Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, a towering figure in Pakistani politics, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history through his three non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister. Born into the illustrious Sharif family in Lahore on December 25, 1949, Nawaz Sharif rose from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest and most influential politicians in Pakistan. His journey from a businessman to a statesman has been marked by triumphs, setbacks, and controversies, shaping the political landscape of Pakistan for decades.
With a keen focus on economic development and infrastructure projects, Nawaz Sharif’s leadership has been instrumental in steering Pakistan towards progress and prosperity. However, his tenure has also been marred by legal challenges, confrontations with the military establishment, and allegations of corruption. Despite facing adversity, Nawaz Sharif remains a polarizing figure, revered by his supporters for his vision and vilified by his detractors for his alleged transgressions.
| Personal Details | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif |
| Date of Birth | December 25, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Age | 74 |
| Political Party | Pakistan Muslim League (N) (1999–present) |
| Other Political Affiliations | Pakistan Muslim League (1976-1999); Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (1988–1993) |
| Spouse | Kulsoom Nawaz (m. 1971; died 2018) |
| Children | 4 (including Maryam Nawaz) |
| Alma Mater | Govt. College University; University of the Punjab |
| Political Positions Held | |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister | 12th, 14th, and 20th Prime Minister of Pakistan |
| Chief Minister | 9th Chief Minister of Punjab |
| Leader of the Opposition | October 19, 1993 – November 5, 1996 |
| President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) | October 3, 2017 – February 21, 2018 |
| Provincial Minister of Punjab for Finance | 1981–1985 |
| Key Political Terms | In Office |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister | 5 June 2013 – 28 July 2017; 17 February 1997 – 12 October 1999; 6 November 1990 – 18 July 1993 |
| Leader of the Opposition | 19 October 1993 – 5 November 1996 |
| President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) | 3 October 2017 – 21 February 2018 |
| Chief Minister | 9 April 1985 – 13 August 1990 |
| Provincial Minister of Punjab for Finance | 1981–1985 |
| Other Details | |
|---|---|
| Relatives | See the Sharif family |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be at least Rs. 1.75 billion (as of 2021) |
| Origin of Wealth | Business in steel construction |
| Educational Background | Studied business at Government College University; Law at the University of Punjab |
Nawaz Sharif Elected as Prime Minister for the First Time in 1990
Nawaz Sharif’s Ouster in 1993 Leads to Opposition Leadership
Return to Power: Nawaz Sharif Becomes Prime Minister Again in 1997
Military Takeover: Nawaz Sharif Removed from Office in 1999
Exile and Return: Nawaz Sharif Re-enters Pakistani Politics in 2011
Third Term Victory: Nawaz Sharif Wins General Elections in 2013
Panama Papers Scandal: Supreme Court Removes Nawaz Sharif from Office in 2017
Disqualification and Legal Battles: Nawaz Sharif’s Political Career Faces Turmoil in 2018
Medical Exile: Nawaz Sharif Seeks Treatment Abroad in 2019
Legal Victory: Nawaz Sharif Acquitted in Avenfield Apartments Case in 2023
Conclusion
FAQs
Nawaz Sharif Elected as Prime Minister for the First Time in 1990
In 1990, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif clinched victory in the general elections, becoming the 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan. His ascent to power marked a significant milestone in Pakistani politics, as he led the conservative Islamic Democratic Alliance to victory. Sharif’s leadership promised economic reforms and stability, aiming to address the nation’s pressing issues.
During his first term, Sharif focused on privatization efforts and economic liberalization, aiming to stimulate growth and attract foreign investment. His policies faced both praise and criticism, reflecting the complexity of governing a diverse and challenging nation like Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif's Ouster in 1993 Leads to Opposition Leadership
The political landscape shifted dramatically in 1993 when President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolved the National Assembly, leading to Nawaz Sharif’s ouster from the premiership. However, rather than fading into obscurity, Sharif emerged as a resilient force, assuming the mantle of opposition leadership against Benazir Bhutto’s government.
Sharif’s tenure as opposition leader showcased his political acumen and determination to uphold democratic principles. He rallied support, criticized government policies, and presented alternative visions for Pakistan’s future, solidifying his position as a formidable figure in Pakistani politics.
Return to Power: Nawaz Sharif Becomes Prime Minister Again in 1997
In a remarkable political comeback, Nawaz Sharif reclaimed the prime ministerial office in 1997 after his party, the Pakistan Muslim League (N), secured a decisive victory in the general elections. Sharif’s return to power signaled a renewed mandate from the Pakistani electorate, reflecting their confidence in his leadership and vision for the country.
During his second term, Sharif pursued ambitious development projects and infrastructure initiatives, aiming to modernize Pakistan’s economy and enhance its global competitiveness. His administration faced challenges, but Sharif’s resilience and determination remained unwavering.
Military Takeover: Nawaz Sharif Removed from Office in 1999
Nawaz Sharif’s second term as Prime Minister was cut short in 1999 when a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf toppled his government. The coup marked a tumultuous period in Pakistan’s political history, plunging the nation into uncertainty and instability.
