Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan (Urdu: سردار محمد یعقوب خان) is an Azad Kashmiri businessman and politician. He served as the President of Azad Kashmir from 25 August 2011 to 25 August 2016. He also served as the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir from 7 January 2009 to 22 October 2009. Beside politics, Khan is also serving as the Chairman of YK Group of Companies.[1]
Early life
Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan was born in 1953 in the village of Ali Sojal, Rawalakot Tehsil, Azad Kashmir. He belongs to a prominent Sudhan family and is the brother of Late Haji Muhammad Zaman Khan, former MLA and a well-known figure in Azad Kashmir's political and social circles.
Khan received his graduation degree education from Karachi University. He began his political career in Karachi with the Punjabi Pakhtoon Ittehad, an ethnic political party that aimed to promote unity among the Punjabi and Pashtun communities. Later, he joined the Tahreek-e-Amil, an Azad Kashmiri political party, and rose through the ranks to become its senior vice president. Additionally, he was affiliated with the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference,[2] a prominent political party in the region.
Political career
Muhammad Yaqoob Khan has had a distinguished political career, serving as a Member of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly on four occasions. During his tenure, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Health, Population Welfare & Hydro Electric Board, and Housing & Planning. Currently, he represents LA 20 as a MLA and political affiliated with Pakistan People's Party.
Sardar Yaqoob Khan Addressing a Convention in AJKSardar Yaqoob Khan Meeting with President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on 12th May 2024Sardar Yaqoob Khan with President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on 12th May 2024
Business
Khan founded Kashmir Overseas Employment Services (KOES) in 1976 to facilitate the employment of Pakistani workers in the Middle East and other regions. With over 40 years of experience working with global business enterprises, he has been a pioneer in the overseas employment business in Pakistan.
Real Estate Development
Khan founded Brother Construction Y-K (Pvt) Ltd., which has developed two successful housing societies:
Al Madina City: Adjacent to Sectors C-18 and C-19 of Islamabad.
Al Makkah City: Adjacent to Gulberg Green and OPF Islamabad.
Manufacturing
Kashmir Polypropylene (Pvt) Ltd (KPPL) is a leading enterprise established by Khan, engaged in the production of packing materials and Polypropylene Manufacturing.
Hospitality
Khan has also invested in the hospitality sector, founding two hotels in Rawalpindi:
Al Jabbal Hotel
Rex Hotel
In 2007, Khan consolidated his various business ventures under the umbrella of YK Group.
