Early Life and Background

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is a prominent Pakistani politician and businessman who has served as Prime Minister of Pakistan three times, making him one of the most influeures in the country’s history. He was born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, Punjab, into a wealthy business family that owned tntial political fighe Ittefaq Group of Industries. His father, Mian Muhammad Sharif, was a respected industrialist, and Nawaz grew up in an environment of economic prosperity and conservative values.

Nawaz Sharif completed his early education at Saint Anthony’s High School and later earned a degree in business and law from Government College and the University of the Punjab, Lahore.

Entry into Politics

Sharif entered politics in the late 1970s under the patronage of General Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime. He was appointed as the Finance Minister of Punjab in 1981 and then served as Chief Minister of Punjab from 1985 to 1990. During his time in Punjab, he gained popularity for launching infrastructure projects and promoting private enterprise.

First Term as Prime Minister (1990–1993)

Nawaz Sharif first became Prime Minister in 1990 as the head of the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), a coalition supported by the military establishment. His first term focused on economic liberalization, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and infrastructure development. However, tensions with the then-President Ghulam Ishaq Khan and the military led to his resignation in 1993 after a power struggle.

Second Term (1997–1999) and Ouster

In 1997, Sharif returned to power with a landslide victory. He sought to centralize authority, limit the power of the judiciary, and pass constitutional amendments to strengthen his position. However, his tenure was marked by increasing authoritarianism. The turning point came in 1999 when he attempted to dismiss Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf. In response, the military staged a coup and overthrew Sharif’s government. He was arrested, tried for hijacking and terrorism, and later exiled to Saudi Arabia in 2000.

Return and Third Term (2013–2017)

Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan in 2007 and led the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to a strong showing in the 2008 elections. In 2013, he became Prime Minister for a third time. During this term, his government focused on major infrastructure projects, including highways, power plants, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also sought to improve relations with neighboring countries and address the energy crisis.

However, his third term was cut short by the Panama Papers leak in 2016, which revealed offshore assets linked to his family. In 2017, the Supreme Court disqualified him from office over corruption charges. He was later convicted and imprisoned, although he has maintained that the cases were politically motivated.

Legacy

Nawaz Sharif remains a central figure in Pakistani politics. Supporters view him as a champion of economic development and civilian supremacy, while critics accuse him of corruption and undermining institutions. Despite his legal troubles, he continues to lead the PML-N and influence national politics. His political journey reflects the broader struggle between democratic institutions and military influence in Pakistan.