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{{Short description|Prime Minister of Pakistan since 2022}}
{{short description|Prime Minister of Pakistan (2022–2023; 2024–present)}}
 
{{Pakistani name|Shehbaz|Sharif}}
{{Pakistani name|Shehbaz|Sharif}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=November 2015}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=March 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name               = Shehbaz Sharif
| native_name = {{nobold|{{nq|شہباز شریف}}}}
| image               = CM Punjab Shehbaz Sharif (35771008313) (cropped).jpg
| native_name_lang = ur
| caption             = Shehbaz Sharif in 2017
| name = Shehbaz Sharif
| order              = [[List of prime ministers of Pakistan|23rd]]
| nickname =
| office              = Prime Minister of Pakistan
| image = Shehbaz Sharif in 2024.jpg
| president           = [[Arif Alvi]]
| caption = Sharif in 2024
| term_start         = 11 April 2022
| office =[[Prime Minister of Pakistan]]
| term_end           =  
| deputy = [[Ishaq Dar]]
| predecessor         = [[Imran Khan]]
| president = [[Arif Alvi]]<br/>[[Asif Ali Zardari]]
| successor          =  
| term_start = 4 March 2024
| office1            = [[Leader of the Opposition (Pakistan)|Leader of the Opposition]]
| term_end =  
| term_start1        = 20 August 2018
| predecessor = [[Anwaar ul Haq Kakar]] <small>([[Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan|Caretaker]])</small>
| term_end1          = 10 April 2022
| successor1 = [[Anwaar ul Haq Kakar]] <small>([[Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan|Caretaker]])</small>
| president1          = [[Mamnoon Hussain]]<br>[[Arif Alvi]]
| predecessor1 = [[Imran Khan]]
| predecessor1        = [[Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah|Khursid Ahmed Shah]]
| president1 = [[Arif Alvi]]
| successor1          = [[Raja Riaz Ahmad Khan]]
| term_start1 = 11 April 2022
| office2            = Member of the [[National Assembly of Pakistan]]
| term_end1 = 14 August 2023
| term_start2        = 13 August 2018
| office2 = [[Leader of the Opposition (Pakistan)|Leader of the Opposition]]
| predecessor2        =  
| primeminister2 = [[Imran Khan]]
| constituency2      = [[NA-132 (Lahore-X)]]
| term_start2 = 20 August 2018
| office3            = [[List of Chief Ministers of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]]
| term_end2 = 10 April 2022
| governor3          = [[Mohammad Sarwar (politician)|Mohammad Sarwar]]<br>[[Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana]]
| president2 = {{unbulleted list|[[Mamnoon Hussain]]|[[Arif Alvi]]}}
| term_start3        = 8 June 2013
| predecessor2 = [[Khurshid Shah]]
| term_end3          = 8 June 2018
| successor2 = [[Raja Riaz]]
| predecessor3        = [[Najam Sethi]] (acting)
| office3 = Member of the [[National Assembly of Pakistan]]
| successor3          = [[Hasan Askari Rizvi]] (acting)
| term_start3 = 29 February 2024
| governor4          = [[Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood]]<br>[[Latif Khosa]]<br>[[Salmaan Taseer]]
| term_end3 =
| term_start4        = 8 June 2008
| term_start4 = 13 August 2018
| term_end4          = 26 March 2013
| term_end4 = 10 August 2023
| predecessor4        = [[Dost Muhammad Khosa]]
| office6 = 13th & 16th [[List of Chief Ministers of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]]
| successor4          = [[Najam Sethi]] (acting)
| governor6 = {{unbulleted list|[[Chaudhry Sarwar]]|[[Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana]]}}
| governor5          = [[Shahid Hamid]]<br />[[Zulfiqar Ali Khosa]]
| term_start6 = 7 June 2013
| term_start5        = 20 February 1997
| term_end6 = 7 June 2018
| term_end5          = 12 October 1999
| predecessor6 = [[Najam Sethi]] (caretaker)
| predecessor5        = [[Mian Muhammad Afzal Hayat]] (caretaker)
| successor6 = [[Hasan Askari Rizvi]] (caretaker)
| successor5          = [[Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi]] (2002)
| governor7 = {{unbulleted list|[[Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood]]|[[Latif Khosa]]|[[Salmaan Taseer]]}}
| office6            = President of the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]]
| term_start7 = 30 March 2009
| term_start6        = 13 March 2018
| term_end7 = 26 March 2013
| term_end6          =  
| predecessor7 = ''Governor's rule''
| predecessor6        = [[Nawaz Sharif]]
| successor7 = [[Najam Sethi]] (caretaker)
| successor6          =  
| governor8 = {{unbulleted list|[[Shahid Hamid]]|[[Zulfiqar Ali Khosa]]}}
| term_start7        = 2009
| term_start8 = 8 June 2008
| term_end7          = 2011
| term_end8 = 25 February 2009
| predecessor7        = [[Nisar Ali Khan]]
| predecessor8 = [[Dost Muhammad Khosa]]
| successor7          = [[Nawaz Sharif]]
| successor8 = ''Governor's rule''
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1951|9|23}}
| term_start9 = 20 February 1997
| birth_place         = [[Lahore]], [[Dominion of Pakistan|Pakistan]]
| term_end9 = 12 October 1999
| death_date         =  
| predecessor9 = [[Mian Muhammad Afzal Hayat]] (caretaker)
| death_place         =  
| successor9 = [[Parvez Elahi]]
| party               = [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]]
| office10 = [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)#Leaders|President of Pakistan Muslim League (N)]]
| spouse             = {{marriage|Begum Nusrat|1973}}<br>{{marriage|[[Tehmina Durrani]]|2003}}
| term_start10 = 13 March 2018
| children           = 4, including [[Hamza Shahbaz Sharif|Hamza]]
| term_end10 = 13 May 2024
| relatives           = ''See [[Sharif family]]''
| predecessor10 = [[Nawaz Sharif]]
| education           = [[Government College University, Lahore]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| successor10 = [[Nawaz Sharif]]
| signature           = Signature of Shehbaz Sharif.svg
| term_start11 = 2009
| term_end11 = 2011
| predecessor11 = [[Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan]]
| successor11 = [[Nawaz Sharif]]
| constituency3 = [[NA-123 (Lahore-VII)]]
| predecessor3 = ''Himself'' {{small|([[NA-123 Lahore-VII|NA-132 (Lahore-X)]])}}
| successor3 =
| constituency4 = [[NA-123 Lahore-VII|NA-132 (Lahore-X)]]
| successor4 = ''Himself'' {{small|([[NA-123 (Lahore-VII)]])}}
| predecessor4 = [[Khawaja Saad Rafique]] {{small|([[Constituency NA-125|NA-125 (Lahore-VIII)]])}}<br/>[[Shazia Mubashar]] {{small|([[Constituency NA-129|NA-129 (Lahore-XII)]])}}<br/>[[Sohail Shaukat Butt]] {{small|([[Constituency NA-130|NA-130 (Lahore-XIII)]])}}
| constituency5 = [[NA-120 Lahore-IV|NA-96 (Lahore-V)]]
| predecessor5 = [[Jehangir Bader]]
| successor5 = [[Kamil Ali Agha]]
| birth_name = Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1951|9|23}}
| birth_place = [[Lahore]], West Punjab, Pakistan
| occupation = {{hlist|Politician|businessperson}}
| death_date =  
| death_place =  
| party = [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)|PML(N)]] (1993–present)
| otherparty = [[Islami Jamhoori Ittehad|IJI]] (1988–1993)
| spouse = {{Plainlist|
* {{marriage|Begum Nusrat|1973}}
* {{marriage|Aaliya Honey|1993|1994|end=div}}<ref name="Khan2010">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/muslim-law-and-pakistan/articleshow/5783047.cms|title=Muslim law and Pakistan|first=Omer Farooq|last=Khan|date=10 April 2010|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=10 February 2024|archive-date=3 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303145034/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/muslim-law-and-pakistan/articleshow/5783047.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Iqbal2005">{{Cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/1.276492 |title=Shahbaz's wedding to top city socialite is talk of town |first=Abdullah |last=Iqbal |date=7 February 2005 |website=[[Gulf News]] |access-date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901162703/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/shahbazs-wedding-to-top-city-socialite-is-talk-of-town-1.276492 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{marriage|[[Tehmina Durrani]]|2003}}<ref name="Iqbal2005"/>
}}
| children = 4, including [[Hamza Shahbaz]]
| relatives = [[Sharif family]]
| education = [[Government College University, Lahore]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| signature = Signature of Shehbaz Sharif.svg
| parents = [[Mian Muhammad Sharif]] (father)<br/>Shamim Akhtar (mother)
| nationality = Pakistani
| office15 = Member of the [[Provincial Assembly of Punjab]]
| term_start15 = 18 October 1993
| term_end15 = 31 May 2018|
| term_start16 = 30 November 1988
| term_end16 = 6 August 1990
| office14 = [[Leader of the Opposition in the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab|Leader of the Opposition of Punjab]]
| term_start14 = 18 October 1993
| term_end14 = 17 November 1996
| successor14 = [[Saeed Ahmed Khan]]
| predecessor14 = Rana Ikram Rabbani
| term_start5 = 3 November 1990
| term_end5 = 18 July 1993
| honorific_prefix = [[Excellency|His Excellency]]
}}
}}
{{Shehbaz Sharif sidebar}}
{{Shehbaz Sharif sidebar}}'''Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif'''{{efn|[[Urdu]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]: {{nq|میاں محمد شہباز شریف}}, {{IPA|hns|mɪˈãː mʊˈh̤əmːəd ʃɛhˈbaːz ʃəˈriːf|pron}}}} (born 23 September 1951) is a Pakistani politician and businessman who has served as the [[prime minister of Pakistan]] since March 2024, having previously been in the role between April 2022 to August 2023. He has also served as the president of the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]] and [[chief minister of Punjab (Pakistan)|chief minister of Punjab]] three times, making him the longest-serving person in the role.
'''Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] and {{lang-ur|{{nq|میاں محمد شہباز شریف}}}}, {{IPA-hns|miˈãː moˈɦəmːəd ʃɛhˈbaːz ʃəˈriːf|pron}}; born 23 September 1951) is a Pakistani politician serving as the 23rd and current [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister]] of [[Pakistan]], in office since 11 April 2022.<ref>{{cite news |author=Saifi |first=Sophia |last2=Mogul |first2=Rhea |title=Pakistan's parliament votes in opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/11/asia/pakistan-prime-minister-shehbaz-sharif-intl-hnk/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411123246/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/11/asia/pakistan-prime-minister-shehbaz-sharif-intl-hnk/ |archive-date=11 April 2022}}</ref> He is the current president of the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]] (PML-N). Previously in his political career, he served as the [[Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]] three times, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister of Punjab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/shehbaz-sharif-10-things-to-know-about-hands-on-pm-frontrunner-of-pakistan-10538271.html|title=Shehbaz Sharif: 10 things to know about 'hands on' PM frontrunner of Pakistan|work=Firstpost|date=10 April 2022|accessdate=13 April 2022|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413211831/https://www.firstpost.com/world/shehbaz-sharif-10-things-to-know-about-hands-on-pm-frontrunner-of-pakistan-10538271.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
A scion of the [[Sharif family|prominent Pakistani political family]], Sharif was elected to the [[Provincial Assembly of the Punjab|Punjab Assembly]] in 1988 and to the [[National Assembly of Pakistan]] in 1990. He was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1993 and appointed [[Leader of the Opposition of Punjab (Pakistan)|leader of the opposition]]. He was elected as chief minister of Pakistan's most populous province, [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], for the first time on 20 February 1997. After the [[1999 Pakistani coup d'état]], Sharif, along with his family, spent years of [[self-exile]] in [[Saudi Arabia]], returning to Pakistan in 2007. Sharif was appointed chief minister for a second term after the PML(N)'s victory in Punjab in the [[2008 Pakistani general election]]. He was elected as chief minister of Punjab for the third time after the [[2013 Punjab provincial election]] and served his term until his party's defeat in the [[2018 Punjab provincial election]]. Sharif was nominated as the president of the PML(N) after his brother, [[Nawaz Sharif]], was disqualified from holding office in the wake of the [[Panama Papers case]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 March 2018 |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected president of Pakistan's ruling party |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1265496/world |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=Arab News}}</ref>
 