Sharif’s ouster highlighted the persistent power struggles between civilian governments and the military establishment in Pakistan. Despite his efforts to consolidate power and implement reforms, Sharif’s confrontations with the military ultimately led to his downfall, underscoring the fragility of democratic institutions in the country.
Exile and Return: Nawaz Sharif Re-enters Pakistani Politics in 2011
After years of exile and political wilderness, Nawaz Sharif made a triumphant return to Pakistani politics in 2011, signaling his intent to reclaim his rightful place on the national stage. Sharif’s return energized his supporters and injected fresh momentum into the political landscape, setting the stage for his subsequent electoral victories.
Sharif’s comeback underscored his enduring popularity and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges, including legal battles and opposition scrutiny, Sharif remained steadfast in his commitment to serving the people of Pakistan and advancing the nation’s interests.
Third Term Victory: Nawaz Sharif Wins General Elections in 2013
In 2013, Nawaz Sharif secured a historic third term as Prime Minister of Pakistan after his party, the Pakistan Muslim League (N), emerged victorious in the general elections. Sharif’s electoral triumph reflected widespread public support for his policies and vision for a prosperous and progressive Pakistan.
During his third term, Sharif prioritized economic development, infrastructure projects, and energy reforms, aiming to address the country’s pressing challenges and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Despite facing criticism and opposition, Sharif remained steadfast in his pursuit of national development and prosperity.
Supreme Court Removes Nawaz Sharif from Office in 2017
Nawaz Sharif’s third term as Prime Minister was marred by controversy when his family’s financial dealings were exposed in the Panama Papers scandal. The revelations triggered a political firestorm, leading to widespread protests and calls for accountability.
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Sharif from holding public office in 2017, citing his failure to disclose assets and income. The ruling dealt a severe blow to Sharif’s political career and underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
Nawaz Sharif's Political Career Faces Turmoil in 2018
In the aftermath of his disqualification from office, Nawaz Sharif’s political career faced unprecedented challenges as he grappled with legal battles and judicial scrutiny. Sharif’s convictions in corruption cases further tarnished his reputation and cast a shadow over his legacy as a statesman.
Despite facing adversity, Sharif remained defiant and vowed to clear his name, rallying his supporters and seeking legal recourse to challenge the verdicts against him. The ongoing legal saga highlighted the complexities of Pakistan’s judicial system and the enduring tensions between political factions.
Nawaz Sharif Seeks Treatment Abroad in 2019
Amid mounting health concerns, Nawaz Sharif sought medical treatment abroad in 2019, underscoring the urgent need for specialized care unavailable in Pakistan. Sharif’s decision to seek treatment overseas sparked debate and controversy, fueling speculation about his intentions and future political aspirations.
Sharif’s medical exile raised questions about the adequacy of healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan and the accessibility of quality medical services for all citizens. It also reignited debates about the politicization of health issues and the implications for democratic governance in the country.
Nawaz Sharif Acquitted in Avenfield Apartments Case in 2023
In a significant legal development, Nawaz Sharif was acquitted of charges related to the Avenfield Apartments case in 2023, marking a major victory for the veteran politician and his supporters. The acquittal vindicated Sharif’s claims of innocence and underscored the flaws in the prosecution’s case against him.
The court’s decision to exonerate Sharif generated widespread debate and speculation, with supporters hailing it as a triumph of justice and detractors criticizing it as a miscarriage of legal proceedings. Nevertheless, the verdict provided a glimmer of hope for Sharif’s political future and reignited discussions about his potential comeback in Pakistani politics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legacy of Nawaz Sharif is a complex tapestry woven with both triumphs and tribulations. As the longest-serving Prime Minister of Pakistan, Sharif’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history, shaping its trajectory for decades to come. His unwavering commitment to economic development, infrastructure projects, and democratic principles has earned him both admiration and criticism.
However, Sharif’s tenure has also been mired in controversy, with allegations of corruption and confrontations with the military establishment casting a shadow over his legacy. Despite these challenges, Nawaz Sharif remains a formidable force in Pakistani politics, with a loyal base of supporters and a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape.
FAQs
Nawaz Sharif’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by several key achievements, including significant infrastructure development projects such as motorways and power plants, privatization initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth, and efforts to improve relations with neighboring countries.
Nawaz Sharif was removed from office in 2017 by the Supreme Court of Pakistan following revelations from the Panama Papers scandal. The court disqualified him from holding public office for failing to disclose his assets and income, leading to widespread protests and political upheaval.
Nawaz Sharif’s political career has been heavily impacted by legal challenges and convictions, including disqualifications from holding public office and convictions in corruption cases. These legal battles have tarnished his reputation and raised questions about his eligibility to hold public office in the future.
As of the latest updates, Nawaz Sharif is residing in London for medical treatment, following his release on bail. Despite his absence from Pakistan, he remains actively involved in Pakistani politics, rallying support for his party and challenging the legal rulings against him through legal and political channels.
