Nazar Muhammad Gondal

Nazar Muhammad Gondal (born April 15, 1950) is a veteran Pakistani politician, lawyer, and agriculturist, widely recognized for his contributions to both local and national politics in Pakistan. He hails from the influential Gondal Jat family of Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab. Throughout his career, Gondal has served as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA), District Nazim (Mayor), and as a Federal Minister under various administrations. He is known for his proactive approach to rural development, agricultural reform, and principled political decisions.

Gondal began his political career with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). In 1993, he was elected as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Mandi Bahauddin. During his first term, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary for the Establishment Division. His political focus at the time was on administrative reform, rural representation, and development equity.

In 2001, Gondal was elected as the District Nazim (Mayor) of Mandi Bahauddin. As Nazim, he worked on numerous local infrastructure projects, including:

• • Upgrading road networks connecting rural villages.

• • Initiating basic health units and upgrading district hospitals.

• • Expanding access to clean drinking water and electrification in remote areas.

• • Enhancing local governance and revenue systems.

His tenure as Nazim faced political turbulence; he was removed through a controversial no-confidence vote in 2003. However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan reinstated him, ruling that procedural violations had occurred.

In the 2008 general elections, Gondal was again elected as MNA from NA-109 (Mandi Bahauddin-II) on a PPP ticket. He was appointed as the Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, and later as Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Livestock.

-> As Federal Minister, his achievements included:

• • Launching a comprehensive national agriculture policy.

• • Promoting mechanized farming and seed certification.

• • Responding effectively to the 2010 floods with relief packages and loan waivers.

• • Advocating for land rehabilitation in waterlogged and saline areas.

• • Encouraging public-private partnerships for agribusiness development.

• • His tenure was widely recognized for addressing long-standing issues in Pakistan's agricultural sector.

In June 2017, Gondal left PPP, citing its diminishing influence in Punjab and its failure to act as a robust opposition. He joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, calling it a party committed to ending the status quo.

He contested the 2018 general election from NA-69 (Mandi Bahauddin-II) under the PTI banner but lost to PML-N’s Nasir Iqbal Bosal.

In June 2023, following the May 9 attacks on military institutions during PTI protests, Gondal publicly condemned the violence and exited PTI. He emphasized the need for responsible, democratic opposition.

By July 2023, he had announced the formation of his own independent political panel, aiming to contest elections with a focus on constituency-level development and ethical politics. He invited like-minded politicians, especially former allies and independents, to join his movement.

He has been elected 5 times as a Member of the National assembly. He was politically affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).^[1] Former minister Nazar Muhammad Gondal quits PTI over the 9 May riots.^[2] He is a lawyer and a farmer by profession. He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Establishment Division. Nazar Muhammad Gondal was also elected as the Nazim of Mandi Bahauddin District from 2001 to 2004. He won the 18 February general elections from NA-109, Mandi Bahaudin-II on ticket of PPPP. He was victorious over Pakistan Muslim League candidate Nasir Iqbal Bosal.

Gondal also serves as the president of the Pakistan Badminton Federation, which was suspended by the Badminton World Federation over claims by two parallel formed federations run by Nazar Mohammad Gondal and Mian Iftikhar Hussain Shah. Gondal also has served as Food and Agriculture Minister from 2010 to 2013 and Minister of Narcotics from 2008 to 2010. Gondal won the elections for three consecutive five-year terms 1993-1996, 2002, and 2008. Gondal's brother won the seat against Pervaiz Elahi (former CM Punjab).

Nazar Muhammad Gondal was born into a prominent political and agricultural family in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab. Belonging to the Gondal Jat clan, he grew up in a socio-politically active environment. He pursued his higher education at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, where he completed his LL.B. degree. Professionally, Gondal is trained as a lawyer and has also managed substantial agricultural lands, which gave him insight into rural challenges and farming-related issues.

As District Nazim:

• • Constructed and renovated inter-village roads.

• • Developed local infrastructure including health centers and schools.

• • Installed water filtration plants and improved drainage systems.

As Federal Minister:

• • Led post-flood recovery plans for agricultural communities.

• • Issued loans, subsidies, and modern farm tools to struggling farmers.

• • Drafted and implemented policies for sustainable agriculture.

• • Strengthened food security and wheat reserve systems.

Ongoing Influence:

Instrumental in securing funding for Mandi Bahauddin development schemes.

In 2025, over PKR 2.14 billion worth of projects were announced in the district, including roads, technical colleges, and health facilities.

Nazar Muhammad Gondal’s political strength is reinforced by his family:

His brother, Major (Retd.) Zulfiqar Gondal, served as an MPA from PPP between 2008 and 2013.

Another brother, Zafar Iqbal Gondal, served as Chairman of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).

The Gondal family has maintained deep political roots in the Malakwal, Gojra, and other areas of Mandi Bahauddin and has remained a pivotal electoral force.

Served as Chairman of the Pakistan Badminton Federation.

Active in local community welfare and educational support programs.

Known for mentoring young politicians and supporting sports in rural Punjab.

Nazar Muhammad Gondal’s career spans over three decades of public service. His contributions to agricultural reform, disaster relief, and constituency development have left a lasting impact. A dynamic leader, he has demonstrated political flexibility while maintaining a core focus on serving the people of Punjab, particularly rural and agrarian communities.

He remains one of Mandi Bahauddin’s most prominent political figures, respected for both his administrative acumen and his principled stances during political upheavals.

“Nazir Gondal parts ways with PPP, joins PTI,” Dawn, June 6, 2017.

“Nazim of Mandi Bahauddin restored,” Dawn, October 17, 2003.

“Govt plans to revive farming sector,” The Express Tribune, August 6, 2010.

“Development Projects in Mandi Bahauddin,” mbdinnews.com, April 2025.

“EOBI land scam: NAB widens probe,” The Express Tribune, 2013.

• http://www.pakistanherald.com/Profile/Nazar-Muhammad-Gondal-211