Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi: Biography, Age, Wealth, Political Career, and Legacy
Nazir Ahmad Khan, commonly known as Nazir Gurezi, was born on 31 December 1966 in the scenic village of Badwan in Gurez, Bandipora, located in the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir (now a union territory). Nazir was born to Hamidullah Khan, and he completed his early schooling at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Gurez. Later, he attended the Government Degree College in Sopore, from where he graduated before embarking on his political journey.
| Full Name | Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 31 December 1966 |
| Age as in 2024 | 57 years old |
| Place of Birth | Badwan, Gurez, Bandipora, J&K |
| Political Party | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference |
| Father’s Name | Hamidullah Khan |
| Category | Politicians |
| Nazir Gurezi Affidavit | Download PDF |
| Education | Graduate, Government Degree College, Sopore |
Entry into Politics
Nazir Gurezi’s political career began in the early 1990s when he joined the Janata Dal and held the post of Secretary General for the party in Jammu and Kashmir. In 1996, he contested the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, followed by the 1999 parliamentary elections, but he was unsuccessful in both attempts. Despite these early setbacks, Gurezi’s resolve to serve his constituency and contribute to the development of the Gurez region remained undeterred.
In 2002, Nazir Ahmad Khan switched allegiance to the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) party, one of the most prominent political parties in the state. Representing the NC, he contested from the Gurez Assembly constituency and won, marking the beginning of his longstanding association with the constituency.
Political Career and Elections
Nazir Gurezi has had a remarkable political career spanning several decades, during which he won the Gurez Assembly seat a total of four times:
Political Career Timeline
| Year | Position | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Assembly Election Candidate | Contested but lost in Gurez |
| 1999 | Parliamentary Election Candidate | Contested but lost |
| 2002 | MLA from Gurez | Elected as MLA from Gurez on NC ticket |
| 2008 | MLA from Gurez | Re-elected, defeated Faqir Mohammad Khan by 732 votes |
| 2009-2014 | Minister for Animal & Sheep Husbandry | Held ministerial position under Omar Abdullah |
| 2014 | MLA from Gurez | Re-elected as MLA |
| 2015-2018 | Deputy Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly | Elected Deputy Speaker |
| 2024 | MLA from Gurez | Elected for the fourth time |
Key Positions Held
| Position | Department/Assembly | Term Duration | Governor | Chief Minister |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLA from Gurez | Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly | 2002-2008 | Srinivas Kumar Sinha | Mufti Mohammad Sayeed |
| MLA from Gurez | Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly | 2008-2014 | Narinder Nath Vohra | Omar Abdullah |
| Minister for Animal & Sheep Husbandry | Jammu and Kashmir Government | 2009-2014 | Narinder Nath Vohra | Omar Abdullah |
| MLA from Gurez | Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly | 2014-2018 | Narinder Nath Vohra | Omar Abdullah |
| Deputy Speaker | Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly | 2015-2018 | Narinder Nath Vohra | Omar Abdullah |
Ministerial and Legislative Roles
Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi is well-known not only as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) but also for the prominent roles he held in the Jammu and Kashmir government.
- Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry (2009-2014): During this period, Gurezi served as the Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, becoming the first and only minister from Gurez to hold such a position in the state’s council of ministers. In this role, he was instrumental in initiating projects that aimed to support the livelihoods of those involved in animal husbandry across Jammu and Kashmir.
- Deputy Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (2015-2018): Gurezi was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, a significant responsibility that allowed him to play a key role in the legislative process. He held this office until the dissolution of the Assembly in 2018.
Challenges and Detention
Nazir Gurezi’s political journey has not been without challenges. Following the Indian government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution on 5 August 2019, which ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Gurezi was placed under preventive detention under Section 107 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). This preventive detention was part of a wider effort by the government to maintain law and order in the region during a highly sensitive period. Gurezi was released after 104 days in detention, following which he resumed his role as a key figure within the National Conference and an advocate for the rights of the people of Gurez.
Personal Life
Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi is known to maintain a close connection with his native Gurez valley and the people he represents. As a respected figure within his community, Gurezi has a reputation for dedication and resilience, consistently advocating for the development and progress of his constituency despite political and personal obstacles.
Legacy and Impact
Gurezi’s long tenure in politics, particularly as an elected representative of the Gurez constituency, is a testament to his sustained commitment to the people of the region. His work in the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department stands out as a significant contribution to the livelihoods of many in the state. His tenure as Deputy Speaker further highlighted his leadership capabilities and his willingness to work within the legislative framework to bring about change.
Throughout his career, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi has shown an unwavering dedication to the welfare of his constituents and the broader region of Jammu and Kashmir. His contributions to the Gurez valley, his political resilience, and his advocacy for local issues continue to inspire many in the union territory.
Major Life Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 31 December 1966 | Born in Badwan, Gurez, Bandipora, J&K |
| 1996 | Contested the Gurez Assembly elections |
| 1999 | Contested parliamentary elections |
| 2002 | Won Gurez Assembly seat as NC candidate |
| 2009-2014 | Served as Minister for Animal & Sheep Husbandry |
| 2015-2018 | Elected Deputy Speaker of J&K Legislative Assembly |
| 5 August 2019 | Detained under Section 107 of the CrPC before Article 370 abrogation |
| 2024 | Re-elected as MLA from Gurez |
