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Murad Saeed
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Murad Saeed (Urdu: مراد سعید; born 17 August 1986) is a Pakistani politician who served as Federal Minister for Communications and Federal Minister for Postal Services from December 2018 to April 2022.
Key Information
Previously, he served as Minister of State for Communications and Minister of State for Postal Services from 18 September 2018 and 26 October 2018, respectively to December 2018. He had been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, from August 2018 till January 2023. Previously, he served as Minister of State for States and Frontier Regions from 11 September to 18 September 2018.[1]
He had also been a member of the National Assembly from June 2013 to May 2018. His term as minister ended on 10 April 2022 when the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was successful.
Early life and education
[edit]Murad Saeed Khan was born on 17 August 1986 at Kabal, Swat.[2]
Saeed holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Peshawar.[3]
Political career
[edit]Student politics
[edit]Saeed was the founder of Insaf Student Federation, the student wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa[3] and remained its central president for four years.[4]
National Assembly
[edit]Saeed was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan as a candidate of PTI from Constituency NA-29 Swat in the 2013 Pakistani general election.[5][6][3]
He was re-elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of PTI from Constituency NA-4 (Swat-III) in the 2018 Pakistani general election.[7] He received 71,600 votes and defeated Saleem Khan, a candidate of Awami National Party (ANP).[8]
Ministerial positions
[edit]On 11 September 2018, he was inducted into the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Imran Khan[9] and was appointed Minister of State for States and Frontier Regions.[10][11] On 18 September, his ministerial portfolio was changed and he was appointed Minister of State for Communications.[12] On 26 October 2018, he was given the additional ministerial portfolio of Postal Services[13] and was appointed Minister of State for Postal Services.[14]
On 17 December 2018, he was elevated as Federal Minister[15] and was appointed Federal Minister for Communications, and Federal Minister for Postal Services.[16]
In 2020 the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) found Rs 12.3 billion in fraud and irregularities in the Post Office Department, with a 64 cases of "fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement, theft and dacoity of public", among others, and said it could not authenticate Rs 932bn worth of revenue and Rs 881bn in expenditure due to unapproved methods of accounting and agency accounts maintenance. AGP also reported instances of unbudgeted payments, overpayments, unacknowledged or unadjusted remittances, understating assets, and government accounts (savings, remittances, and BISP) in deficit despite incentive payments to employees.[17] The Pakistan Observer also reported that following an audit into the National Highways Authority (NHA), revealing mismanagement and maladministration, "no apparent action has been taken by Murad Saeed, Minister for Communications on the audit observations so far."[18]
Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022 announced Murad Saeed as "best performing minister" in the federal cabinet.[19][20]
Controversies
[edit]
Degree authenticity
[edit]In 2015, the University of Peshawar requested the Peshawar High Court to disqualify Saeed from his National Assembly seat for making a false declaration of his Bachelor of Science degree while filing nomination papers for the 2013 general elections.[21][22] The University of Peshawar maintained that there are problems found in his make-up examination and said that Saeed's transcripts do not have its official stamp for his B.Sc. degree in Environmental Sciences.[23] However, Murad Saeed refuted these allegations and said that the vice chancellor belonged to a political opponent's party, the Awami National Party.[24] Saeed approached the Peshawar High Court to prove that he had attended University of Peshawar from 2005 to 2009 for his undergraduate degree and passed all his courses.[3] In March 2018, the Peshawar High Court dismissed the petition and closed case against Murad Saeed.[25]
Fights in the National Assembly
[edit]Saeed made national news in March 2017, when a scuffle broke out between him and fellow MNA Mian Javed Latif. Saeed reportedly attempted to assault Javed Latif outside the National Assembly building after Latif made lewd remarks in the assembly about Imran Khan and called him a traitor and a rebel. Latif later apologized for his lewd remarks.[26][27][28][29] The issue was resolved later by the National Assembly Jirga.[30]
In April 2018, Saeed again made national news after a scuffle broke out between him and Abid Sher Ali inside the National Assembly.[31][32][33]
References
[edit]- ^ "Latest News, Breaking News, Pakistan News, News Headlines". BOL News. 2019-01-10. Retrieved 2020-04-12.
