Lord Sheikh was born in Kenya and brought up in Uganda. His family originated from Punjab.

Lord Sheikh has been honoured by the presentation of several personal awards which have been given to him for his achievements, leadership, business and community work.

He has also been awarded an honorary doctorate for Humanitarian work which he undertakes. Lord Sheikh has been added to the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List which recognises 200 government leaders of Indian heritage in 15 countries around the world.   

He has founded and funds a registered charity named after his august father.  He is a patron of the charity, Orphans in Need, and also supports other charities.

Lord Sheikh was elevated to the House of Lords in 2006.  He is an active Peer and speaks regularly in the House of Lords on a variety of subjects.  He has travelled extensively overseas and visited a number of countries and at present works towards expanding trade between the United Kingdom and overseas countries.

He is a Patron of several Muslim and non-Muslim organisations and is actively involved in strengthening relationships between various racial and religious groups. His Coat of Arms signifies the value of education and gives a message that Islam is a religion of peace.

He is the Chairman of companies relating to Property and other businesses. He used to be the Chairman and Chief Executive of an Insurance organisation which was awarded 12 major awards over a period of three years and this has not been achieved by any other organisation.

Lord Sheikh is also a writer. His first book on the Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very well received, and his second, An Indian in the House, is on the first four Indians who were members of British Parliament. He has nearly completed his third which is a historical novel.

He has been a visiting lecturer at Universities and acts as an advisor to a British University. He promotes educational and cultural ties between the UK and other countries.

He founded the Conservative Muslim Forum and chaired it for several years. He is now President of the Forum.

He has founded and Co-Chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Islamic and Ethical Finance in British Parliament. It is a robust body and receives support from British Parliamentarians from all the political parties. He is actively involved in promoting Islamic and Ethical finance in UK and in overseas countries.

He is co-chair of the APPG on Turkey and the Prevention of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity. He is also a vice-chair of the APPGs on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

He has been described as a businessman, academic, philanthropist and writer.