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Nawaz Sharif

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Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is a prominent Pakistani politician and businessman.

He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving prime minister in Pakistan's history. Sharif served three non-consecutive terms as the nation's leader. His first term lasted from 1990 to 1993. His second term spanned from 1997 to 1999. His third term occurred from 2013 to 2017. In total, he served for more than nine years. However, each of his three tenures ended with him being ousted from office.

Sharif was born on 25 December 1949, in Lahore, Punjab. His family is composed of Punjabi-speaking Kashmiris.

Government College University, Lahore2
Government College University, Lahore2

His father, Muhammad Sharif, was a successful industrialist and businessman. The family owns several large companies. These include the Ittefaq Group, a steel conglomerate, and the Sharif Group. The Sharif Group manages holdings in agriculture, transport, and sugar mills. Nawaz studied business at Government College University. He later earned a law degree from the Law College of Punjab University. He also had an interest in cricket during his youth.

His entry into politics was driven by economic challenges. During the late 1970s, nationalization policies affected his family's steel business. These policies were implemented by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This experience motivated Sharif to seek political power to restore control over his family's industries. In 1981, he was appointed the finance minister for the province of Punjab. He later became the chief minister of Punjab in 1985. He was re-elected to this position in 1988. Because of his popularity, he earned the nickname "Lion of the Punjab."

As chief minister, Sharif focused on development and law and order.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing huge gathering in Sangla Hill, Pakistan
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing huge gathering in Sangla Hill, Pakistan

He expanded economic infrastructure to benefit both the people and the military. He also built strong alliances with senior military leaders. These included General Rahimuddin Khan and Lieutenant-General Hamid Gul. In 1988, Sharif helped lead the Islami Jamhuri Ittihad, a coalition of conservative parties. This group opposed the Pakistan Peoples Party in elections. The coalition helped him secure a majority in Punjab. This success paved the way for his rise to national leadership.

Sharif became the 12th prime minister of Pakistan on 6 November 1990.

Nawaz Sharif and Vladimir Putin, Ufa
Nawaz Sharif and Vladimir Putin, Ufa

His election was marked by significant controversy. Historians and officials noted that his victory involved the support of military officials. This included Generals Aslam Beg, Hamid Gul, and Asad Durrani. Some reports suggest that funds were used to secure the loyalty of politicians. In 1999, his second term ended abruptly. A military takeover led by General Pervez Musharraf removed him from power. Following this coup, Sharif was imprisoned and faced legal trials.

Sharif's later years were defined by exile and legal battles.

Nawazshariflondon (cropped)
Nawazshariflondon (cropped)

After a deal brokered by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, he lived abroad for ten years. He returned to politics in 2011 and led his party, the PML-N, to victory in 2013. However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan removed him from office in 2017. This decision followed the Panama Papers case. In 2018, the court disqualified him from holding public office. He also received a ten-year prison sentence from an accountability court. He traveled to London for medical treatment in 2019 while on bail.

In recent years, Sharif has returned to his home country.

Nawaz-Sharif-Long-March-on-Ferozpur-Road-lahore-on-March-15-2009
Nawaz-Sharif-Long-March-on-Ferozpur-Road-lahore-on-March-15-2009

He returned to Pakistan in 2023 after four years of exile. Following his return, the Islamabad High Court acquitted him in several legal cases. These included the Avenfield and Al-Azizia Steel Mills cases. On 29 February 2024, he became a member of the National Assembly. His recent election victory in the NA-130 constituency has faced questions. Some investigations suggested that vote counts and official documents were manipulated. Despite these challenges, he continues to be a major figure in Pakistani society.

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🖼️ Images & Media (21)
File:Government College University, Lahore2.jpg
Government College University, Lahore2.jpg
File:Death anniversary of Fazil Rahoo.jpg
Death anniversary of Fazil Rahoo.jpg
File:Pakistan gdp growth rate.svg
Pakistan gdp growth rate.svg
File:Sharif meets Cohen in 1998.jpg
Sharif meets Cohen in 1998.jpg
File:Nawaz Sharif with William Cohen, 981203-D-9880W-117.jpg
Nawaz Sharif with William Cohen,...
File:Nawaz-Sharif-Long-March-on-Ferozpur-Road-lahore-on-March-15-2009.jpg
Nawaz-Sharif-Long-March-on-Ferozpur-Road-l...
File:Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing huge gathering in Sangla Hill, Pakistan.jpg
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing...
Pakistanprotests2014.webm
File:Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is discussing further extension of Sangla hill interchange with his federal Minister Ch. Berjees Tahir.jpg
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is discussing...
File:Secretary Kerry Addresses Afghanistan President Ghani and Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif During Trilateral Meeting With Vice President Biden on Sidelines of World Economic Forum in Switzerland (23890500733).jpg
Secretary Kerry Addresses Afghanistan...
File:ChinaPakistanEconomicCorridor.png
ChinaPakistanEconomicCorridor.png
File:Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan.svg
Federally Administered Tribal Areas in...

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