- ^ "Detail Information". www.pildat.org. PILDAT. Archived from the original on 25 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ a b c d "Murad Saeed: Determination forged in the fire of conflict – The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 2 June 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "PTI tasks Murad Saeed to organise youth wing". The Nation. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "PTI, PML-N in race for two Swat NA seats". The Nation. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "Pakistan General Elections 2013 – Detailed results". DAWN.COM. 12 May 2013. Archived from the original on 3 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "Murad Saeed of PTI wins NA-4 election". Associated Press Of Pakistan. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ "NA-4 Result – Election Results 2018 – Swat 3 – NA-4 Candidates – NA-4 Constituency Details – thenews.com.pk". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ "PM Imran's cabinet expanded by six | The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 11 September 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
- ^ Reporter, The Newspaper's Staff (13 September 2018). "State ministers for revenue, frontier regions notified". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "Govt announces portfolios of new ministers". www.pakistantoday.com.pk. 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
- ^ "PM changes State Minister Murad Saeed's portfolio". ARYNEWS. 18 September 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ "Minister given task of revamping postal services". brecorder. 28 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
- ^ "Federal cabinet of Prime Minister Imran Khan – 7 November 2018" (PDF). Cabinet Division. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
- ^ "Murad Saeed sworn in as Federal Minister after PM Imran elevated him". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ "Notification" (PDF). www.cabinet.gov.pk. Cabinet. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ Shehzad, Rizwan (2020-10-31). "Post Office audit points to Rs12.3b flaws". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "No action taken on Audit observations — is this Murad Saeed's fault?". Pakistan Observer. 2020-07-26. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ "Here's How Murad Saeed Got the Best Minister Award". 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Murad Saeed's ministry tops best-performance list".
- ^ "Varsity seeks dismissal of MNA's petition for degree". DAWN.COM. 11 April 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "PHC moved for Murad Saeed's disqualification". DAWN.COM. 29 April 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "PTI MNA in trouble over make-up examination". DAWN.COM. 22 April 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
- ^ "PTI MNA Murad Saeed dismisses allegations of dubious degree". DAWN.COM. 6 March 2015.
- ^ "Writ petition against MNA Murad Saeed dismissed". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
- ^ "PML-N MNA 'apologises' for lewd remarks". DAWN.COM. 10 March 2017. Archived from the original on 13 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
- ^ "PML-N MNA apologises for slanderous remarks against PTI lawmaker's family – The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 10 March 2017. Archived from the original on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
- ^ "PTI's Murad Saeed punches PML-N MNA". www.thenews.com.pk. Archived from the original on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ "Latif, Saeed face suspension from NA". DAWN.COM. 14 March 2017. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ "NA Jirga amicably resolved issue of Javed Latif and Murad Saeed". Radio Pakistan. Archived from the original on 16 March 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ "Watch: Murad Saeed lunges 'towards Abid Sher Ali' amid budget session – The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 27 April 2018. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
- ^ sumera.khan (2014-06-19). "NA session: Lahore debate ends short of fisticuffs". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-07-20.
- ^ "Altercation between PTI, PML-N lawmakers in NA budget session". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2024-07-20.
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Murad Saeed
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Early life and education
Upbringing and family background
Murad Saeed Khan was born on 17 August 1986 in Kabal, Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.[6][7] He grew up in Swat, a region known for its mountainous terrain and Pashtun tribal heritage, during a period marked by relative stability before the area's involvement in counter-terrorism operations in the late 2000s.[2] Saeed was raised in a wealthy family, with his father named Saeed Ullah.[8][7] He has one older brother and two younger sisters, reflecting a traditional Pashtun family structure in the region.[6] Limited public details exist on his immediate family's professional or socioeconomic roles beyond the family's affluence, which provided resources supporting his early education and political entry.[9]Academic qualifications and student activism
