Rashid Godil: A profile

Abdul Rashid Godil is a senior member of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) karachi’s largest stakeholder and political party. Godil was nominated by MQM to contest the seat from Karachi’s NA-252 constituency.In the 2013 general election, Mr Godil won this seat by getting over 91,000 votes, and his closest rival was the PTI’s Syed Ali Haider Zaidi who managed to get over 49,000 votes.

Mr Godil is a successful and popular candidate from his constituency, since he has managed to secure the seat for MQM twice, consecutively. The constituency covers Khudadad Colony, Hyderabad Colony, PECHS Blocks 2 and 3, PIB Colony, Jamshed Quarters, Jehangir Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, Esa Nagri, parts of Gulshan-i-Iqbal Block 14, Aga Khan Hospital, Dhoraji, Mohammad Ali Society, Pakistan Quarters, Garden East, Patel Para, Parsi Colony, etc.

Rashid Godil won the NA-252 constituency by raking in a whopping 91,339 votes, beating out PTI’s Syed Ali Haider Zaidi comfortably, who managed to secure 49,622 votes. According to the official website of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Mr.Godil took oath as Member of National Assembly on 1st June 2013.

Rashid Godil is regarded as one of the most trusted aides of MQM chief Altaf Hussain and is also considered as an integral member of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM). He is frequently seen on talk shows defending MQM’s point of view and arguing with precision and articulation.

According to the website of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Mr Godil’s permanent home is a flat in an apartment building in Karachi’s Bahadurabad area.

 

Mr.Rashid Godil was shot in Karachi on 18th August 2015, whilst he was in a vehicle with his wife and son. Mr.Godil’s wife and son escaped any injury, though armed assailants on a motorbike had successfully attacked him, firing 8 rounds at him. Rashid Godil was hit by 5-6 bullets in his jaw, head and chest. His driver was unable to sustain the injuries and died as a result.

Mr. Rashid Godil is currently being operated on at Liaquat National Hospital, where he is said to be in a critical condition. Following his shooting, condemnations from prominent politicians, journalists and colleagues started pouring in as well as the whole nation.

Also read: Prayers for critically injured Rashid Godil on Twitter