Rana Tanveer Hussain, is a Pakistani politician, industrialist, conservative figure, and an economist who is currently serves as the Minister for Science and Technology, appointed on 17 December 2014.
Background
Rana Tanveer Hussain was born into a politically active family in Sheikhupura, Punjab Province, Pakistan, on 1 October 1949. His father, Haji Mohammad Anwer, was an avid activist of Pakistan Movement who supported the cause of a Muslim homeland. His father remained an influential figure in Pakistan Muslim League (North), Punjab, Pakistan.
Career
Family roots and education
After matriculating from a local high school, Hussain enrolled in Punjab University to study economics in 1969. Hussain earned Bachelor in Economics in 1973 and began attending the post-graduate school at the Punjab University. In 1976, Hussain gained Master of Arts in Economics where he cited his work on industrial economics.
Career in politics
He successfully participated in general elections held in 1985 as an independent, but moved closer to PML(North) due to its conservative stand.
In 1990, he participated for NA-132 constituency in the general elections but lost in general elections held in 1993. In 1997, he successfully regained his NA-132 constituency in the general elections held in 1997.
He was appointed as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance. However, Hussain lost his NA-132 constituency during the general elections held in 2002.
He remains associated with the Punjab University where he lectured on industrialism and macromanagement economics.
From 2009-2012, Hussain wrote and spoke extensively on the growth of industrial economics, private sector development, and Gross Domestic Product growth. Minister of Defence Production (since 2013)
In 2013, he was re-issued a party ticket for his NA-132 constituency to compete in general elections held nationwide. In 2013, he was appointed as Minister of Defence Production by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and took oath on 8 June 2013.
Politics
He was elected from NA-132 Sheikhupura-II as a member of National Assembly from Pakistan Muslim League (North). His career in national politics started in 1983 when he successfully became district member of the council in Multan. From 2002-2008, he worked for his party"s image and a helped drafted a fiscal conservative economic programme for the PML(North).
Views
He successfully defended his NA-132 with overall ~93,119 votes, defeating the leftist PPP"s candidate.
Membership
In 2008, he regained his constituency in the general elections, and was a member of the Gillani"s cabinet for a short period of time.