Murad Saeed pursued a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of Peshawar.[1][2] His academic record faced scrutiny in 2015 when the University of Peshawar withheld his results and degree issuance, prompting an internal probe into alleged irregularities.[10] Saeed petitioned the Peshawar High Court, claiming repeated follow-ups with the university administration yielded no resolution, and the court directed the university to release the degree.[11][12] He subsequently obtained the qualification, which he has referenced in official profiles.[6] During his university tenure, Saeed emerged as a prominent figure in student politics, founding the Insaf Students Federation (ISF), the student wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on November 22, 2007, by mobilizing like-minded peers at the University of Peshawar.[1] This initiative marked the establishment of PTI's organized student presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he rallied support for the party's anti-corruption platform amid campus discussions on governance and regional issues.[9] Saeed later served as the central president of the ISF for four years, expanding its influence through grassroots mobilization focused on youth empowerment and opposition to perceived elite dominance in politics.[13] His activism emphasized restoring student unions, which had been banned in Pakistan since 1984, positioning him as a vocal advocate for campus-level democratic engagement.[6]Political career
Entry through student politics
Murad Saeed initiated his political involvement through student activism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, founding the Insaf Student Federation (ISF), the student wing of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in 2007 while at the University of Peshawar.[9][14] This organization aimed to mobilize university students toward PTI's platform of anti-corruption and governance reform, establishing Saeed as an early youth organizer within the party.[1] As Provincial President of ISF in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Saeed led the group until 2010, focusing on campus recruitment and advocacy against perceived electoral malpractices and institutional corruption.[1][14] His leadership emphasized grassroots mobilization among students, aligning with PTI's broader strategy to engage younger demographics disillusioned with established political dynasties.[15] Following his ISF tenure, Saeed transitioned to PTI's Youth Wing as Secretary of Youth Affairs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bridging student networks to national party efforts.[1] This role honed his organizational skills, culminating in his candidacy as the youngest contestant for PTI's Provincial President position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the party's 2013 intra-party elections.[1][15] Through these student-led initiatives, Saeed built a foundation that facilitated his shift to electoral politics, leveraging youth enthusiasm for PTI's campaigns.[9]National Assembly elections and terms
Murad Saeed was first elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in the general elections held on May 11, 2013, representing constituency NA-29 (Swat-I) as a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate.[16] He secured victory in a competitive race in Swat Valley, where PTI performed strongly, and took the oath of office on June 1, 2013, marking the start of his term in the 14th National Assembly, which lasted until May 31, 2018.[17] During this period, he served as a backbench member, focusing on party advocacy amid PTI's opposition role.[18] Saeed was re-elected in the general elections on July 25, 2018, from the redelimited constituency NA-4 (Swat-III), defeating Awami National Party's Saleem Khan with 71,600 votes to 30,976.[19] Results were officially notified on July 26, 2018, following PTI's national sweep that enabled it to form government.[20] His term in the 15th National Assembly ran from August 13, 2018, to August 10, 2023, during which he held ministerial portfolios after PTI's victory.[21] Saeed did not secure a National Assembly seat in the February 8, 2024, general elections, despite PTI-affiliated candidates contesting amid party symbol restrictions and reported irregularities. He instead pursued and won a Senate seat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in July 2025, shifting focus to upper house representation.[22]Ministerial positions in PTI government
Murad Saeed was inducted into the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Imran Khan on September 11, 2018, initially as Minister of State for Communications.[23] His portfolio focused on oversight of the National Highway Authority (NHA) and related infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Communications.[24] On October 26, 2018, he additionally assumed the role of Minister of State for Postal Services, managing operations of Pakistan Post and associated services.[25] Saeed was elevated to full Federal Minister for Communications on December 17, 2018, retaining responsibility for national highways, roads, and transport infrastructure development.[24] He concurrently served as Federal Minister for Postal Services until February 3, 2020, after which the postal portfolio was reassigned.[24] Throughout his tenure as Communications Minister, which extended until the PTI government's ouster on April 10, 2022, Saeed oversaw initiatives including the expansion of the national highway network and efforts to improve logistics efficiency.[24][26] These positions placed Saeed at the helm of key infrastructure sectors critical to Pakistan's economic connectivity, with the Ministry of Communications handling approximately Rs. 100 billion in annual development budgets during his term.[27] His roles ended with the successful no-confidence vote against Khan, marking the conclusion of PTI's federal governance.[24]Post-2022 opposition activities