He was nominated as the leader of the opposition after the [[2018 Pakistani general election|2018 general election]], and elected prime minister in 2022 after the [[no-confidence motion against Imran Khan]] was passed in the National Assembly. After the PML(N) won a minority in the [[2024 Pakistani general election|2024 general election]], Sharif became prime minister with a coalition government.
 
== Early life and education ==
Sharif was born on 23 September 1951<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017" /><ref name="hindustantimes/29july2017">{{cite news|title=Who are Shehbaz Sharif and Khaqan Abbasi, PLM-N's replacements for Nawaz Sharif as Pakistan PM|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/meet-shehbaz-sharif-and-khaqan-abbasi-pml-n-s-replacements-for-nawaz-sharif/story-PCWyz9kaTrFPpC6yVYAVoO.html|access-date=30 July 2017|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=29 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729145740/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/meet-shehbaz-sharif-and-khaqan-abbasi-pml-n-s-replacements-for-nawaz-sharif/story-PCWyz9kaTrFPpC6yVYAVoO.html|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=If elections are held on time… |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/404658 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205143518/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/404658 |archive-date=5 December 2017 |access-date=4 December 2017 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref> in [[Lahore]], [[West Punjab]].<ref name="dawn/13jan2012">{{cite news |date=13 January 2012 |title=Shahbaz Sharif |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/687800 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728201508/https://www.dawn.com/news/687800 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> His [[Sharif family|family]] is [[Kashmiris in Punjab|Punjabi with Kashmiri ancestry]]. Sharif's father, [[Mian Muhammad Sharif]], was an upper-middle-class businessman and [[Business magnate|industrialist]] whose family had emigrated from [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]] in [[Kashmir]] for business, and eventually settled in the village of [[Jati Umra (Amritsar)|Jati Umra]] in [[Amritsar district]], Punjab, at the beginning of the twentieth century. His mother's family came from [[Pulwama]].<ref>{{cite news|title=As Nawaz Sharif becomes PM, Kashmir gets voice in Pakistan power circuit – Indian Express|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/as-nawaz-sharif-becomes-pm-kashmir-gets-voice-in-pakistan-power-circuit/1125778/|access-date=29 July 2017|work=archive.indianexpress.com|language=en-gb|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304231702/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/as-nawaz-sharif-becomes-pm-kashmir-gets-voice-in-pakistan-power-circuit/1125778/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> Following the [[partition of India]] and Pakistan's independence in 1947, his parents migrated from Amritsar to Lahore.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lieven|first1=Anatol|title=Pakistan: A Hard Country|date=2011|publisher=PublicAffairs|isbn=9781610390231|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fEZt49MVZIAC&pg=PA244|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506062703/https://books.google.com/books?id=fEZt49MVZIAC&pg=PA244|url-status=live}}</ref> He has two brothers, [[Abbas Sharif]] and [[Nawaz Sharif]]. Nawaz is a three-time elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, serving the longest non-consecutive tenure in the role.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Baloch |first2=Shah Meer |date=27 October 2023 |title=Pakistan looks back to the future as Nawaz Sharif eyes fourth stint as PM |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/27/pakistan-looks-back-to-the-future-as-nawaz-sharif-eyes-fourth-stint-as-pm |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Nawaz's wife, [[Kulsoom Nawaz]], was the First Lady of Pakistan for three non-consecutive terms and his daughter, [[Maryam Nawaz]] is the current [[Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who is Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan's first woman chief minister? |date=26 February 2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-elects-maryam-nawaz-as-first-female-chief-minister/a-68374959 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=dw.com}}</ref>
 
Sharif attended [[St. Anthony High School, Lahore]], and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the [[Government College University, Lahore]].<ref name="pap/profile" /> After his graduation, he joined his family-owned [[Ittefaq Group]]. He was elected president of [[Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry]] in 1985.<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /><ref name="dawn/25april2013" /> Sharif can speak [[Urdu]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]], [[English language|English]], [[German language|German]] and [[Arabic]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 September 2022 |title=Wild fact of the day — PM Shehbaz Sharif speaks German |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1190779 |website=Dawn |quote=Others praised him for "the man he is" for speaking Sindhi, Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, English and now German.}}</ref>
 
==Early political career==
Sharif began his political career after getting elected to the [[Provincial Assembly of Punjab|Punjab Assembly]] from Constituency PP-122 (Lahore-VII) as a candidate of the [[Islami Jamhoori Ittehad]] (IJI) in the [[1988 Pakistani general election|1988 general election]].<ref name="dawn/25april2013">{{cite news |date=25 April 2013 |title=Shahbaz Sharif |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1024486 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203647/https://www.dawn.com/news/1024486 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=22 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="ecp/pa88-97">{{cite web|title=Election result Punjab Assembly 1988–97|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/Punjab.pdf|publisher=ECP|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830191836/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/Punjab.pdf|archive-date=30 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="thenews/1june2013">{{cite news |date=1 June 2013 |title=16 old, seven new faces from Lahore to take oath today |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/434107-16-old-seven-new-faces-from-lahore-to-take-oath-today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728210259/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/434107-16-old-seven-new-faces-from-lahore-to-take-oath-today |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref> He had 22,372 votes and defeated a candidate of the [[Pakistan People's Party]] (PPP).<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> However, his term prematurely ended in 1990 when the assemblies were dissolved.<ref name="pap/profile">{{cite web|title=Profile|url=http://www.pap.gov.pk/index.php/members/profile/en/20/1009|website=www.pap.gov.pk|publisher=Provincial Assembly of The Punjab|access-date=22 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805070607/http://www.pap.gov.pk/index.php/members/profile/en/20/1009|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="dawn/2aug2008">{{cite news|title=Opinion|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1071420/dawn-opinion-august-02-2008|access-date=22 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=2 August 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203713/https://www.dawn.com/news/1071420/dawn-opinion-august-02-2008|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>
 
He was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from Constituency PP-124 (Lahore-IX) as an IJI candidate in the [[1990 Pakistani general election|1990 general election]]. He received 26,408 votes and defeated a candidate of the [[Pakistan Democratic Alliance]] (PDA).<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> In the same election, he was elected to the [[National Assembly of Pakistan]] from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of IJI. He secured 54,506 votes and defeated [[Jehangir Bader]].<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="ecp/na-88-97">{{cite web|title=Election result National Assembly 1988–97|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/NA.pdf|publisher=ECP|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828225608/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/NA.pdf|archive-date=28 August 2017}}</ref> He vacated the Punjab Assembly seat to retain his National Assembly seat.<ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> His term prematurely ended in 1993<ref name="pap/profile" /> when the assemblies were dissolved.<ref name="dawn/2aug2008" />
 
He was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly from Constituency PP-125 (Lahore-X) as a candidate of the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]] (PML(N)), a new party founded by his brother, Nawaz, in the [[1993 Pakistani general election|1993 general election]].<ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> He received 28,068 votes and defeated a candidate of PPP.<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of the PML(N). He secured 55,867 votes and defeated [[Yousuf Salahuddin]].<ref name="ecp/na-88-97" /> He vacated the National Assembly seat and retained his Provincial Punjab Assembly seat.<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /> Shortly after the election, he was elected Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, he travelled to the [[United Kingdom]] for medical treatment. In his absence, [[Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi]] was made Acting Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /><ref name="dawn/29nov2002">{{cite news |date=29 November 2002 |title=Pervaiz pledges to uproot corruption |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/69023/pervaiz-pledges-to-uproot-corruption |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305041659/https://www.dawn.com/news/69023/pervaiz-pledges-to-uproot-corruption |archive-date=5 March 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> His term as a member of the Punjab Assembly and Leader of the Opposition prematurely ended in November 1996<ref name="pap/profile" /> when the assemblies were dissolved.<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="dawn/2aug2008" />
 
== Chief Minister of Punjab (1997–1999) and exile ==
{{main|Chief ministership of Shehbaz Sharif#First term (1997–99)|First Shehbaz Sharif provincial government|1999 Pakistani coup d'état}}
 
Sharif was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly from Constituency PP-125 (Lahore-X) as a candidate of the PML(N) in the [[1997 Punjab provincial election]].<ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> He received 25,013 votes and defeated a candidate of PPP.<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of PML(N). He secured 47,614 votes and defeated [[Hanif Ramay]].<ref name="ecp/na-88-97" /> He was elected as the [[List of Chief Ministers of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]] for the first time and was sworn in as 13th Chief Minister of Punjab on 20 February 1997.<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" />
 
Sharif focused on healthcare, education, agriculture and the promotion of industry in [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]].<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> He undertook several development projects in Lahore and launched a crackdown on criminals across the province to maintain law and order.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> Sharif introduced a series of educational reforms such as reformed exams in a variety of subjects, as well as self-finance schemes for students.<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" />
 
He held his office until 12 October 1999 when was removed from the post of Chief Minister in the [[1999 Pakistani coup d'état]].<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /><ref name="pap/profile" /><ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="dawn/2aug2008" />
 
