Amir Liaquat Hussain was a name that everyone in Pakistan knew, whether for his charismatic presence on television or the countless controversies that surrounded him. From being a popular TV host to a politician, his career was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. But who was the man behind the headlines, and what really defined his journey? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the highs and lows of Amir Liaquat’s career, exploring the factors that made him both loved and criticized.
Amir Liaqat Early Life And Family Background
Amir Liaquat Hussain was born on 5th July 1971 in Karachi, Pakistan, into a respectable and powerful family. Sheikh Liaquat Hussain, his father worked in the National Assembly as a renowned politician. However, his mother Mahmooda Sultana was also a real social worker and a good-natured woman.
Born in Karachi, Amir went to school in his hometown but later went on to pursue his studies further. He has the degree of B.A from the University of Karachi and received his Master’s degree in Islamic Studies.
His career began in the world of media, where he quickly made a name for himself. His entry into the media industry was marked by his work as a news anchor on a local television channel. Hosting religious shows during the holy month of Ramadan, Amir Liaquat soon became a household name.
His career started in the media industry and he became prominent soon after he joined the sector. His first job in the media was as a news anchor on a local television channel. As a religious scholar, Amir Liaquat initially introduced himself to Pakistani people through hosting religious shows during the holy month of Ramadan.
Professional Career Of Amir Liaqat
Prior to being in the limelight, Amir Liaquat Hussain started working with the media industry in early 2000. He first worked as a radio broadcaster on FM101 before moving to television where he was most successful. His big hit was the “Aalim Online” show on Geo TV which brought him immense success because of the program format where both Sunni and Shiite clerics were invited to debate. The show was aired at a time when there was a high sectarian conflict in Pakistan and that makes it rather pertinent and highly effective.
His success was not only limited to religious channels but he was also involved in Ramadan transmission, where the show was related to religious preaching with fun facts and charity events. These shows were a very popular social phenomenon, millions of Pakistani people used to watch these shows. Most memorably, his shows such as “Inaam Ghar” were particularly famous for giving out elaborate prizes and enthusiastic member involvement, which help earned him the honor of “Tol television host.”
As previously mentioned, Amir Liaquat transitioned into politics was initiated in 2002 when Amir Liaquat became a member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). His political career took off when he was elected to the National Assembly and served as the Minister of State for Religious Affairs from 2004 to 2007 under Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. In this role, Amir was known for advocating against suicide bombings and promoting religious harmony, although his tenure was also marked by controversies related to his statements and actions.
After experiencing a politically rugged time and having resigned from MQM, Amir Liaquat joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2018 and was successfully re-elected to the National Assembly. His time with PTI was marked by dramatic shifts in loyalty and public criticisms of the party.
Additionally, he also served in charitable organizations, especially when he established the Memhooda Sultana Foundation. This foundation’s name was taken from his mother, and its primary purpose was to offer medical and social care to disadvantaged groups.
The famous scholar’s transmissions became popular during Ramadan when people tuned into his shows more often. These programs were especially popular because of his talent for blending education, especially religious messages, with entertainment. However, there were some controversies during his career; his major broadcasts included giving away abandoned babies on live television as well as making inflammatory comments directed at religious minority groups. Nevertheless, Amir Liaquat continued to have a massive audience and his name turned into an icon of popularity in Pakistan.
Scandals And Controversies He Faced In His Life
The career of the late Pakistani scholar was riddled with controversies that often overshadowed his achievements. One of the most significant and controversial incidents occurred in 2008 during his show Khatmay Nabuwat, where guest scholars declared that members of the Ahmadiyya community were “deserving of death.” Tragically, within two days of this broadcast, two prominent members of the Ahmadi community were murdered, sparking a nationwide outcry. This incident led to widespread criticism of Amir Liaquat, accusing him of inciting violence through his platform.
One of the biggest scandals emerged in 2011 when a number of videos of his performances behind the scenes were leaked to the public, which depicted him using obscene language and telling vulgar jokes with religious leaders during the intermissions. It made mangamy people even question his credibility as a religious scholar and his intentions and character were in doubt.