Following the ouster of Imran Khan as Prime Minister on April 10, 2022, Murad Saeed emerged as a prominent figure in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) opposition efforts against the coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif. Saeed actively participated in PTI's nationwide rallies demanding early elections and the release of party leaders, leveraging his platform to criticize alleged electoral manipulations and institutional interference in the no-confidence vote.[28] Saeed played a key role in the Haqeeqi Azadi March, PTI's long march to Islamabad in November 2022, delivering emotional speeches in Rawalpindi that rallied supporters against what PTI described as an "imported government." During the march, he emphasized youth mobilization and removal of security barriers, positioning the event as a non-violent push for democratic restoration despite clashes with law enforcement. He faced subsequent charges related to vandalism during the protests but was acquitted alongside Khan and others in two Islamabad cases on June 3, 2024.[29] Into 2023 and beyond, Saeed continued advocating for intensified opposition actions, warning of security threats like Taliban resurgence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2022 and calling for grassroots preparations. By April 2025, he addressed PTI conventions via video link, urging students and youth to organize for protests aimed at securing Khan's release from Adiala Jail, highlighting his role in sustaining party momentum amid internal debates over protest strategies.[30][31] Authorities have accused Saeed of orchestrating violence in later protests, including the November 25, 2024, events where he allegedly directed 1,500 trained activists from hiding, leading to his declaration as an absconder in the March 17, 2025, Judicial Complex attack case alongside other PTI leaders. Saeed's activities drew intra-party criticism for unilateral calls to action, such as in April 2025, without broader consultation, reflecting tensions in PTI's fragmented opposition tactics.[32][33]Achievements and contributions
Infrastructure and development initiatives
During his tenure as Federal Minister for Communications from August 2018 to April 2022, Murad Saeed oversaw the National Highway Authority (NHA), focusing on expanding Pakistan's road infrastructure through new constructions and technological upgrades. The PTI government under his ministry initiated several mega projects, including the M-8 motorway, Khuzdar-Basima road, Ratto Dero connectivity, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Western route, and the Dara Adamkhel highway segment, funded partly through domestic resources to reduce reliance on foreign loans.[34] These efforts aimed to connect underserved regions and boost economic activity, with plans to add 6,147 kilometers of highways to the national network—surpassing previous governments' 1,600 kilometers by 150% in planned length.[35] Saeed emphasized cost efficiencies, claiming the introduction of modern construction technologies and enhanced transparency saved billions of rupees compared to prior road projects, which had faced allegations of overpricing.[36][37] He directed accelerated completion of key segments, such as the Jaglot-Skardu Road in Gilgit-Baltistan, finalized by October 2021 to facilitate tourism and trade in northern areas.[38] Additionally, Saeed prioritized CPEC progress by instructing authorities to expedite works and enforce zero tolerance for right-of-way encroachments, aiming to unlock development potential in western Pakistan.[39] Administrative reforms included the inauguration of the NHA's Geographic Information System in August 2020, enabling real-time monitoring of assets and projects for better oversight.[40] Saeed also launched Pakistan's first National Road Safety Strategy (2018-2030), targeting a reduction of up to 6,000 annual road fatalities through improved infrastructure standards and enforcement.[41] These initiatives contributed to record NHA revenue of Rs. 178.492 billion from August 2018 onward, including a Rs. 99 billion increase in the first three years, attributed to better toll collection and asset management.[42][43] In recognition, Prime Minister Imran Khan awarded Saeed's Communications Ministry the top performance certificate among federal entities in February 2022.[44]Anti-corruption advocacy and youth mobilization
Murad Saeed has been a vocal proponent of anti-corruption measures within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), particularly during his parliamentary tenure and ministerial role in the communications sector. As Minister for Communications, he alleged irregularities worth Rs70 billion in the Multan-Sukkur Motorway project, implicating Nawaz Sharif, Ahsan Iqbal, and others in corrupt practices under the previous PML-N government, and claimed the ministry recovered Rs5.33 billion within five months of scrutiny.[45][46] On February 8, 2019, he vowed to unearth corruption in all major infrastructure projects nationwide, emphasizing recovery of looted funds from implicated officials.[47] In parliamentary speeches, including sessions on December 12, 2018, and January 26, 2021, Saeed criticized opposition parties like PML-N and PPP for systemic graft, highlighting unchecked expenditures under their rule and defending PTI's accountability drive.[48][49] He reiterated in July 2020 that the government would make no compromises on corruption probes and accountability processes.[50] Saeed's advocacy extended to public accusations against high-profile figures, such as labeling Nawaz Sharif a "registered corrupt" individual in an October 22, 2020, press conference, and predicting the Sharif brothers' political irrelevance due to exposed kickbacks and graft.[51][52] In December 2021, he accused the PPP-led Sindh government of embezzling National Finance Commission (NFC) funds for personal enrichment rather than development.