In 1999, a complainant, Saeeduddin, lodged a [[first information report]] and accused Sharif of allowing the [[Punjab Police (Pakistan)|Punjab Police]], as chief minister, to kill his son along with other men in a fake encounter.<ref>{{cite news |date=10 June 2003 |title=Shahbaz Sharif, five cops summoned |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/105853 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153817/https://www.dawn.com/news/105853 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> In the encounter, his two sons and three other people were killed by the police.<ref name="dawn/2march2008">{{cite news |date=2 March 2008 |title=Shahbaz acquitted in Sabzazar case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/291855 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203305/https://www.dawn.com/news/291855 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Release of Pacific trade text opens fight for ratification |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/71757-sabzazar-shootout-case |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731183129/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/71757-sabzazar-shootout-case |archive-date=31 July 2018 |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref> Following the coup Sharif was imprisoned.<ref name="pap/profile" /> In December 2000, he, along with his immediate family members, was forcibly exiled to [[Saudi Arabia]] following the request of the [[Saudi royal family]].<ref name="thenews/25nov2007">{{cite news |date=25 November 2007 |title=Nawaz Sharif, a profile |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/81984-nawaz-sharif-a-profile |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205219/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/81984-nawaz-sharif-a-profile |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="thenews/5nov2006" /><ref name="dawn/13jan2012" />
 
While in exile in Saudi Arabia, Sharif was elected as the PML(N) President in August 2002 and moved to the United Kingdom in 2003 for medical treatment.<ref name="thenews/5nov2006">{{cite news |date=5 November 2006 |title=Government's move to woo Shahbaz |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/646501-governments-move-to-woo-shahbaz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205442/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/646501-governments-move-to-woo-shahbaz |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" />
 
In 2003, an anti-terrorism court summoned Sharif and five others accused in alleged extrajudicial killings in 1998. He was in the exile at that time and failed to show-up to the court. Later, the court issued an arrest warrant for Sharif.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 June 2003 |title=Warrants for Shahbaz Sharif issued |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/106021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205733/https://www.dawn.com/news/106021 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="bbc/7sept2007">{{cite news|title=Order for Sharif brother arrest|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6982961.stm|access-date=23 July 2017|publisher=BBC|date=7 September 2007|archive-date=12 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412143342/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6982961.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, Sharif attempted to return to Pakistan to appear before the court, but was forcibly deported back to Saudi Arabia.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /><ref name="bbc/7sept2007" />
 
In August 2007, the [[Supreme Court of Pakistan]] gave its verdict which allowed the Sharif and Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 September 2007 |title=Opinion |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1070434 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728204729/https://www.dawn.com/news/1070434 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> In September 2007, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan ordered police to arrest Sharif based on a 2003 arrest warrant.<ref name="bbc/7sept2007" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan Court Orders Arrest of Former Prime Minister's Brother|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2007-09-07-voa22/343681.html|access-date=23 July 2017|work=VOA|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202725/https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2007-09-07-voa22/343681.html|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> He later achieved bail from an anti-terrorism court.<ref>{{cite news |date=7 December 2007 |title=Shahbaz granted pre-arrest bail |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/279234 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153706/https://www.dawn.com/news/279234 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> Sharif denied ordering the alleged killings and said the charges against him were politically motivated.<ref name="bbc/7sept2007"/> He further added that in 2004, he had landed at [[Lahore Airport]], wanting to appear before the court, but was sent back to Saudi Arabia by the government in violation of the orders of the Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arrest warrant for Shahbaz issued |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/652391-arrest-warrant-for-shahbaz-issued |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728204858/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/652391-arrest-warrant-for-shahbaz-issued |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2008, he was acquitted by the Anti-Terrorism Court in the [[Sabzazar]] case.<ref name="dawn/2march2008" />
 
Sharif was re-elected as PML(N) President for a second term in August 2006<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> and returned to Pakistan along with Nawaz Sharif in November 2007.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" />
 
Sharif was ineligible to take part in the [[2008 Pakistani general election|2008 general election]] due to the Sabzazar case, but a few months later he was acquitted by the court.<ref name="peoplesdaily/9june2008">{{cite news|title=Former Pak PM's brother elected provincial chief executive – People's Daily Online|url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90777/90851/6426618.html|access-date=23 July 2017|work=en.people.cn|publisher=People's Daily Online|date=9 June 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227063709/http://en.people.cn/90001/90777/90851/6426618.html|archive-date=27 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="dawn/2march2008" />
 
On 14 July 2019, the ''[[Daily Mail]]'' published a news with the headline: "Did the family of Pakistani politician who has become the poster boy for British overseas aid STEAL funds meant for earthquake victims?" According to the report, Shehbaz stole aid funds from the [[UK]]'s [[Department for International Development]] (DFID) following the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake|2005 earthquake]]. It was written by ''Daily Mail'' journalist [[David Rose (journalist)|David Rose]]. Investigations have shown that the donated more than £500 million to the earthquake victims in Pakistan through the DFID, a UK government organisation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2022 |title='Not accused of any wrongdoing': Daily Mail apologises to PM Shehbaz for false corruption allegation |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1725318 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210131709/https://www.dawn.com/news/1725318 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2022 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2022 |title=Daily Mail apologises to PM Shehbaz over 'corruption allegations' |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40213352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210131710/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40213352 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2022 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref>
 
David Rose claimed Shehbaz used the aid funds to send one million pounds through money laundering to his frontman Aftab Mehmood, a British citizen of Pakistani descent, who then gave the money to Shehbaz's family. Shehbaz and his family allegedly stole British citizens' tax relief funds, according to news reports. Salman Shehbaz, Shehbaz's son, refuted this information.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2022 |title='Not accused of any wrongdoing': Daily Mail apologises to Pakistan PM Shehbaz for false corruption allegation |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/daily-mail-apologises-to-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-for-false-corruption-allegation-2307029-2022-12-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210131709/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/daily-mail-apologises-to-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-for-false-corruption-allegation-2307029-2022-12-08 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2022 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
 
A DFID representative referred to the reports as "baseless" and "fabricated" on the organisation's website, and in January 2020, Shehbaz filed a claim for damages against the ''Daily Mail'' and Rose in the [[Royal Court of Justice]] in [[London]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 January 2020 |title=Shahbaz Sharif files case against British journalist David Rose |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/549675/shahbaz-sharif-files-case-against-british-journalist-david-rose-and-daily-mail/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210131709/https://dailytimes.com.pk/549675/shahbaz-sharif-files-case-against-british-journalist-david-rose-and-daily-mail/ |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2022 |website=Daily Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
According to court documents, the ''Daily Mail'' took almost three years to submit a defence of Rose's story. On 20 April 2020, Justice [[Matthew Nicklin]] issued the initial order for the listing hearing window running from 21 April 2020 to 31 July 2020. On 7 May 2020, Justice Nicklin issued a second ruling that extended the due dates. On 20 October 2020, Justice Nicklin issued the first order, merging the claims of Shehbaz and his son-in-law Yousaf. On 28 January 2021, Justice Nicklin issued another order pertaining to the preliminary issue trial.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |date=9 December 2022 |title=Daily Mail took 3 years to file defence in PM Shehbaz defamation case before apology |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/457650-daily-mail-took-9-extensions-3-years-to-file-defence-in-pm-shehbaz-defamation-case-before-apology |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210131709/https://www.geo.tv/latest/457650-daily-mail-took-9-extensions-3-years-to-file-defence-in-pm-shehbaz-defamation-case-before-apology |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2022 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}</ref> The verdict and order were delivered on 5 February 2021. Justice Nicklin ruled at the meaning hearing at the [[High Court of Justice|London High Court]] in favour of the PML(N). Justice Nicklin determined that the ''[[The Mail on Sunday|Mail on Sunday]]'s'' article carried the highest level of defamatory meaning for both Shehbaz and Yousaf.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}
 
On 18 February 2021, Justice Nicklin issued the directive with relation to certain deadlines. On 15 March 2022, the ''Daily Mail'' filed its defence. On 17 March 2022, Master Thornett issued the directive to file the defence. On 23 June and 20 September 2022, he then issued the orders to extend the deadline for filing the defence. Following negotiations to resolve the dispute after March 2022 between ''Daily Mail'' and Shehbaz, it was made apparent to his legal counsel that the publication would issue an apology and take down the item under his conditions. On 26 September 2022, Justice Nicklin issued an order and scheduled a joint case management meeting for 9 November.<ref name="auto1" /> Three days prior to this hearing, Shehbaz pulled his request for a delay in favour of a full trial in a shrewd political move. According to the regulations, the court was not informed that the lawyers for ''Daily Mail'' had been secretly negotiating with Shehbaz's lawyers for several months, proposing to apologise. Shehbaz was persuaded by his legal staff that there was no use in submitting more paperwork as the paper had already agreed to apologise and remove the defamatory and misleading piece.<ref name="auto1" />
 
''Daily Mail'' publishers and Shehbaz's lawyers signed an agreement of settlement with Tomlin Order in the second week of December 2022, after which ''Daily Mail'' removed the defamatory article and apologised to the prime minister and his son-in-law. The ANL promised that it will never propagate these false allegations at any forum, it has also worked with [[Google]] to remove all articles carrying ''Daily Mail's'' previous allegations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2022 |title=Daily Mail apologises to PM over funds embezzlement allegations |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2390108/daily-mail-apologises-to-shehbaz-over-funds-embezzlement-allegations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209123547/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2390108/daily-mail-apologises-to-shehbaz-over-funds-embezzlement-allegations |archive-date=9 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2022 |title=Daily Mail tenders apology to Shehbaz |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/1037218/daily-mail-tenders-apology-to-shehbaz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210131709/https://dailytimes.com.pk/1037218/daily-mail-tenders-apology-to-shehbaz/ |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2022 |website=Daily Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
== Chief Minister of Punjab (2008–2018) ==
{{main|Chief ministership of Shehbaz Sharif#Second and third term (2008–13)|Chief ministership of Shehbaz Sharif#Third term (2013–2018)|Second Shehbaz Sharif provincial government|Third Shehbaz Sharif provincial government}}
 
