Shuja Khanzada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shuja Khanzada
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| شجاع خانزاده | |
Khanzada as Captain of PAVO Cavalry, 1969
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| Home Minister of Punjab | |
| In office 14 October 2014 – 16 August 2015 |
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| Appointed by | Shehbaz Sharif |
| Environment Protection Minister of Punjab | |
| In office 10 June 2013 – 16 August 2015 |
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| Appointed by | Shehbaz Sharif |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 August 1943 Shadikhan, Punjab Province, British India |
| Died | 16 August 2015 (aged 71) Attock, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Cause of death | Assassination |
| Nationality | British Indian (1943–1947) Pakistani (1947–2015) |
| Political party | PML (N) (2013-2015) |
| Other political affiliations |
PTI (1996–2002) PML (Q) (2002–2007) |
| Children | Jahangir Khanzada (son) |
| Alma mater | Islamia College |
| Awards | Hilal-e-Shujaat Tamgha-e-Basalat |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan |
| Branch/service |  Pakistan Army |
| Years of service | 1967–1994 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 13th Lancers |
| Battles/wars | Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Siachen conflict |
Shuja Khanzada (Urdu: شجاع خانزاده; 28 August 1943 – 16 August 2015) was a Pakistani politician and a Pakistan Army colonel. He served as the Home Minister of Punjab from 2014 until his death in August 2015.
As an army officer, Khanzada took part in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the Siachen conflict in 1983. After leaving the military, he started his political career in 1996. He was elected to the Punjab Provincial Assembly three times: in 2002, 2008, and 2013. In 2013, he was a candidate for the PML (N) from his home area in Attock. When he became Home Minister in 2014, Khanzada led efforts to fight against violence and extremism in Punjab.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Shuja Khanzada was born on August 28, 1943. His family had a history of public service. His grandfather, Captain Ajab Khan, was a member of the Indian Legislative Assembly during British rule. His uncle, Taj Muhammad Khanzada, served in both the National Assembly and the Punjab Provincial Assembly for many years.
Khanzada finished his schooling at Public School Nowshera. He then went on to study at the Islamia College in Peshawar, where he earned a bachelor's degree in arts in 1966. In 1967, he joined the Pakistan Army. Shuja Khanzada was married and had three children. His son, Jahangir Khanzada, later became a member of the provincial assembly in 2015, taking his father's place.
Military Career Highlights
Shuja Khanzada had a distinguished career in the Pakistan Army.
- He fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
- He worked as an instructor for several years between 1974 and 1983.
- From 1983 to 1985, he was in charge of the 13th Lancers unit.
- He was also present at the Siachen Glacier in 1983.
In 1988, he received the Tamgha-e-Basalat award for his brave service. From 1992 to 1994, he worked as a military representative at the Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C. He also served as a field officer for a government intelligence agency for over ten years. During this time, he focused on issues related to Balochistan and Afghanistan.
Political Journey
After retiring from the military, Shuja Khanzada began his political career in 1996.
- He was first part of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party as a founding member.
- Later, he joined the Pakistan Muslim League (Q).
- He was elected as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from 2002 to 2007, representing the PML (Q).
- During this time, he also served as a special advisor to the Chief Minister and held a ministry role.
- In 2008, he was elected to the provincial assembly again as an independent candidate.
- In the 2013 elections, he became a member of the PML (N) from his home area, Constituency PP-16.
- On June 10, 2013, Khanzada was appointed Punjab Environment Protection Minister.
Role as Home Minister
On October 14, 2014, Shuja Khanzada was given the additional responsibility of the Home Ministry by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government in Punjab. As Home Minister, his job was to oversee law and order, public safety, and security within the province. He played a key role in the government's efforts to maintain peace and stability.
Tragic Death and Remembrance
Shuja Khanzada passed away on August 16, 2015, in a tragic incident. This event was widely condemned across the country. Many important leaders, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, expressed their sorrow.
To honor his memory and contributions, the Lahore City District Government announced that a major new road in Lahore, connecting Karim Block and Jinnah Hospital, would be named after Shuja Khanzada.
See also
- Bashir Ahmad Bilour, assassinated politician
- Chaudhry Aslam Khan, assassinated police superintendent
Images for kids
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Shuja Khanzada in 1969
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Rank insignia for a Colonel in the Pakistan Army
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Tamgha-e-Basalat medal