[53] These efforts aligned with PTI's broader platform, though Saeed faced counter-allegations from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in May 2023 based on public complaints regarding local government practices during his ministerial oversight.[5] Parallel to his anti-corruption rhetoric, Saeed played a key role in PTI's youth mobilization, leveraging his early involvement in student politics. Prior to his 2011 entry into PTI's core leadership, he served as Provincial President of the Insaf Student Federation (ISF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until 2010 and as Secretary for Youth Affairs in PTI's KPK youth wing, focusing on grassroots engagement through debates and poetry to inspire anti-establishment sentiment.[1] In November 2016, PTI leadership tasked him with reorganizing the party's youth wing amid efforts to bolster public support for accountability-focused protests.[54] In opposition phases, Saeed intensified calls for youth activism, framing it as resistance to a "corrupt system." On April 6-7, 2025, he urged PTI's youth and student wings via video addresses to mobilize immediately for a decisive march on Islamabad, demanding Imran Khan's release and tying the effort to broader anti-corruption and anti-oppression struggles.[30][55] These directives, issued during PTI conventions like the one in Mansehra, emphasized youth preparation for systemic change, echoing PTI's narrative of combating entrenched elite corruption through mass participation.[56][57]Political views and ideology
Stance on governance and corruption
Murad Saeed has positioned anti-corruption as a fundamental pillar of governance, emphasizing accountability and transparency to curb elite capture and inefficiency in Pakistan's public sector. As a prominent figure in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he has aligned with the party's platform of rooting out systemic graft, often framing it as essential for equitable resource distribution and institutional reform. In this view, corruption undermines national development by diverting funds from infrastructure and services, a critique he has leveled against entrenched political dynasties.[58] During his tenure as Minister for Communications from 2018 to 2022, Saeed pledged uncompromising enforcement of accountability, stating on July 9, 2020, that no leniency would be shown in prosecuting offenders to restore public trust in governance. He highlighted initiatives like digital tracking in public projects to prevent embezzlement, vowing in February 2019 to unearth irregularities in the Multan-Sukkur motorway, which he alleged involved billions in looted funds under prior administrations. Saeed has repeatedly accused opposition parties of weaponizing democratic institutions for corrupt ends, such as claiming in December 2021 that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) exploited the 18th Amendment and National Finance Commission awards to siphon provincial resources.[58][47][53] Saeed advocates for open governance processes to counter closed-door dealings that enable corruption, asserting in November 2022 that citizens must oversee major decisions to prevent elite collusion. He has described personal backlash, including abusive rhetoric from rivals, as retaliation for exposing graft, as noted in February 2022 statements where he linked such attacks to his scrutiny of figures in Punjab and federal politics. This stance extends to PTI's broader youth-driven mobilization against perceived judicial and bureaucratic complicity in shielding the corrupt, though Saeed maintains that true reform demands evidence-based prosecutions over political vendettas.[59][60]Positions on national security and foreign policy
Murad Saeed has consistently emphasized the resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan as a primary national security threat, particularly highlighting the infiltration of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants from Afghanistan into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) settled areas as early as August 2022.[31] He warned of the Taliban regrouping in Swat shortly after the ouster of the PTI government in 2022, describing it as a "dangerous sign" that undermined hard-earned peace achieved under prior PTI policies.[61] In February 2023, Saeed accused the subsequent coalition government of sabotaging counter-terrorism efforts by ignoring an upsurge in attacks and cross-border movements, referencing his own parliamentary queries from June 2022 on the matter.[62] On internal security, Saeed has advocated against renewed military operations, drone strikes, and displacement, arguing that Pakistanis have endured sufficient war's devastations and urging national resistance to external impositions like "dollar wars" or resource seizures. He has framed these threats within PTI's broader narrative of sacrifices for stability, criticizing policies that allegedly prioritize foreign agendas over domestic defense.[63] In foreign policy, Saeed supports an independent stance, echoing PTI's refusal to join others' conflicts, as articulated during his ministerial tenure when he praised the government's dignified approach of saying "absolutely not" to external wars.[64] Regarding India and Kashmir, he has vocally defended internationalization of the dispute, crediting PTI's efforts for raising it at the UN Security Council multiple times post-Article 370 revocation in August 2019, and predicting India's division as a consequence of its actions.[65] Saeed highlighted alleged Indian atrocities in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K), including a six-month curfew affecting over 80 million people by early 2020, and supported measures like commemorative postal stamps to expose human rights violations globally.[66] Saeed has expressed concerns over Indian strategies like the "Ajit Doval Doctrine," portraying them as designs to destabilize Pakistan through proxy militancy and regional pressure, while advocating Muslim unity, as seen in PTI's solidarity with Iran in June 2025. He has also criticized oppression in Palestine, aligning with PTI's calls for international justice without compromising Pakistan's sovereignty.[67]Controversies and legal challenges