Sharif was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly unopposed from [[Constituency PP-48 (Bhakkar-II)]] as a PML(N) candidate in the by-election held in June 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif elected unopposed to Punjab Assembly|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahbaz-sharif-elected-unopposed-to-punjab-assembly-1.110050|access-date=27 February 2018|work=GulfNews|date=2 June 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227063708/http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahbaz-sharif-elected-unopposed-to-punjab-assembly-1.110050|archive-date=27 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hanif |first1=Intikhab |date=6 June 2008 |title=Shahbaz to take oath today: Khosa, cabinet set to resign |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/306246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205736/https://www.dawn.com/news/306246 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, he was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Punjab, receiving 265 votes unopposed after securing 265 votes.<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> Later, in June 2008, while holding the Assembly seat from Constituency PP-48 (Bhakkar-II), Sharif contested for a seat in the Punjab Assembly from [[Constituency PP-10 (Rawalpindi-X)]]. He was elected unopposed but resigned from this seat due to a dispute regarding his eligibility to serve as chief minister.<ref>{{cite news |title=SC summons record in Shahbaz eligibility case |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/669500 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227214134/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/669500 |archive-date=27 February 2018 |access-date=27 February 2018 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nation/24june2008">{{cite news|title=Shahbaz eligibility for CM questioned|url=https://nation.com.pk/24-Jun-2008/shahbaz-eligibility-for-cm-questioned|access-date=27 February 2018|work=The Nation|archive-date=31 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153851/https://nation.com.pk/24-Jun-2008/shahbaz-eligibility-for-cm-questioned|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
His second term as chief minister was interrupted on 25 February 2009 when the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared him ineligible to hold public office, resulting in the vacancy of his seat in the Punjab Assembly and his removal from the office of chief minister.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Iqbal |first1=Nasir |date=26 February 2009 |title=SC makes public office out of bounds for Sharif brothers |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/346205/sc-makes-public-office-out-of-bounds-for-sharif-brothers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153650/https://www.dawn.com/news/346205/sc-makes-public-office-out-of-bounds-for-sharif-brothers |archive-date=31 July 2018 |access-date=27 February 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> On 1 April 2009, a five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court overturned the earlier decision, reinstating Sharif as chief minister.<ref name="thenews/1april2009">{{cite news |date=1 April 2009 |title=Shahbaz 2nd CM restored by court |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/168881-Millat-Park-murder-suspects-held-claims-police |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202641/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/168881-Millat-Park-murder-suspects-held-claims-police |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
In the [[2013 Pakistani general election|2013 general election]], Sharif was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly from three Constituencies PP-159 (Lahore-XXIII), PP-161 (Lahore-XXV) and PP-247 (Rajanpur-I), as a PML(N) candidate. In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from [[Constituency NA-129|Constituency NA-129 (Lahore-XII)]].<ref name="ecp/2013">{{cite web|title=2013 election result|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/General%20Elections%202013%20report/Election%20Report%202013%20Volume-II.pdf|publisher=ECP|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201140612/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/General%20Elections%202013%20report/Election%20Report%202013%20Volume-II.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2018}}</ref> Sharif chose to retain his Provincial Assembly seat PP-159 (Lahore-XXIII) and was re-elected as chief minister of Punjab for the third time, receiving 300 votes in the 371-member Provincial Assembly.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif takes oath as Punjab chief minister – The Express Tribune|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/559678/shahbaz-sharif-elected-punjab-chief-minister/|access-date=27 February 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=6 June 2013|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612171921/https://tribune.com.pk/story/559678/shahbaz-sharif-elected-punjab-chief-minister/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=6 June 2013 |title=Shahbaz sworn in as CM Punjab for third time |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1027821/punjab-assembly-to-elect-cm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203657/https://www.dawn.com/news/1027821/punjab-assembly-to-elect-cm |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Intra-party politics ===
{{See also|Panama Papers case}}
In 2016, Sharif was elected unopposed as the president of the PML(N)'s Punjab chapter in intra-party elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif elected unopposed as President of PML-N Punjab|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/19-Oct-2016/shahbaz-elected-unopposed-as-pml-n-punjab-president|access-date=23 July 2017|work=Radio Pakistan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728211046/http://www.radio.gov.pk/19-Oct-2016/shahbaz-elected-unopposed-as-pml-n-punjab-president|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>
 
On 29 July 2017, following the disqualification of outgoing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after the [[Panama Papers case]] decision, Sharif was named leader of the PML(N) and their candidate for the office of prime minister.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shahbaz Sharif will be Pakistan's next Prime Minister |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/219632 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202531/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/219632-Shehbaz-Sharif-to-replace-Nawaz-Sharif |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=28 July 2017 |work=[[The News International]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Sanaullah Khan |author2=Syed Sammer Abbas |date=28 July 2017 |title=Shahbaz tipped to be Nawaz's choice for prime minister: reports |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348225 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728212118/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348225/shahbaz-tipped-to-be-nawazs-choice-for-prime-minister-reports |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=29 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bilal |first1=Muhammad |date=29 July 2017 |title=Shahbaz's name finalised as successor to Nawaz Sharif |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348391 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729135022/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348391 |archive-date=29 July 2017 |access-date=29 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> However, he was not a member of the National Assembly, so [[Petroleum Division (Pakistan)|Petroleum Minister]] [[Shahid Khaqan Abbasi]] was asked to serve as the interim prime minister of Pakistan, allowing Sharif enough time to enter the legislature through a by-election.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sana Jamal|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appointed as interim PM of Pakistan|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-appointed-as-interim-pm-of-pakistan-1.2066083|access-date=29 July 2017|work=GulfNews|date=29 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214358/http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-appointed-as-interim-pm-of-pakistan-1.2066083|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref> Later, Sharif decided to complete his tenure as chief minister until the next general election.<ref name="indianexpress/3aug2017">{{cite news|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi likely to continue as Pakistan PM for 10-month PML-N tenure|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-nawaz-sharif-4780752/|access-date=5 August 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=3 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805181002/http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-nawaz-sharif-4780752/|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 August 2017 |title=Sana opposes Shahbaz's elevation to Centre |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349073 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805181917/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349073/sana-opposes-shahbazs-elevation-to-centre |archive-date=5 August 2017 |access-date=5 August 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>
 
In December 2017, Sharif was named as the candidate of PML(N) for the office of prime minister in the 2018 general election.<ref name="thenews/21dec2017">{{cite news |date=21 December 2017 |title=Shahbaz is next premier: Nawaz |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/258601 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221135036/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/258601-shahbaz-is-next-premier-nawaz |archive-date=21 December 2017 |access-date=21 December 2017 |work=[[The News International]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Javed |last2=Shaikh |first2=Ubaidullah |date=21 December 2017 |title=Shahbaz to be PML-N's next candidate for prime minister: Nawaz Sharif |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1378008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222000152/https://www.dawn.com/news/1378008/shahbaz-to-be-pml-ns-next-candidate-for-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=21 December 2017 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>
 
In February 2018, Sharif was appointed the interim president of the PML(N).<ref>{{cite news|title=Shehbaz Sharif appointed acting president of PML-N|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1645952/1|access-date=27 February 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=27 February 2018|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227212136/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1645952/1-pml-n-set-announce-party-president-today/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PML-N endorses Nawaz's decision to pass on baton to Shehbaz|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/02/27/shehbaz-sharif-elected-as-pml-ns-interim-president-reports/|access-date=27 February 2018|work=www.pakistantoday.com.pk}}</ref> In March 2018, he was elected unopposed as the president of PML(N).<ref>{{cite news |author=Javed Hussain |date=13 March 2018 |title='Cannot even think of replacing Nawaz': Shahbaz Sharif appointed PML-N president |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1394992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313135001/https://www.dawn.com/news/1394992/cannot-even-think-of-replacing-nawaz-shahbaz-sharif-appointed-pml-n-president |archive-date=13 March 2018 |access-date=13 March 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> It was reported{{By whom|date=August 2025}} that [[The Establishment (Pakistan)|the establishment]] had previously offered Sharif the position of prime minister of Pakistan on several occasions, which he did not accept.<ref name="indianexpress/30july2017">{{cite news|title=The baton in Pakistan passes from Nawaz Sharif to Shahbaz|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/the-baton-in-pakistan-passes-from-nawaz-sharif-to-shahbaz-4774667/|access-date=31 July 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151317/http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/the-baton-in-pakistan-passes-from-nawaz-sharif-to-shahbaz-4774667/|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>
 
== Leader of the Opposition (2018–2022) ==
[[File:Shehbaz Sharif at an anti-PTI government protest.png|thumb|Sharif at an anti-[[Imran Khan government]] rally in Islamabad, November 2019]]
Sharif was elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of PML(N) from Constituency NA-132 (Lahore-X) in the [[2018 Pakistani general election]]. In the same election, he was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab as a candidate of PML(N) from Constituency PP-164 (Lahore-XXI) and PP-165 (Lahore-XXII).<ref name="dawn/17aug2018">{{cite news |date=17 August 2018 |title=Shahbaz Sharif — the three-time Punjab CM in the running for next PM |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427542 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818023441/https://www.dawn.com/news/1427542 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> Following his successful election, he abandoned his Punjab seats in favour of the National assembly seat.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |date=14 August 2018 |title=By-polls on 11 NA seats to be held within two months |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1426872 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816195030/https://www.dawn.com/news/1426872 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>
 
On 16 August 2018, he was nominated by PML(N) for the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 August 2018 |title=Imran, Shahbaz file nomination papers for PM's slot |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/355604-imran-shahbaz-file-nomination-papers-for-pm-s-slot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818115319/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/355604-imran-shahbaz-file-nomination-papers-for-pm-s-slot |archive-date=18 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=[[The News International]] |language=en}}</ref> The following day, he secured 96 votes, losing to [[Imran Khan]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wasim |first1=Amir |date=18 August 2018 |title=Imran outscores Shahbaz, secures top job |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427716/imran-outscores-shahbaz-secures-top-job |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818025118/https://www.dawn.com/news/1427716/imran-outscores-shahbaz-secures-top-job |archive-date=18 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> Later, he was nominated for the office of [[Leader of the Opposition (Pakistan)|Leader of the Opposition]] in the National Assembly by 111 members of the National Assembly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raza |first1=Syed Irfan |date=18 August 2018 |title=Shahbaz set to become opposition leader in National Assembly |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427708/shahbaz-set-to-become-opposition-leader-in-national-assembly |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818025200/https://www.dawn.com/news/1427708/shahbaz-set-to-become-opposition-leader-in-national-assembly |archive-date=18 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> On 20 August 2018, he was notified as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Concurrently, he served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee from 22 December 2018 until 28 November 2019, when he resigned and was succeeded by [[Rana Tanveer Hussain]].
 
