Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan has appointed Shakeel Ahmed Turabi as its new Secretary of Information, while Qaisar Sharif will continue serving within the party in another capacity.
The media’s reaction to Qaisar Sharif’s removal from the position has been mixed — some responses are aggressive, while others are apologetic. Qaisar Sharif had a long and dedicated tenure as Secretary of Information, Jamaat-e-Islami. He worked with multiple Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer (leaders) and navigated diverse mindsets with great diligence.
Ever since Naeem-ur-Rehman became the new Ameer of the party, there was a sense that Qaisar Sharif might be relieved of his duties, because former Ameer Siraj-ul-Haq had a calm and reserved personality, and wasn’t very involved with social media or new forms of media. This made it relatively easier for Qaisar Sharif to work under him.
However, Naeem-ur-Rehman, who hails from Karachi, represents a very different leadership style — one that is more assertive and proactive, typical of the Karachi mindset. And as is often the case, a new leader brings a new team, especially in the media and information wing.
One of Qaisar Sharif’s significant achievements is that he continued to serve well into the new Ameer’s tenure. I remember when Naeem-ur-Rehman had just arrived in Lahore, there was an event planned at Mansoora with some guests from Karachi. Due to an emergency, the program couldn’t take place, but a session was later held with Jamaat members from Karachi. It was clear from those interactions that a new Secretary of Information would soon be appointed. Although it wasn’t officially confirmed at the time, the signs were there.
I never had a personal meeting with Qaisar Sharif, but friends and colleagues always spoke highly of him. He is known as a PR expert, with strong relationships across TV channels, newspapers, and with anchorpersons — relationships that earned him much respect.
We wish him the very best in his future roles. Wherever he goes, may success follow. In public relations, there’s a fine line between promoting your organization and promoting yourself — in my personal opinion, perhaps Qaisar Sharif crossed that line at some point.
Now, the newly appointed Secretary of Information, Shakeel Turabi, is a seasoned member of Jamaat-e-Islami. He has previously served in Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba and spent considerable time in Azad Kashmir. It remains to be seen how he works alongside Ameer Naeem-ur-Rehman in this important role.
May Allah guide and support him in his new responsibilities.