Educational degree disputes
In early 2015, Murad Saeed, then a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member of the National Assembly from Swat, faced allegations regarding the authenticity of his Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Peshawar (UoP).[68] Opponents, including members of the Awami National Party (ANP), claimed discrepancies in his academic records, prompting scrutiny over whether he had fulfilled examination requirements prior to his 2013 election, as required for parliamentary eligibility under Pakistani law.[69] Saeed dismissed the claims as politically motivated, asserting he had completed coursework and received a completion certificate from his department chairman in November 2013, but the university had delayed issuing the official degree despite repeated requests.[12] The dispute escalated when Saeed petitioned the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on March 11, 2015, seeking a directive for UoP to release his degree, amid reports of irregularities in a make-up examination he attempted.[11] A university committee investigated and recommended canceling the exam in March 2015, citing procedural violations, while a separate petition was filed in PHC seeking Saeed's disqualification for alleged false declarations in his nomination papers.[70] [71] Further allegations emerged that Saeed's exam was conducted under pressure from the Islami Students Federation (ISF), linked to PTI founder Imran Khan, raising questions about academic integrity. By April 2018, UoP's investigation cleared Saeed of fake degree charges, preparing to issue the degree, though critics highlighted ongoing concerns over the process's adherence to rules.[72] On June 16, 2018, UoP officially notified the award of the degree to Saeed, who by then had left his National Assembly seat, but the issuance drew accusations of procedural shortcuts and potential political influence, including reports that it violated university norms for delayed completions.[73] [74] No formal disqualification followed, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) was not centrally involved in the final verification, though broader Pakistani degree scandals, including Saeed's case, have fueled calls for systemic reforms like blockchain attestation to prevent fraud.[75]Parliamentary altercations
On 9 March 2017, a physical scuffle broke out between Murad Saeed, then a PTI MNA, and PML-N MNA Mian Javed Latif outside the National Assembly building immediately after a session adjourned. The confrontation escalated from Latif's in-session remarks labeling PTI chairman Imran Khan a "traitor" in response to Khan's criticism of foreign cricketers participating in the Pakistan Super League final despite security concerns. As the two exited the assembly lobby, they exchanged heated words, with Saeed protesting Latif's alleged lewd comments directed at Saeed's sisters, prompting Saeed to attempt to punch and slap Latif; the altercation was intervened by other legislators, security personnel, and journalists.[76][77] National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq responded by forming a six-member committee, chaired by MNA Ghous Bux Mehar, to investigate the incident and submit a report by 16 March 2017. Latif subsequently apologized in the assembly for his personal remarks against Saeed's family, stating he regarded Saeed as akin to his own children and forgiving any response. The matter was resolved on 17 March 2017 through an informal mediation akin to a tribal 'jirga', facilitated by NA members including Shah Jee Gul Afridi and Sahibzada Tariqullah, with both parties expressing satisfaction and agreeing to move forward.[78][79] Saeed has faced additional disruptions and confrontations during National Assembly speeches, including on 16 June 2020 as federal communications minister, when opposition members from PML-N and PPP repeatedly interrupted his address—accusing figures like Khwaja Asif of corruption—by standing, chanting slogans, and approaching the podium, creating a chaotic atmosphere though no formal physical blows were reported in print accounts. Footage from sessions has periodically surfaced showing tense exchanges, such as a leaked video in June 2021 depicting prior unreported scuffles involving Saeed and opposition lawmakers, highlighting his combative style in parliamentary debates.[80][81]Recent allegations of incitement and political persecution