In September 2020, the [[National Accountability Bureau]] (NAB) arrested Sharif on charges of laundering [[Pakistani rupee|Rs]]. 7,328 million (US$41 million) through a purported scheme involving close associates and family members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan opposition leader arrested in corruption case |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/28/pakistan-opposition-leader-arrested-in-corruption-case |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928150812/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/28/pakistan-opposition-leader-arrested-in-corruption-case |archive-date=28 September 2020 |access-date=28 September 2020 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> The NAB had previously frozen 23 properties owned by Sharif, his son, and other relatives, alleging these assets were acquired through unknown sources of income and that foreign funds were funnelled via fake transactions through a company owned by Sharif's son-in-law, Haroon Yousaf.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shahbaz's son, daughter, son-in-law, three others declared POs |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749941-money-laundering-assets-case-shahbaz-s-son-daughter-son-in-law-three-others-declared-pos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128122454/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749941-money-laundering-assets-case-shahbaz-s-son-daughter-son-in-law-three-others-declared-pos |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020 |website=[[The News International]] |date=27 November 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
 
Following his arrest, Sharif was held in custody during the investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2020 |title=Pakistan's Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif Remanded in NAB Custody for 14 Days in Money Laundering Case |url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistans-opposition-leader-shahbaz-sharif-remanded-in-nab-custody-for-14-days-in-money-laundering-case-2919225.html |access-date=22 April 2022 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422173312/https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistans-opposition-leader-shahbaz-sharif-remanded-in-nab-custody-for-14-days-in-money-laundering-case-2919225.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2020, he was temporarily released on parole to attend his mother's funeral prayers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 November 2020|title=Shahbaz, Hamza to be released on parole today|url=https://nation.com.pk/27-Nov-2020/shahbaz-sharif-hamza-to-be-released-on-parole-today|access-date=28 November 2020|website=The Nation|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127084311/https://nation.com.pk/27-Nov-2020/shahbaz-sharif-hamza-to-be-released-on-parole-today|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 April 2021, he was granted bail by the [[Lahore High Court]] in the money laundering case.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LHC approves bail plea of Shehbaz Sharif in money laundering case|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/597231-LHC-Shehbaz-Sharif-bail-plea-money-laundering-case|access-date=14 April 2021|website=Dunya News|date=14 February 2008 |archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414081652/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/597231-LHC-Shehbaz-Sharif-bail-plea-money-laundering-case|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 October 2022, Sharif and his son were acquitted on all charges of corruption and money laundering by the Special Court Central in Lahore.<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{Cite web |title=Pakistani court acquits PM, son in money laundering case |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/12/pakistani-court-acquits-pm-son-in-money-laundering-case |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906030015/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/12/pakistani-court-acquits-pm-son-in-money-laundering-case |archive-date=6 September 2023 |access-date=7 September 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> After the verdict, Sharif's lawyer Amjad Pervez described the case as "totally baseless and politically motivated."<ref name="aljazeera.com"/>
 
== Prime Minister (2022–2023) ==
{{main|Cypher No. I-0678|First premiership of Shehbaz Sharif|First Shehbaz Sharif government}}
 
On 10 April 2022, Sharif was nominated as a candidate for prime minister by opposition parties following the [[no-confidence motion against Imran Khan]] after the [[2022 Pakistani constitutional crisis]].<ref>{{cite web |date=11 April 2022 |title=Pakistan to Vote in New PM as Ousted Khan Rallies Supporters |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-10/pakistan-lawmakers-set-to-vote-in-new-pm-with-close-ties-to-army |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410123200/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-10/pakistan-lawmakers-set-to-vote-in-new-pm-with-close-ties-to-army |archive-date=10 April 2022 |access-date=10 April 2022 |website=Bloomberg News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Shahzad |first1=Asif |last2=Hassan |first2=Syed Raza |date=11 April 2022 |title=Political change in Pakistan as Shehbaz Sharif seeks to become PM |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nominations-pakistan-pm-due-supporters-ousted-khan-expected-protest-2022-04-10/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410134030/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nominations-pakistan-pm-due-supporters-ousted-khan-expected-protest-2022-04-10/ |archive-date=10 April 2022 |access-date=10 April 2022 |newspaper=Reuters |via=www.reuters.com}}</ref> He was elected prime minister on 11 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Opposition Leader, Elected New PM |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/shehbaz-sharif-pakistan-opposition-leader-elected-new-pm-2878194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411115941/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/shehbaz-sharif-pakistan-opposition-leader-elected-new-pm-2878194 |archive-date=11 April 2022 |access-date=11 April 2022 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref name="Elected PM Dawn">{{cite news |date=11 April 2022 |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected prime minister of Pakistan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1684500/shehbaz-sharif-elected-prime-minister-of-pakistan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411121204/https://www.dawn.com/news/1684500/shehbaz-sharif-elected-prime-minister-of-pakistan |archive-date=11 April 2022 |access-date=11 April 2022 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> He took the oath of office on the same day, administered by the Chairman of the Senate, [[Sadiq Sanjrani]], acting for President [[Arif Alvi]], who was on medical leave after complaining of "discomfort".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as prime minister of Pakistan |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/410879-shehbaz-sharif-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-of-pakistan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411161738/https://www.geo.tv/latest/410879-shehbaz-sharif-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-of-pakistan |archive-date=11 April 2022 |accessdate=11 April 2022 |website=www.geo.tv |date=11 April 2022 }}</ref>
 
=== Domestic policy ===
Sharif's main priority upon his ascension as prime minister in 2022 was to resolve the severe [[Pakistani economic crisis (2022–2024)|economic crisis]] that began that year, as rising fuel prices due to the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], excessive borrowing, poor macroeconomic decision-making, a balance of payments crisis, among other factors had accumulated into a severe crisis that strained the nation's economy. Sharif also vowed to investigate [[Cypher No. I-0678|Imran Khan's allegations of American intervention]] to instigate the latter's removal from power, vowing to step down if an "iota of evidence" was found against him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaman |first=Q. |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected as Pakistan's new prime minister |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/11/shehbaz-sharif-elected-as-pakistans-new-prime-minister-2 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Sharif promised to enact electoral reforms to ensure that free and fair elections occurred.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Masood |first1=Salman |last2=Goldbaum |first2=Christina |date=11 April 2022 |title=Shehbaz Sharif Becomes Pakistan's New Prime Minister Amid Turmoil |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/11/world/asia/pakistan-shehbaz-sharif-prime-minister.html |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
 
==== Economic policy ====
{{See also|2022–23 Pakistan federal budget|2023–24 Pakistan federal budget|Pakistani economic crisis (2021–2024)|Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund}}
Soon after Sharif's swearing-in ceremony, the government announced a relief package that included various measures such as raising the minimum wage from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 25,000, subsidising wheat flour, a 10% raise in pensions, and a government employee salary reduction to less than Rs. 100,000 rupees.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected PM, unveils relief package |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/949416-shehbaz-elected-pm-announces-relief-package |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[The News International]] |date=12 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He also revived the [[Benazir Income Support Programme]] for poverty reduction, expanding it to educational aid.<ref name=":1" />
 
In order to resolve skyrocketing fuel prices, Sharif sought to amplify energy production from power projects. He expressed his intentions to resolve the lack of profit from Pakistan's coal of reserves, suggesting that the [[Thar Engro Coal Power Project]] could be connected to other coal-powered plants and amplify production to up to 4,000 [[megawatts]]. Sharif further suggested that the Thar Project could revive the national economy and save the government up to $6 billion as the expenditure on energy imports rose to $24 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BR-ePaper {{!}} 11 October 2022 {{!}} Page Front Page 1 |url=https://epaper.brecorder.com/2022/10/11/1-page/944661-news.html |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=BR-ePaper |language=en}}</ref>
 
Under Sharif's premiership, Pakistan's [[Inflation|inflation rate]] skyrocketed to a multi-decade high of 27.3% in September 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=Pakistan CPI inflation hits multi-decade high 27.3% on year in August|date=1 September 2022|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-cpi-inflation-hits-multi-decade-high-273-year-august-2022-09-01/|publisher=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> and 37.97% in May 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pakistan inflation hits record for second consecutive month|work=Al Jazeera|date=2 June 2023|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/2/pakistan-inflation-hits-record-for-second-consecutive-month}}</ref>
In January 2023, 7 million textile workers became unemployed due to decreasing exports and the government's failure to end the economic crisis.<ref>{{cite web|title=7 million people laid off in textile industry, associations claim|last=Khan|first=Aamir Shafaat|work=Dawn|date=10 January 2023|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1730864}}</ref>
 
Despite negotiations with the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF) for a relief package for Pakistan's economy, the [[Pakistani rupee]] continued to depreciate under Sharif's tenure, with increasing inflation, unemployment, and low profits damaging business in Pakistan. The government's target of $7.7 billion for FY 2023 for foreign commercial loans also slumped, with only $0.2 billion gained from July to October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanif |first=Usman |date=6 December 2022 |title='Pakistan in financial emergency' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2389724/pakistan-in-financial-emergency |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
 
Sharif's government continued negotiations with the IMF for a relief package to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis, with a staff-level agreement reached in June 2023 for a $3 billion stand-by arrangement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IMF Reaches Staff-level Agreement with Pakistan on a US$3 billion Stand-By Arrangement |url=https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2023/06/30/pr23251-imf-reaches-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-on-a-us-3-billion-stand-by-arrangement |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=IMF |language=en}}</ref> In July 2023, the IMF's executive board approved the loan and begin a disbursement of roughly $1.2 billion. To secure the loan, Sharif's government instituted austerity measures in its annual budget, raising taxes by $750 million and hiking its interest rate to 22%, measures to curb inflation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahzad |first=Asif |date=24 June 2023 |title=Pakistan changes budget as dictated by IMF to clinch stalled funds |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/pakistan-reviews-fy2024-budget-last-ditch-effort-clinch-imf-deal-2023-06-24/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rajvanshi |first=Astha |date=11 July 2023 |title=The IMF is Lending $3 Billion to Pakistan-Is it Enough? |url=https://time.com/6293769/imf-loan-pakistan/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}</ref>
 
==== 2022 Pakistan floods ====
{{Main|2022 Pakistan floods}}
In 2022, [[Sindh]] and [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]] received more rainfall than the August average, with 784% and 500% more, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2022 |title=Floods have affected over 30 million in Pakistan: minister |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2373444/floods-have-affected-over-30-million-in-pakistan-minister |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> In addition to this rise in rainfall, southern Pakistan experienced [[2022 heat wave in India and Pakistan|back-to-back heat waves in May and June]] 2022, which were record-setting and made more likely by [[Climate change in Pakistan|climate change]]. These conditions created a strong [[thermal low]] that brought heavier rains than usual. On 25 August 2022, Sharif's government declared a nationwide [[state of emergency]] due to the floods, which killed around 1,700 people and caused over roughly $30–40 billion in damage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bin Javaid |first=Osama |title=Pakistan flood losses estimated at $40bn: Ex-finance minister |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/7/pakistan-flood-losses-estimated-at-40bn-ex-finance-minister |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2025 |title=Analysis of 2022 Pakistan floods identifies recovery strategies |url=https://carnegiescience.edu/news/analysis-2022-pakistan-floods-identifies-recovery-strategies |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=carnegiescience.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's 2022 Floods and Implications for U.S. Interests |url=https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12211 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 October 2022 |title=Study: Pakistan Flood Damages, Economic Losses Exceed $30 Billion |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/study-pakistan-flood-damages-economic-losses-exceed-30-billion-/6810207.html |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://cms.ndma.gov.pk/storage/app/public/situation-reports/November2022/N2n1eEarMt6q6Rb8ZYwn.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128131128/https://cms.ndma.gov.pk/storage/app/public/situation-reports/November2022/N2n1eEarMt6q6Rb8ZYwn.pdf |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=cms.ndma.gov.pk}}</ref>
[[File:2022 Pakistan Floods - August 27, 2021 vs. August 27, 2022 in Sindh.jpg|thumb|Map comparing Sindh from before the 2022 floods and after]]
In response to the floods and farmer sit-ins over electricity and fuel bills, Sharif launched the Kissan Package for farmers' relief, forming a federal committee and unveiling a Rs. 600 billion package.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iqbal |first=Usama |date=5 October 2022 |title=Farmers end sit-in after govt accepts demands |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2380180/farmers-end-sit-in-after-govt-accepts-demands |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Shehzad |first=Rizwan |date=31 October 2022 |title=PM unveils Rs1.8tr mega relief for farmers |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2384058/pm-unveils-rs18tr-mega-relief-for-farmers |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> As a part of this package, the government would provide Rs. 50 billion subsidised loans to young entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector across the country, alongside Rs. 10 billion to small and medium enterprises in the agriculture sector. In addition to these measures, the package rolled out Rs. 5 billion to landless farmers affected by the floods, and the provision of 1.2 million bags of certified seeds to flood-affected farmers. In regards to cost divisions, Sharif stated that the federal government would provide 50% of the contributions while the four provinces would provide the other 50%.<ref name=":2" /> Sharif's government also reduced duties on [[knock-down kit]]s tractor parts from 35% to 15%, and wheat imports were enhanced to 2.6 million tonnes in order to prevent a national wheat shortage. These measures in the Kissan Package were implemented to enhance the agriculture sector and its related sectors such as the fertiliser industry, and particularly to mitigate the harmful economic effects of the floods on the country.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}
 
