Nawaz Sharif

All about Nawaz Sharif, the three-time Prime Minister of Pakistan, with Nawaz Sharif news, latest updates, wiki, biography & other information updated and tracked continually.

Nawaz Sharif, born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, Pakistan, served as Prime Minister three times (1990-1993, 1997-1999, 2013-2017). His political career is marked by major economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and the 1998 nuclear tests, which made Pakistan a declared nuclear state. However, his tenure faced controversies, including corruption allegations, leading to his disqualification in 2017. After facing legal challenges and imprisonment, he was released for medical treatment and remains a significant figure in Pakistan’s politics.

Nawaz Sharif Information

Nawaz Sharif Early Life and Education

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, Pakistan, into a prominent industrialist family. His father, Muhammad Sharif, was a wealthy businessman and founder of the Ittefaq Group, a leading business conglomerate in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif completed his early education at Saint Anthony High School in Lahore and later attended Government College University (GCU) Lahore, where he earned a degree in business. He then studied law at the University of the Punjab.

Nawaz Sharif Political Entry and Rise

Nawaz Sharif’s political career began in the late 1970s when he joined the Punjab provincial council. He was initially involved in local politics and gained prominence as a member of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML). His political ascent was strongly supported by General Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime, which saw him appointed as the Finance Minister of Punjab in 1981. His success in this role led to his appointment as the Chief Minister of Punjab in 1985, where he became known for his development projects and strong administration.

First Term as Prime Minister (1990-1993)

In 1990, Nawaz Sharif became the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the first time after the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), an alliance of conservative political parties led by the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), won the general elections. His first term was marked by efforts to privatize state-owned industries, strengthen the economy, and improve infrastructure. However, his government was dismissed in 1993 by then-President Ghulam Ishaq Khan amid tensions between the executive and legislative branches.

Second Term as Prime Minister (1997-1999)

Nawaz Sharif returned to power in 1997 with a sweeping majority in the general elections. His second term saw significant events, including the nuclear tests conducted in May 1998 in response to India’s tests, which made Pakistan a declared nuclear power. This decision, however, led to international sanctions, which had a severe impact on Pakistan’s economy. Sharif’s tenure was also marked by efforts to centralize power, leading to conflicts with other branches of government, particularly the judiciary and the military.

In 1999, Nawaz Sharif’s government was overthrown in a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf, whom Sharif had attempted to dismiss as Army Chief. Sharif was arrested, tried, and eventually exiled to Saudi Arabia under a deal brokered by Saudi officials, where he remained until 2007.

Return to Politics and Third Term as Prime Minister (2013-2017)

Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan in 2007 and resumed leadership of the PML-N. In the 2013 general elections, his party secured a majority, and he became Prime Minister for a third time. During this term, Sharif focused on economic development, launching infrastructure projects like motorways, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and energy sector reforms to combat Pakistan’s severe power shortages.

However, his third term was marred by allegations of corruption, particularly after the Panama Papers leak in 2016, which revealed offshore companies linked to his family. This led to a legal battle, and in July 2017, the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Nawaz Sharif from office due to corruption charges. He was subsequently sentenced to prison in 2018 but was later released on bail for medical treatment.

Nawaz Sharif Personal Life

Nawaz Sharif is married to Kulsoom Nawaz, who passed away in 2018. They have four children: Maryam Nawaz, who is active in politics, and three sons, Hassan, Hussain, and Asma. The Sharif family has been deeply involved in Pakistan’s political and business spheres for decades.

Nawaz Sharif Legacy and Influence

Nawaz Sharif’s legacy is a mix of significant economic and infrastructure achievements and controversies related to corruption and governance. Despite the legal challenges and political setbacks, he remains a key figure in Pakistani politics, with his party, PML-N, continuing to be a major force under the leadership of his daughter Maryam Nawaz and younger brother Shehbaz Sharif. His influence on Pakistan’s political landscape, particularly in shaping the country’s economic policies and infrastructure development, is undeniable.