability Bureau on April 28, 2001, following her arrest under FIR No. 19/96. This development occurred under the scrutiny of the Special Judge, Central II, who handled cases involving high-profile corrupt public servants, including Usman Faruqui.
Extensive Investigation: Scrutiny by Various Authorities
The Faruqui family, including Sharmila, underwent thorough investigation by multiple authorities, such as the National Accountability Bureau, the Federal Investigation Agency, and officials from the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation. This scrutiny was initiated due to suspicions related to the non-payment of electricity bills amounting to Rs 1 million.
This chapter in Sharmila Faruqui’s history marked a complex and controversial period, involving legal and financial intricacies that brought attention to allegations of corruption and fraud within both their professional and personal spheres.