Mustafa Kamal – a profile

Once the mayor of Pakistan’s restive port city Karachi, Mustafa Kamal’s return and the important press conference set to take place today has created ripples in the political set up.

Kamal was born on December 27, 1971 in Karachi. He received an MBA from a British university.

In 2003, he rose from the party ranks to become the Information Technology Minister. After two years of serving the ministry, he was elected as the mayor of Karachi.

It was then that he became a household name. Kamal is remembered for changing the face of Karachi through development projects; improving its road network drastically and initiating the ‘I Own Karachi’ campaign where citizens were encouraged to take responsibility of their city.

In 2010, he was shortlisted for the ‘best mayors of the world’ by The City Mayors Foundation.

After stepping down as mayor, he served as a member of the party’s Raabta Committee.

In March 2012, he became a member of the Senate.

Just as his popularity chart was at its peak, he suddenly disappeared from the local political scene in 2013 sparking rumours that he had developed differences with the party leadership.

Kamal has been residing and working as a consultant in Dubai, before his sudden return to Pakistan today.