==== Energy policy ====
{{See also|Global energy crisis (2021–2023)}}
Sharif's ascension as prime minister was also marked by an [[Global energy crisis (2021–2023)|energy crisis in Pakistan]] as a result of a failure to open completed projects and global fuel and energy prices hiking due to the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]] and the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2021 |title=What is behind soaring energy prices and what happens next? – Analysis |url=https://www.iea.org/commentaries/what-is-behind-soaring-energy-prices-and-what-happens-next |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=IEA |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zhang |first1=Qi |last2=Hu |first2=Yi |last3=Jiao |first3=Jianbin |last4=Wang |first4=Shouyang |date=2 January 2024 |title=The impact of Russia–Ukraine war on crude oil prices: an EMC framework |journal=Humanities and Social Sciences Communications |language=en |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–12 |article-number=8 |doi=10.1057/s41599-023-02526-9 |issn=2662-9992|doi-access=free }}</ref> In June 2025, Sharif's government opted out of an [[Liquefied natural gas|LNG]] import of $39.8 per [[MMBTU]] because of its unaffordability, instead relying on nationwide [[loadshedding]]. As a result of this decision, Sharif warned Pakistanis to prepare for loadshedding for the following month as he stated that his government would try and make an energy duel for LNG imports possible.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=ANI |date=28 June 2022 |title=Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warns of increased electricity load shedding in July |url=https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-warns-of-increased-electricity-load-shedding-in-july/1015236/ |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salamat |first=Sajid |date=28 June 2022 |title=PM warns of increased load shedding in country in July |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/959037/pm-warns-of-increased-load-shedding-in-country-in-july/ |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=Daily Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2022 |title=Power Outages May Increase In July: PM Shehbaz |url=https://arab.news/8r3ex |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> In July 2022, Sharif ordered the resumption of energy production from closed power plants such as the [[Punjab Thermal Power Plant]] and the [[Sahiwal Coal Power Project]]. Projects such as these two plants were delayed because of a lack of ownership or the breakdown of contractual commitments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hasnain |first=Khalid |date=4 July 2022 |title=PM Shehbaz orders early resolution of energy crisis |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1698112 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
Under his premiership, Sharif began the transition all government buildings to [[solar power]] to reduce the government's fuel import bill. He added that this move would be an example for the country's provincial governments, urging provincial leaders to follow suit and standardise the use of solar power for government buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=APP |date=27 December 2022 |title='All government buildings to switch to solar power by April' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2393050/all-government-buildings-to-switch-to-solar-power-by-april |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 December 2022 |title=PM announces plan to solarize government buildings by April 2023 |url=https://arab.news/mhrba |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Foreign affairs ===
{{See also|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Shehbaz Sharif}}
[[File:SCO meeting (2022-09-16).jpg|thumb|250px|Sharif at the 2022 [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]] summit in [[Samarkand]], Uzbekistan]] [[File:Secretary Blinken Meets With Pakistani Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari at the Department of State. (52387054371).jpg|thumb|Sharif's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari meets with US Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] in September 2022]]
Sharif's government sought to improve ties with the [[United States]] after strained relations due to [[Lettergate]], despite Pakistan's close ties with [[China]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ali |first=Hasan |date=27 April 2022 |title=Column: Why Pakistan Will Struggle to Mend U.S. Ties |url=https://time.com/6171042/pakistan-us-relations/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}</ref> Sharif met US President [[Joe Biden]] in [[New York City]] in September 2022 during the [[United Nations General Assembly]] annual summit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2024 |title=US says ready to engage with PM Sharif's government to advance 'shared interests' |url=https://arab.news/mfttf |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Arab News PK |language=en}}</ref> During the meeting, Biden pledged support to Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods. In October 2022, President Biden called Pakistan "one of the most dangerous nations in the world" during an address in [[California]]. Sharif and Foreign Minister [[Bilawal Bhutto Zardari]] rejected the statement as baseless, and the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] summoned the US ambassador for an explanation of Biden's remarks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2022 |title=Pakistan hits back at Biden's 'dangerous nation' comment |url=https://apnews.com/article/biden-asia-india-pakistan-xi-jinping-197a7feb7f37869e22e2b02a3c21c8f4 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
 
Sharif also sought closer ties with China and the amplification of the [[China–Pakistan Economic Corridor]]. However, relations grew increasingly complicated due to a rise in attacks on Chinese workers by groups such as the [[Pakistani Taliban]] and [[Balochistan Liberation Army]], as the [[Pakistan Army]] is responsible for the security of CPEC workers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lateef |first=Samaan |date=25 November 2023 |title=Pakistani Taliban threatens to attack China's Belt and Road route unless 'tax' paid |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/11/25/pakistan-taliban-demands-tax-china-extortion-belt-road/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> Sharif visited China on a two-day official visit in November 2022, meeting with Chinese President [[Xi Jinping]] and Premier [[Li Keqiang]], and visiting after the [[20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party]]. Sharif pledged to revitalise CPEC and expand trade.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2022 |title='CPEC revitalisation' in focus as PM Shehbaz reaches China on maiden visit |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1718151 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
Sharif's first visit as prime minister was to [[Saudi Arabia]] in April 2022 on a three-day official visit, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince [[Mohammed bin Salman]]. Sharif's government also secured an $8 billion package from Saudi Arabia in May 2022, alongside an expansion to a $2.4 billion oil financing facility funded by Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan secures $8bn package from Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/954626-pakistan-secures-8bn-package-from-saudi-arabia |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[The News International]] |date=May 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Sharif visited the [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[Qatar]] to secure investments in Pakistan; he expressed his desire to facilitate a strong and healthy business environment in Pakistan for Qatari investors during a Pakistan-Qatar trade and investment roundtable meeting in [[Doha]]; 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2022 |title=PM Shehbaz arrives in Qatar on two-day official visit |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2372710/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-qatar-on-two-day-official-visit |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/05/01/crown-prince-of-abu-dhabi-meets-pakistans-new-prime-minister-shahbaz-sharif/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref>


Shehbaz was elected to the [[Provincial Assembly of the Punjab]] in 1988 and to the [[National Assembly of Pakistan]] in 1990. He was again elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1993 and named [[Leader of the Opposition of Punjab (Pakistan)|Leader of the Opposition]]. He was elected as chief minister of Pakistan's most populous province, [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], for the first time on 20 February 1997. After the [[1999 Pakistani coup d'état]], Shehbaz along with his family spent years of [[self-exile]] in [[Saudi Arabia]], returning to Pakistan in 2007. Shehbaz was appointed Chief Minister for a second term after the PML-N's victory in Punjab province in the [[2008 Pakistani general election]]. He was elected as Chief Minister of Punjab for the third time in the [[2013 Pakistani general election|2013 general election]] and served his term until his party's defeat in the [[2018 Pakistani general election|2018 general election]]. During his tenure as chief minister, Shehbaz enjoyed a reputation as a highly competent and diligent administrator.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/11/shahbaz-sharif-the-diligent-administrator-now-pm-of-pakistan|title=Shehbaz Sharif: the diligent administrator now PM of Pakistan|work=The Guardian|date=12 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411202624/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/11/shahbaz-sharif-the-diligent-administrator-now-pm-of-pakistan|url-status=live}}</ref> He initiated ambitious infrastructure projects in Punjab and was noted for his efficient governance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/11/pakistan-prime-mininster-shehbaz-sharif/|title=What to know about Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's new prime minister|newspaper=Washington Post|date=12 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411193908/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/11/pakistan-prime-mininster-shehbaz-sharif/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61063386|title=Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif chosen as PM after week-long uncertainty|work=BBC|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411191848/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61063386|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/6165802/pakistan-imran-khan-shahbaz-sharif/|title=Pakistan's Parliament Elects Shahbaz Sharif as Prime Minister After Khan Exit|magazine=Time|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411182346/https://time.com/6165802/pakistan-imran-khan-shahbaz-sharif/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shehbaz was nominated as the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-N after his brother, [[Nawaz Sharif]], was disqualified from holding office in the wake of the [[Panama Papers case]]. He was nominated as the Leader of the Opposition after the 2018 election.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 August 2018|title=PML-N chief Shahbaz Sharif set to become leader of opposition in NA|url=https://www.asianage.com/world/south-asia/190818/pml-n-chief-shahbaz-sharif-set-to-become-leader-of-opposition-in-na.html|access-date=28 November 2020|website=The Asian Age|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206192930/https://www.asianage.com/world/south-asia/190818/pml-n-chief-shahbaz-sharif-set-to-become-leader-of-opposition-in-na.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Sharif visited [[Turkey]] and met with Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] on several occasions, seeking to further deepen Pakistan-Turkey relations and enhance trade. He invited Turkey to join CPEC.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=APP |date=25 November 2022 |title=PM Shehbaz invites Turkiye to join CPEC |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1722996 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>


