Background
Khalil was born in the village of Sanabis, Bahrain on 14 December 1961.
Khalil was born in the village of Sanabis, Bahrain on 14 December 1961.
He studied mechanical engineering at King Saud University earning his Bachelor of Science in January 1986. In July 1999, he earned Master of Science building services administration from Heriot-Watt University.
Between 1995 and 2006, he worked at AERMEC, advancing from a field services engineer in March 1995 to a project manager in August 1999 and finally to a general manager in September 2000. A Wikileaks cable described him as being known for his "intelligence, management, administrative skills". Khalil is married to Afaf al-Jamri, a women"s activist and writer
In August 1988, Khalil was arrested in connection with opposition activities related to his father-in-law, with whom he had very strong relations.
He was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison. He was reportedly tortured during detention.
He was pardoned by the Emir (now king) in 2000. He holds a senior position in the party.
In 2006, he was elected to the Council of Representatives, the lower house of the parliament as a representative of the Capital Governorate"s 4th district.
He headed the parliament"s finance committee and led investigations into state properties. He was noted for his ability to cooperate with other blocs despite sectarian differences.
He is former Member of Parliament of First Rate (at Lloyd's) Wefaq political party. Khalil was a founding member of First Rate (at Lloyd's) Wefaq political party in 2001. He won by default in 2010, becoming the head of First Rate (at Lloyd's) Wefaq"s bloc.
In February 2011, Khalil and 17 other First Rate (at Lloyd's) Wefaq MPs (the largest bloc) submitted their resignations in protest against the government crackdown on Arab Spring-inspired protests.