In December 2024, during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in Islamabad, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused Murad Saeed of inciting violence by commanding approximately 1,500 trained miscreants, including illegal Afghan nationals, to provoke clashes with law enforcement under the guise of a peaceful demonstration.[82] [83] The Interior Ministry alleged that Saeed directed these elements to spearhead riots, spreading disinformation to escalate unrest domestically and internationally, as part of a premeditated strategy to undermine state authority.[84] PTI rejected these claims, asserting that the government's narrative exaggerated the events to justify crackdowns on opposition gatherings.[85] In March 2025, an Islamabad anti-terrorism court declared Saeed an absconder alongside PTI leaders Hammad Azhar and Farrukh Habib in a case stemming from an attack on the Judicial Complex, where authorities accused him of inciting a mob of supporters to remove security barriers, damage entry gates, and disrupt court proceedings during Imran Khan's appearance.[32] The charges invoked Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act for terrorist acts and Section 353 of the Pakistan Penal Code for obstructing public servants, with investigators describing the incident as premeditated and fueled by inflammatory rhetoric from political figures like Saeed.[32] Saeed's repeated court absences led to the ruling by ATC Judge Tahira Abbas Sipra on March 17, 2025.[86] Saeed has countered these and prior accusations as elements of political persecution, particularly in a May 2023 letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, where he detailed threats to his life following an armed intrusion at his residence and claimed multiple fabricated FIRs for terrorism and incitement to rebellion, imposed solely for his advocacy of constitutional supremacy.[87] Imran Khan echoed this in May 2023, warning that state agencies sought to eliminate Saeed via "bogus charges" including sedition and abetting mutiny, amid a broader PTI narrative of post-2022 government ouster vendettas targeting party leadership.[88] While government sources maintain the cases rest on evidence of disruptive actions, PTI frames them as tools to neutralize opposition without due process, highlighting tensions in Pakistan's polarized political landscape.[89]Recent developments
Senate election and ongoing PTI role
In the Senate elections held on July 21, 2025, Murad Saeed was elected as a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contributing to the party's securing six out of 11 seats from the province.[90][91][92] The polls followed PTI's approval for unopposed candidacies in the province, amid broader political arrangements.[93] Saeed did not attend the swearing-in ceremony on July 25, 2025, where other PTI senators took their oaths, as he remained at large due to ongoing legal cases.[94] By July 27, 2025, he had not filed the required affidavit to formally affiliate with PTI in the Senate, with party sources indicating his status as "missing."[95] Under amendments to the Elections Act passed in November 2021 during PTI's tenure, failure to take the oath within 60 days of election could result in forfeiture of the seat.[96] Despite these developments, Saeed maintains an active role within PTI as a core committee member and influential figure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governance matters, even while evading authorities.[97][98] As a close confidant of PTI founder Imran Khan, he has continued issuing public statements urging party defiance against perceived political suppression, including a March 2025 message highlighting PTI's electoral mandate from the 2024 general elections.[99][100]Legal battles and public perception as of 2025
Murad Saeed has been embroiled in multiple legal proceedings since the 2022 political upheaval in Pakistan, with charges largely centered on alleged incitement and involvement in violent protests linked to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activities. As of October 2025, he remains at large and in hiding, having evaded arrest attempts by authorities. An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) issued non-bailable warrants for his arrest on November 2, 2024, in connection with vandalism and riots on May 9, 2024, following Imran Khan's detention, requiring his appearance by November 7, 2024.[101] On December 14, 2024, an ATC in Lahore declared him an absconder alongside seven other PTI leaders in related cases.[102] Further, on March 17, 2025, he was declared an absconder in a case involving an attack on a judicial complex in Islamabad.[32] In March 2025, an ATC ordered the seizure of Saeed's properties as an absconding PTI figure, alongside those of Hammad Azhar.[103] He approached the Islamabad High Court seeking details of cases registered against him, highlighting procedural concerns amid over a dozen FIRs.[104] A separate defamation case against him saw adjournments, with his lawyer granted time on March 15, 2025, to submit arguments, and further updates in July 2025.[105] Additionally, on March 28, 2025, Saeed was briefly abducted by unidentified individuals before release, leading to charges under Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for alleged cyber offenses.[106] PTI sources reported ongoing government efforts to apprehend him as late as July 2025, amid his reluctance to formalize Senate affiliations due to legal risks.[95] Public perception of Saeed remains polarized, with PTI loyalists portraying him as a steadfast ally of Imran Khan subjected to politically motivated prosecutions to suppress opposition voices. Khan himself described Saeed in September 2025 as one of his "most loyal companions," targeted to marginalize him ahead of key votes.[107] Supporters credit him with early warnings on security threats, such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan resurgence in 2022, via public addresses and marches.[108] However, some senior PTI members have critiqued his advocacy for unconsulted confrontational protests in April 2025, viewing it as risking party unity.[33] Critics, including state-aligned narratives, depict him as a provocateur fueling unrest, though PTI counters that such cases exemplify selective enforcement against dissenters, with limited independent verification of incitement evidence beyond protest-era footage. Broader sentiment within PTI's base, as reflected in party communications, emphasizes his role in challenging institutional overreach, sustaining his relevance despite fugitive status.[109]