In December 2019, the [[National Accountability Bureau]] (NAB) froze 23 properties belonging to Shehbaz and his son, Hamza Sharif, accusing them of money laundering. On 28 September 2020, NAB arrested Shehbaz at [[Lahore High Court]] and indicted him on charges of money laundering. He was incarcerated pending trial.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Accountability court indicts PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif in money laundering case|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/742234-accountability-court-indicts-pml-n-president-shahbaz-sharif-in-money-laundering-case|access-date=28 November 2020|website=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en|archive-date=21 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121004425/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/742234-accountability-court-indicts-pml-n-president-shahbaz-sharif-in-money-laundering-case|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|date=28 September 2020|title=Shehbaz Sharif arrested after LHC rejects bail in money laundering case|url=https://www.bolnews.com/pakistan/2020/09/shehbaz-sharif-arrested-after-bail-plea-rejected-in-money-laundering-case/|access-date=28 November 2020|website=BOL News|language=en-US|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030134346/https://www.bolnews.com/pakistan/2020/09/shehbaz-sharif-arrested-after-bail-plea-rejected-in-money-laundering-case/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 April 2021, Lahore High Court released him on bail in money laundering reference.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LHC grants bail to Shahbaz Sharif in money laundering reference|url=https://gnnhd.tv/news/1990|access-date=14 April 2021|website=GNewsNetwork – Janta Hai|language=en|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414072541/https://gnnhd.tv/news/1990|url-status=live}}</ref>
Sharif's government also inaugurated a new power transmission line with [[Iran]] during a ceremony in [[Pishin Valley|Pishin]] along the [[Iran–Pakistan border]] with Iranian President [[Ebrahim Raisi]], facilitating the transmission of up to 100 megawatts of Iranian electricity to Pakistan. Sharif's government also remained committed to the construction of an [[Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2023 |title=Iran, Pakistan Open Border Marketplace, Power Transmission Line |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-pakistan-open-border-marketplace-power-transmission-line-/7099169.html |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref>


Amid the [[2020–2022 Pakistani political crises]], he was elected as Prime Minister on 11 April 2022 after the [[no-confidence motion against Imran Khan]].
Sharif visited the [[United Kingdom]] during the [[Funeral of Elizabeth II|funeral]] of [[Elizabeth II]] in September 2022 as the [[head of government]] of a [[Commonwealth republic]], offering condolences to [[Charles III]] and meeting with British prime minister [[Liz Truss]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2022 |title=PM Shehbaz meets King Charles, condoles Queen Elizabeth's death |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1710913 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> Sharif again visited the United Kingdom for the [[Coronation of Charles III and Camilla|coronation]] of Charles III and [[Queen Camilla]], attending the ceremony at [[Westminster Abbey]] and meeting with British prime minister [[Rishi Sunak]].<ref>{{Cite web |agency=APP |date=6 May 2023 |title=PM joins world leaders to witness Charles coronation |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2415443/pm-joins-world-leaders-to-witness-charles-coronation |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2023 |title=PM Shehbaz arrives in London to attend King Charles III's coronation |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1750713 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Family and personal life==
== Between premierships ==
===Early life and education===
{{See also|2022–2025 Pakistan political unrest|2024 Pakistani general election}}
Shehbaz was born on 23 September 1951<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017" /><ref name="hindustantimes/29july2017">{{cite news|title=Who are Shehbaz Sharif and Khaqan Abbasi, PLM-N's replacements for Nawaz Sharif as Pakistan PM|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/meet-shehbaz-sharif-and-khaqan-abbasi-pml-n-s-replacements-for-nawaz-sharif/story-PCWyz9kaTrFPpC6yVYAVoO.html|access-date=30 July 2017|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=29 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729145740/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/meet-shehbaz-sharif-and-khaqan-abbasi-pml-n-s-replacements-for-nawaz-sharif/story-PCWyz9kaTrFPpC6yVYAVoO.html|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=If elections are held on time…|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/404658|access-date=4 December 2017|work=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205143518/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/404658|archive-date=5 December 2017}}</ref> and belongs to the [[Sharif family]], a [[Kashmiris in Punjab|Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri]] political family in [[Lahore]], [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], Pakistan.<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /> His father, [[Muhammad Sharif]], was an upper-middle-class businessman and industrialist whose family had emigrated from [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]] in Kashmir for business, and eventually settled in the village of [[Jati Umra (Amritsar)|Jati Umra]] in [[Amritsar district]], Punjab, at the beginning of the twentieth century. His mother's family came from [[Pulwama]].<ref>{{cite news|title=As Nawaz Sharif becomes PM, Kashmir gets voice in Pakistan power circuit – Indian Express|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/as-nawaz-sharif-becomes-pm-kashmir-gets-voice-in-pakistan-power-circuit/1125778/|access-date=29 July 2017|work=archive.indianexpress.com|language=en-gb|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304231702/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/as-nawaz-sharif-becomes-pm-kashmir-gets-voice-in-pakistan-power-circuit/1125778/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> Following the [[partition of India]] and Pakistan's independence in 1947, his parents migrated from Amritsar to Lahore.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lieven|first1=Anatol|title=Pakistan: A Hard Country|date=2011|publisher=PublicAffairs|isbn=9781610390231|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fEZt49MVZIAC&pg=PA244|access-date=23 July 2017|language=en|archive-date=6 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506062703/https://books.google.com/books?id=fEZt49MVZIAC&pg=PA244|url-status=live}}</ref> He attended [[St. Anthony High School, Lahore]].
On 9 August 2023, Sharif suggested the dissolution of parliament to President [[Arif Alvi]], three days before the end of its term.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahzad |first=Asif |date=4 August 2023 |title=Pakistan prime minister proposes parliament dissolution on Aug. 9 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-pm-proposes-parliament-dissolution-aug-9-sources-2023-08-04/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> On 14 August, the 76th [[Independence Day (Pakistan)|independence day]] of Pakistan, Sharif's term ended as prime minister and [[Anwaar ul Haq Kakar]] was appointed [[Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan|caretaker prime minister]] until a general election would be held.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Nadir Guramani |date=14 August 2023 |title=Anwaarul Haq Kakar sworn in as Pakistan's 8th interim prime minister |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1770080 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>


Shehbaz received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the [[Government College University (Lahore)|Government College University]], Lahore.<ref name="pap/profile" />
[[File:PML(N) welcome rally for Nawaz Sharif.png|thumb|PML(N) supporters during the party's welcome rally in Lahore for Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan. October 2023]]
On 21 October 2023, Sharif welcomed the return of his brother, Nawaz Sharif, to Pakistan after four years of self-imposed exile. Nawaz returned to Pakistan after obtaining protective bail two days prior, which allowed him to return without being arrested. Nawaz's acquisition of protective bail was a result of the Shehbaz government's adoption of a law which allowed for review petitions against previous Supreme Court verdicts to be filed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 May 2023 |title=New review law stuns top court |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2419137/new-review-law-stuns-top-court |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Shehbaz was a part of the PML(N) welcome rally for Nawaz in Lahore, where tens of thousands of PML(N) supporters awaited Nawaz's arrival.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Azaz Syed |author2=Rhea Mogul |author3=Sophia Saifi |date=21 October 2023 |title=Pakistan's former leader Nawaz Sharif returns after nearly four years in self-exile |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/21/asia/nawaz-sharif-returns-pakistan-intl-hnk |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2023 |title=Fugitive Ex-Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif Returns From Self-Exile |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/fugitive-ex-pakistani-pm-nawaz-sharif-returns-from-self-exile/7320762.html |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref>


After graduation, he joined his family-owned [[Ittefaq Group]]. He was elected president of [[Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry]] in 1985.<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /><ref name="dawn/25april2013" />
On 22 December 2023, the [[Election Commission of Pakistan]] ruled that the PTI would not be allowed to use its party symbol in the upcoming elections, citing that the party failed to hold intra-party elections up to the commission's standards. This decision was widely controversial and viewed as pre-poll rigging by eliminating PTI opposition, thus clearing the way for Nawaz Sharif to win the election and become prime minister with ease.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Al Jazeera Staff |title=Imran Khan's party loses its symbol, how will it affect Pakistan elections? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/23/pakistan-ex-pms-party-loses-election-symbol-will-it-hurt-its-prospects |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2024 |title=Pakistan's PTI Barred From Using Cricket Bat Electoral Symbol |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-pti-barred-from-using-cricket-bat-electoral-symbol-/7439552.html |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahzad |first=Asif |date=14 January 2024 |title=Pakistan's Imran Khan's party loses cricket bat electoral symbol |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistans-imran-khans-party-loses-cricket-bat-electoral-symbol-2024-01-14/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 January 2024 |title=Pakistan: Imran Khan's party loses cricket bat electoral symbol |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/13/pakistan-imran-khans-party-loses-cricket-bat-electoral-symbol |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


=== Family ===
A [[2024 Pakistani general election|general election]] was held on 8 February 2024, with Nawaz Sharif serving as the PML(N) candidate for prime minister. However, Nawaz did not get his projected easy victory as PTI candidates, running as independents, managed to secure the most seats.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=David Shortell |author2=Sophia Saifi |date=9 February 2024 |title=In shock result, allies of jailed ex-leader Imran Khan win most seats in Pakistan election |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/09/asia/pakistan-election-nawaz-sharif-intl |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's PTI-linked independents lead in final election count |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/11/pakistan-election-results-put-imran-khans-independents-in-lead |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> The PML(N) won the second most seats while the PPP won the third most; however, neither the independent candidates or the two largest parties were able to secure the 169 seats needed for a majority. On 20 February, the PML(N) and PPP formed a minority coalition government, and Shehbaz was chosen as the prime ministerial candidate over Nawaz. As a part of the coalition arrangement, senior PPP leader [[Asif Ali Zardari]], was chosen as the coalition's candidate for president. The general election was marred with controversy as [[The Establishment (Pakistan)|Pakistan's military establishment]] was accused of rigging the election to prevent the PTI from winning. International media also denounced the election while members of the international community voiced concern over its fairness.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistan's generals look increasingly desperate |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/03/14/pakistans-generals-look-increasingly-desperate |access-date=27 June 2025 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2024 |title=What the international media had to say about the elections that were everything but predictable |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813311 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 February 2024 |title=The 'generals' elections' in Pakistan that turned against the military |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240209-the-generals-elections-that-turned-against-pakistan-s-military |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Ryan Grim |author2=Murtaza Hussain |date=28 February 2024 |title=Members of Congress Demand Biden Withhold Recognition of Coalition Claiming Power in Pakistan |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/02/28/congress-pakistan-election-recognition/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Intercept |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=10 February 2024 |title=Pakistan army chief calls for unity as election fails to produce clear winner |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/10/pakistan-army-chief-calls-for-unity-as-election-fails-to-produce-clear-winner |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
{{See also|Sharif family}}
 
