Wajid Shamsul Hasan is a journalist and a diplomat who is currently serving as Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He was appointed to that post in June 2008 replacing Maleeha Lodhi.
Career as a journalist
Hasan completed his Masters in International Affairs in 1962, followed by a LLB degree. After completing his education, he joined Pakistan's biggest newspaper chain, Jang Group of Newspapers. He then became the editor of its daily English evening newspaper, Daily News in early 1969. He also edited Jang Group's weekly magazine, The Weekly Mag from Karachi.
Earlier, in 1968, he did an extensive course for senior journalists in the United Kingdom after he was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Press Union Scholarship. In early 1989 he left Daily News to become the Chairman of National Press Trust (NPT), largest conglomerate of more than 14 newspapers, magazines in Pakistan, both in English and Urdu languages, published from four provinces including capital city of Islamabad. After completing a three-year tenure, he became a private media consultant, helping various group of publications in their new media ventures.
Hasan was also the part of the Presidential entourage at the crucial Simla Peace Summit with India in 1972. In February 1976, Hasan had accompanied Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his official tour to Canada and the United States as part of his media team. In 1991, he accompanied Benazir Bhutto to Vancouver on her lecture tour to the United States.
Diplomatic and governmental career
Before being appointed the ambassador, Hasan served the former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto as an Advisor. In early 1994 the Government of Pakistan appointed Wajid Shamsul Hasan as Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He stayed there for more than two years before relinquishing this post in November 1996 after Benazir Bhutto's government was dismissed. Hasan then returned to his own publishing and media consultancy business besides remaining as the key advisor to Ms Benazir Bhutto.
In June 2008, Government of Pakistan reappointed him as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom replacing Maleeha Lodhi.HE was also conserded ms Benzirs bhttos close advisor and is her chilren guardan in England . MR HASAN s FATHER WAS ALSO A CLOSE Asscote of quad a AZAM Mummad Ali Jinnah. mr Hasan is tipped to be givern Knighthood for his serves for good relation between England and Pakistan.It is alleged that Mr Hasan has became a weatly man after closeness to Ms Bhutto but this is not been provenso far , even through Mr Hasan has alot of respect in internatioanl Media specially Sky news and BBC.
Political commentator and views
Mr Hasan is a prolific writer and a sought after commentator on South Asia and world affairs including Middle East. He is invited by BBC TV channels, BBC radio, Sky, CNN, Zee TV, Middle Eastern TV channels, Ptv Prime, Ary Digital and other electronic and print media to share his views on the developing issues related to South Asia and Middle East. Presently he is working on a number of books based on his experiences as a journalist and a diplomat.
In the context of Pakistan's domestic politics, Mr Hasan is respected for his secular and liberal views and commitment to the cause of democracy and empowerment of the people especially women and minorities. He has suffered at the hands of various administrations for his independent views. He is opposed to religious extremism and bigotry.
Mr Hasan is married and has a grown up son.AND is married to Hina rabbani khars MINTER ,younger sister and daugther of Norr Rabbani Khar Former minister in Nawaz shrifs cabint.It is said that Mr Hasan helped MS Hina RABBANI IN GETTING PPP MNA TICKET FROM MULTAN AFTER SHE LEFT PML Q .
