Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan embarked on his political journey during his early youth, driven by a vision for change and an unwavering commitment to public service. His political career took root at Dow Medical College, Karachi, where he emerged as a student leader of APMSO and headed the Medical Aid Committee of the patient welfare committee. In 1990, he was elected as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from PS-81 (North Nazimabad) and joined the Jam Sadiq Cabinet as the Minister of Housing and Town Planning in the Government of Sindh. His portfolio later expanded to include the Environment and Public Health Engineering Department. Notably, he became the youngest minister in the Sindh Provincial Cabinet and played a pivotal role in infrastructure development, including the construction of Pakistan’s first-ever flyover.

In 2002, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan was appointed as the Convenor of MQM to prepare for the general elections. Following the elections, he was nominated as the Governor of Sindh and assumed office on December 27, 2002. He made history as Pakistan’s youngest governor and went on to become the longest-serving governor of any province in the country, holding the position for 14 years. His tenure was marked by his ability to work harmoniously with three national governments, three presidents, seven prime ministers, and multiple chief ministers, fostering stability and securing strategic and financial support for Sindh’s development.

Known for his diplomatic acumen and governance expertise, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan played a crucial role in maintaining interfaith harmony and political stability in Sindh. His commitment to social welfare and inclusive governance earned him the respect of political, religious, and business communities alike. His efforts in conflict resolution helped bridge gaps between historically opposing factions, leading to a more collaborative political environment in Karachi.
A defining moment of his tenure was his instrumental role in the Karachi Operation, launched in September 2013 to combat terrorism, militancy, and organized crime. Under his leadership, an information collection and collation system was developed to dismantle criminal networks and their financial backers. His strategic planning and direct involvement ensured that the operation remained impartial and solely focused on restoring law and order. As a result, crime rates in Karachi witnessed a significant decline, and the city regained economic momentum.

Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan also played a key role in shaping the National Action Plan, working closely with national security institutions, armed forces, and intelligence agencies. His insights and recommendations contributed to policy decisions that enhanced Pakistan’s internal security framework. His diplomatic engagements with foreign delegations further strengthened Pakistan’s global image, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to peace and progress.

Beyond his administrative and political contributions, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan is known for his humility, problem-solving approach, and people-centric policies. His ability to engage with diverse communities and understand ground realities allowed him to implement preemptive strategies for social and political challenges. He is widely recognized as a leader who worked tirelessly to bridge gaps, foster unity, and drive meaningful progress in Sindh.

A man of diverse talents, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan has excelled beyond politics and governance. During his college years, he was an exceptional student at Dow Medical College and actively participated in extracurricular activities, including music, sports, and declamation contests. His passion for cricket and music continued even during his governorship, showcasing his multifaceted personality.

Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan’s legacy is defined by his resilience, visionary leadership, and steadfast dedication to the people of Sindh. His impact on governance, security, and social harmony remains a testament to his remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s political landscape.