Zahid Hamid inducted to federal cabinet as climate change minister

Published November 17, 2015
Zaid Hamid. – Photo courtesy Pakistan Council for Science and Technology
Zaid Hamid. – Photo courtesy Pakistan Council for Science and Technology

ISLAMABAD: Zahid Hamid, who had relinquished his post as the federal law minister last year, took oath as federal minister for climate change at a ceremony arranged at the Presidency on Tuesday.

Hamid was administered oath by President Mamnoon Hussain. The ceremony was attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, parliamentarians and other high ranking officials.

Hamid had tendered his resignation from the federal cabinet last year after a special court hearing the treason trial against former military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf named him as one of the abettors of the former president.

In its ruling, the court had directed the government to include Hamid as one of the co-accused alongside former PM Shaukat Aziz and former CJP Abdul Hameed Dogar.

At that time, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had dismissed speculation that Hamid's resignation came in the wake of the inclusion of his name in the charge sheet.

But days later, Hamid's resignation was accepted by premier Nawaz Sharif.

PML-N's Mushahidullah, who was the former minister for climate change, had been asked by the premier to give up his portfolio earlier this year after the former made 'inappropriate' remarks relating to the army and former ISI chief Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam.

Zahid Hamid's political career

Hamid was born on October 24, 1947 in Lahore. He completed his BA Honours and MA from Cambridge University UK and LLB degree from Punjab University.

He is a lawyer by profession and has been a civil servant and an industrialist with legislative interests in environment, finance and law.

Following Musharraf's military takeover in 1999, Hamid defected to the breakaway faction of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) called the Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid (PML-Q) and was elected MNA from NA-114, Sialkot-V in the 2002 election.

Hamid had held the portfolio of law minister in the Musharraf government and was said to be a close aide of the former army strongman. Before the 2008 elections, he joined the PML-N.

Opinion

Editorial

Race against time
Updated 09 Feb, 2025

Race against time

While some bright spots emerged at Breathe Pakistan moot, we must streamline our climate governance.
Open door
09 Feb, 2025

Open door

THE door is still open for talks, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has reminded the PTI. What matters, however,...
Football suspension
09 Feb, 2025

Football suspension

ONCE again, Pakistan has been ousted from the global football family. FIFA recently suspended the Pakistan Football...
A year later
Updated 08 Feb, 2025

A year later

A war of egos has been fought between a handful of individuals at the cost of the well-being of millions of ordinary Pakistanis.
Wheat decision
08 Feb, 2025

Wheat decision

THE federal decision to stop setting the minimum support price for wheat and cease the staple’s procurement...
Dhanmondi attack
08 Feb, 2025

Dhanmondi attack

HISTORY has shown that unless states deliver development and equal rights to all, disenfranchised people can target...