Yasmin Rashid, born on 21 September 1950, is a prominent Pakistani politician and social activist. She has held significant positions within the provincial government and has been an active participant in national elections.
Early Life and Education
Yasmin Rashid was born in Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan. She completed her early education in Neela village, Chakwal district, before relocating to Lahore. In Lahore, she received her education at the Convent of Jesus and Mary. Her academic pursuits continued in the medical field, where she earned her MBBS from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Lahore in 1978. She is a gynaecologist by profession and previously served as the head of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at King Edward Medical University.
Rashid has a notable academic record with 51 research publications to her credit. Beyond her professional and political life, she has demonstrated a keen interest in sports. She was ranked Pakistan No. 2 in Table Tennis, achieved University Blue status in Lawn Tennis, and served as the Captain of the Punjab University Basketball Team.
Political Career
Yasmin Rashid's political career has been marked by her involvement with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). She has served as the Provincial Minister of Punjab for Primary and Secondary Healthcare and Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education. Her tenure in this role spanned two periods: from August 2018 to April 2022, and again from July 2022 to January 2023. She also holds the position of PTI Central Punjab President.
Electoral Engagements
Rashid has contested in several significant elections, often facing formidable opponents.
NA-120 By-elections (2017)
In July 2017, the National Assembly seat NA-120 (Lahore-III) became vacant after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the Panama Papers case. By-elections were called for this constituency. Yasmin Rashid contested from NA-120 but was unsuccessful, securing 105,857 votes against PML-N's Waheed Alam Khan, who garnered 122,327 votes.
2018 General Elections
During the 2018 general elections, Yasmin Rashid again vied for a seat from the same constituency, which had been delimited as NA-125 (Lahore-III). She managed to secure 105,857 votes but was ultimately unsuccessful against PML-N's Waheed Alam Khan, who received 122,327 votes.
2024 General Election
In the 2024 Pakistani general election, Rashid ran for a seat in the National Assembly from NA-130 Lahore-XIV. Her opponent was the three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Rashid officially gained 104,485 votes, while Nawaz Sharif secured 179,310 votes. However, significant allegations of rigging surfaced for this constituency, with Rashid claiming she had won the seat against Nawaz Sharif by a substantial margin.
Election 2024 Result: NA-130 Lahore | Yasmin Rashid Big Surprise to Nawaz Sharif | Geo News
Recognition and Contributions
Yasmin Rashid has received recognition for her contributions to public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the eve of International Women's Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged her among the outstanding women in leadership during the fight against the pandemic. The WHO Representative for Pakistan, Dr. Palitha G Mahipala, commended her leadership during the crisis, noting her presence on the frontlines of the combat against COVID-19.
During her tenure as health minister, Punjab introduced the typhoid conjugate vaccine into its immunization program and implemented SDG-focused development initiatives in the health sector, including the establishment of five mother and child hospitals. Rashid expressed that the WHO acknowledgment was an honour and conveyed her gratitude for the support provided to Pakistan and the Punjab government during the pandemic, from the setup of surveillance sites to laboratory equipment, staff training, and patient safety measures. She emphasized that health is no longer solely the responsibility of governments.
Personal Life
Yasmin Rashid is married to Rashid Nabi Malik. Her husband belongs to a prominent political family.
Legal Proceedings
On 12 May 2023, Yasmin Rashid was arrested. Reports indicated that she was hiding in the Defence or Cavalry Ground area to avoid arrest. The PTI stated that she was expected to join party workers in Islamabad during Imran Khan's appearance at the Islamabad High Court. She was reportedly arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
