Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani

Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Yousaf also spelled Yusuf, Gilani also spelled Gillani, (born June 9, 1952, Karachi, Pakistan), Pakistani politician who was prime minister of Pakistan (2008–12).

Gilani was born into a prominent family of landowners from the Punjab province, many of whom were involved in politics, including his father, who was a provincial minister during the 1950s. After studying at the University of Punjab (M.A., 1976), Gilani joined the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) in 1978. In 1985 he was elected to the federal parliament. He received an appointment in the cabinet of Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo, but a conflict with Junejo led to Gilani’s being replaced in 1986 and in his eventual marginalization within the PML.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani joined the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) after Pres. Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq dismissed Junejo’s government in 1988. The PPP returned to power under Benazir Bhutto following Zia’s death in a plane crash later that year. Gilani served as speaker of the National Assembly (1993–97) during Bhutto’s second term as prime minister. Bhutto was removed as prime minister in 1996, and in elections the following year Gilani lost his seat in parliament while the PPP suffered a decisive defeat nationally.

He remained a senior member of the PPP. Gilani was arrested in 2001 on charges of having granted illegal government appointments while he was speaker, and he served more than four years in prison, though he maintained his innocence.