He also came under scrutiny due to his participation in political and religious programs. His tendency to make inflammatory statements, including accusations of blasphemy and treason against political opponents and activists, further polarized public opinion. His show on BOL TV named AISAY NAHI CHALAY GA was shut down by PEMRA, Pakistan’s media Regulatory authority for inciting hate speech and spreading sectarianism.
One of the major controversies in his later years was his marriage, specifically his third marriage to a young woman. The relationship, which ended within three months, became a media spectacle, with both parties accusing each other of various wrongdoings. The public fallout from this marriage, including leaked private videos, led to intense criticism and further damaged his reputation.
Despite being a controversial person, he received numerous accolades and recognition for his work in media and politics. He was named among the “500 Most Influential Muslims” by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan from 2013 to 2015.
In 2016 plans were made for Amir Liaquat Hussain to enter Pakistani cinema and aimed at debuting in a film by Syed Noor and starring Saima Noor. In April 2019, he revealed that he would be playing Burhan Wani in the film on the Kashmir issue by Ayub Khoso. Also, he started hosting the Express TV game show “Jeeway Pakistan” in April 2020.
Amir Liaqat Hussain Spouse And Controversial Personal Life
Amir Liaqat achieved a higher level of popularity in his professional career but in his personal life, the circumstances were not very different, he has been married three times and all his marriages were surrounded by controversies in Pakistan. In his early life, TV host first time married a well-known woman named Syeda Bushra Iqbal. They had been married for several years and they had two kids; a boy named Ahmed and a girl called Dua. But, unfortunately, they got divorced and she later disclosed that the divorce was bitter to the core.
His second marriage to Syeda Tuba Anwar, a media personality, also attracted lots of attention. They got married in 2018 and this marriage attracted a lot of attention because Amir announced it while still in marriage with Bushra Iqbal thus receiving a lot of backlash. However, the marriage was short-lived and the couple separated in 2021 when Tuba filed for a divorce, citing personal reasons and irreconcilable differences.
The most scandalous though was Amiir Liaqat 3rd wife, Dania Shah. The couple tied the knot on February 2022. Dania, much younger than Amir, said she was in love with him and soon they got married but their union was an object of discussion by people. After three months of the relationship, Dania and Amir broke up; she accused him of being abusive and a drug addict. This particular scandal involved leaked videos, split, and accusations from both parties which made it one of the hottest issues and scandals involving celebrities in Pakistan.
Amir Liaqat Death And Cause Of Death
Unfortunately, on June 8, 2022, reports announced that Amir Liaquat Hussain fell ill in the evening. His domestic staff reported to the police that he refused to go to a doctor even when they insisted that he should. His condition further deteriorated at night and early the following morning of June 9, 2014, his health was equally compromised. Feeling that he was definitely into bigger trouble, his staff had to call an ambulance and he was taken to Aga Khan University Hospital. However, by the time he got there, doctors declared him dead. Amir Liaqat age, at the time of his death, was 50. Namaz-e-Janaza was offered on Friday, June 10, 2022, by Amir Liaqat son Ahmed Aamir.
The detailed cause of Amir Liaquat’s death can neither be clearly stated nor is practicable and its surrounding circumstances are still questionable. There were early signs that he may have had a heart attack but other possibilities included suffocation due to exposure to toxic fumes from the generator as it had been running for several hours in his home because of a power blackout.
The police later opened a case in respect of his death, the matter however took an unpleasant turn when the family of the deceased did not wish an autopsy to be conducted thus causing a lot of furore. Some have argued that the pressure associated with his shinning and scandalous personal life might have been the reason for his early demise. However, rumors that she had plans to commit suicide were made, but there was no substantial proof that could be provided to support this allegation.
Amir Liaquat’s sudden death caused deep sorrow among people with many further discussions regarding the excessive pressure he had in both his personal and career life. Sadly, he died before he could answer those questions, which adds to the confusion and the seeming misery of his life.
Amir Liaqat Net Worth At The Time Of Death
At the time of his death in June 2022, Amir Liaquat Hussain’s net worth was estimated to be around PKR 25 Crores (approximately USD 1.5 million). His wealth was accumulated through a multifaceted career that included television hosting, political involvement, and various business ventures. He was one of Pakistan’s most prominent television personalities and had also served as a Member of the National Assembly. His financial portfolio included properties, bank balances, vehicles, and other valuable assets, which were later inherited by his children.