He has two brothers, [[Abbas Sharif]] and [[Nawaz Sharif]]. Nawaz is a three-time elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. His sister-in-law, [[Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif]], was the First Lady of Pakistan for three non-consecutive terms.
== Prime Minister (2024–present) ==
{{See also|Second Shehbaz Sharif government}}
On 3 March 2024, Sharif was re-elected as prime minister of Pakistan for a second term after a controversial general election, as he received 201 votes against 92 votes for the PTI candidate, [[Omar Ayub Khan]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Shewta |date=3 March 2024 |title=Shehbaz Sharif returns as Pakistan prime minister amid chaotic scenes in parliament |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/pakistan-new-prime-minister-shehbaz-sharif-b2506134.html}}</ref> He formed a [[minority government]] with the [[Pakistan People's Party]], [[Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan]], the [[Pakistan Muslim League (Q)]], the [[Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party]], and the [[Balochistan Awami Party]].<ref name="form a coalition">{{Cite web |date=14 February 2024 |title=Pakistan's former premier Sharif and allies agree to form a coalition |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-main-party-challenge-imran-khan-75f23a7abec21d385c129c7133a78665 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214123259/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-main-party-challenge-imran-khan-75f23a7abec21d385c129c7133a78665 |archive-date=14 February 2024 |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Shehbaz prevails">{{Cite web |date=14 February 2024 |title=Shehbaz prevails in race for PM House |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1814088/shehbaz-prevails-in-race-for-pm-house |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214123331/https://www.dawn.com/news/1814088/shehbaz-prevails-in-race-for-pm-house |archive-date=14 February 2024 |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Economy ===
{{See also|2024–25 Pakistan federal budget|Uraan Pakistan}}
[[File:Economic Cooperation Organization July 2025 - 1751655104B.jpg|thumb|With Azerbaijani President [[Ilham Aliyev]] and Turkish President [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] during the 17th summit of the [[Economic Cooperation Organization]], July 2025]]
Immediately after his swearing-in ceremony, Sharif directed preparations for a national action plan to amplify economic revival. As a part of this plan, Sharif initiated talks with the IMF for a loan agreement and ordered the [[Federal Board of Revenue]] (FBR) to clear tax refunds worth Rs. 65 billion. He also stated that state-owned institutions that caused heavy losses for the government would be privatised, and that the gas sector would adopt [[smart meter]]ing to reduce line losses.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz directs preparation of action plan to revive economy |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/03/05/pm-shehbaz-directs-preparation-of-action-plan-to-revive-economy/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Shehbaz Sharif urges consultation with international experts for economic stability |url=https://mettisglobal.news/pm-shehbaz-sharif-urges-consultation-with-international-experts-for-economic-stability/pm-shehbaz-sharif-urges-consultation-with-international-experts-for-economic-stability |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=mettisglobal.news |language=en}}</ref> Sharif appointed [[Muhammad Aurangzeb]], former president of [[Habib Bank Limited]] and [[JPMorgan Chase|JPMorgan]] banker, as [[Finance minister of Pakistan|finance minister]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shahid |first=Ariba |date=11 March 2024 |title=CEO of Pakistan's largest bank picked to lead country out of economic crisis |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/ceo-pakistans-largest-bank-picked-lead-country-out-economic-crisis-2024-03-11/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 April 2024 |title=Who is Muhammad Aurangzeb, the ex-JPMorgan banker to become Pakistan's new finance minister for 'no salary' |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/who-is-muhammad-aurangzeb-pakistan-new-finance-minister-ex-jp-morgan-banker-pakistan-economy-imf-inflation-islamabad-11712660802353.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327141435/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/who-is-muhammad-aurangzeb-pakistan-new-finance-minister-ex-jp-morgan-banker-pakistan-economy-imf-inflation-islamabad-11712660802353.html |archive-date=27 March 2025 |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=mint |language=en}}</ref>
 
Sharif's government negotiated a bailout agreement with the IMF in July 2024, and secured a $7 billion loan from the IMF in September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2024 |title=Pakistan reaches new $7 billion loan deal with IMF |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imf-loan-deal-f6e5b227e575e30993da3328c64f9410 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2024 |title=The IMF approves a $7 billion loan for Pakistan, which will get $1 billion immediately |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imf-new-loan-board-of-executive-approved-3133c62867d5d60ec033e721daf7fead |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> However, the government raised taxes by 40% as a part of a new tax scheme to comply with strict IMF regulations. Despite the rise of taxes for Pakistan's middle class, Sharif failed to cut state expenses after a new fiscal year in July 2024. The government also included private companies into the new tax scheme, bumping up exporters' tax rate from 1% to 29%, in addition to a corporate tax of 30%, the highest in South Asia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Protests in Pakistan after govt raises taxes by 40% under IMF bailout |url=https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/protests-in-pakistan-after-regime-raise-taxes-by-40-under-imf-bailout-124100800380_1.html |website=Business Standard}}</ref>
 
Sharif's government created a comprehensive [[Five-Year Plans of Pakistan|five-year plan]] for economic development, titled the “[[Uraan Pakistan]]: Homegrown National Economic Plan.” As a part of this plan, the government vowed to enhance export-led growth, expand the digital and technology sectors, and address economic challenges through what it described as the "five Es: Exports; E-Pakistan; Equity and Empowerment; Environment, Food and Water Security; and Energy and Infrastructure."<ref>{{Cite web |agency=APP  |date=31 December 2024 |title=Govt unveils 'Uraan Pakistan' 5-year transformation plan for economy |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1882254 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Batool |first=Syeda Amnah |date=12 January 2025 |title=Uraan Pakistan: A pathway to economic renaissance |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2521648/uraan-pakistan-a-pathway-to-economic-renaissance |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> The plan also established quantitative targets, particularly achieving a 6% annual GDP growth by 2028, the creation of 1 million jobs per year, boosting exports to $60 billion annually by 2028, and $10 billion worth of private investment annually.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 2025 |title=PM unveils economic turnaround plan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2519387/pm-unveils-economic-turnaround-plan |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> The plan also envisaged Pakistan to emerge as a [[Trillion dollar club (macroeconomics)|trillion dollar economy]] by 2035.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shehbaz launches ambitious five-year plan to revitalise economy |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1267334-shehbaz-launches-ambitious-5-year-plan-to-revitalize-economy |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The News International |date=January 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
 
Despite big claims of austerity, Sharif's government has increased the salaries of ministers and advisers by 188%, to Rs519,000 per month while the common public was struggling financially and being told to spend less.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ministers get staggering 188% salary bump|work=[[The Express Tribune]]|date=22 March 2025|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2535776}}</ref>
 
Sharif's government has undertaken the privatisation of over 50 [[state-owned enterprise]]s (SOEs), except "strategic ones," in three phases within the next four years of office, beginning in May 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2024 |title=Pakistan to privatize all state-owned enterprises, except strategic enterprises |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/pakistan-to-privatize-all-state-owned-enterprises-except-strategic-enterprises/articleshow/110115510.cms |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The large-scale privatisation of SOEs was a recommendation by the IMF because these SOEs hold sizeable assets in Pakistan; however, they have low employment and are cash-bleeding with over half of SOEs in Pakistan operating at a loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2024 |title=Pakistan to sell all SOEs except strategic ones: PM |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466505/pakistan-to-sell-all-soes-except-strategic-ones-pm |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Jahangir |date=12 May 2025 |title=24 state-owned enterprises to be privatised in three phases, NA told |url=https://arynews.tv/pakistan-privatization-2025-list-of-enterprises-scheduled-for-sale/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=ARY NEWS |language=en-US}}</ref> That month, inflation slowed down to 3.5%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 June 2025 |title=Pakistan inflation inches up 3.5% year-on-year in May 2025 |url=https://arab.news/97ea7 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>
 
In March 2026, Sharif announced emergency energy-saving measures, including a four-day work week and school closures, in response to [[Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war|rising global fuel prices]] caused by the [[2026 Iran war|U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Trump’s war in Iran threatens to cause an economic shock – but which countries will be worst hit? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/trump-war-iran-oil-crisis-economy-asia-india-pakistan-b2942479.html |work=The Independent |date=21 March 2026}}</ref>
 
=== Youth empowerment ===
{{Main|Prime Minister's Youth Programme}}
Sharif's government has promoted youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. On [[International Youth Day]] in 2024, Sharif announced an Rs.100 billion boost for over 300,000 young entrepreneurs as a part of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, in addition to the launch of several youth empowerment schemes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz Sharif announces Rs100b boost for 300,000 young entrepreneurs |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487422/pm-shehbaz-sharif-announces-rs100b-boost-for-300000-young-entrepreneurs |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> He also announced that the government would provide 1 million smartphones, tablets, and laptops to students across the country on the basis of merit, alongside personally funding the education of 1,000 graduates of [[agriculture]] in China.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz launches several key initiatives for youth |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/13-Aug-2024/pm-shehbaz-launches-several-key-initiatives-for-youth |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref>  Sharif also created a youth employment action plan across Pakistan. As a part of this plan, a laptop scheme provided over 600,000 laptops on the basis of merit to young Pakistanis, in addition to youth training initiatives across 268 universities across the country under the Prime Minister Green Youth Program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz unveils action plan to boost youth employment across Pakistan |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/07/25/pm-shehbaz-unveils-action-plan-to-boost-youth-employment-across-pakistan/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raza |first=Syed Irfan |date=7 March 2025 |title=PM approves plan to train youth according to market needs |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1896259 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> Sharif also formed the [[National Youth Council]], composed of 113 youth representatives (aged 10–29), aimed at amplifying youth development and integrating young Pakistanis into policy-making.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz Sharif forms national youth council to empower youth |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/20-Dec-2024/pm-shehbaz-sharif-forms-national-youth-council-to-empower-youth |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
=== Healthcare ===
On [[World Health Day]] in 2024, Sharif vowed to expand medical facilities across Pakistan to be accessible for all people, partnering with provincial governments to upgrade and establish medical facilities, launch mobile health clinics, and ensure cost-free treatment for lower-and-middle class families.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2024 |title=PM vows medical access for all |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462038/pm-vows-medical-access-for-all |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Sharif also ordered the use of advanced technology to advance digitised health reforms across the country, alongside the creation of oversight mechanisms to crack down on healthcare violations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raza |first=Syed Irfan |date=20 June 2025 |title=PM Shehbaz pushes health reforms with digitisation, WHO accreditation |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1918304 |access-date=8 November 2025 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Shehbaz Sharif at opening ceremony of COP29 Baku, Azerbaijan (3).jpg|thumb|At the opening ceremony of [[COP29]] with Azerbaijani President [[Ilham Aliyev]] and United Nations Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] in [[Baku]], November 2024]]


Shehbaz married Nusrat Shehbaz<ref name="dawn/3jan2014">{{cite news |author1=Iftikhar A. Khan |author2=Kalbe Ali |title=The mystery of Raiwind palace ownership |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1078082 |work=DAWN |date=3 January 2014 |language=en |url-status=live |access-date=23 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723012258/https://www.dawn.com/news/1078082 |archive-date=23 July 2017 }}</ref> in 1973. They had four children: Salman, [[Hamza Shahbaz Sharif|Hamza]] and twin sisters, Javeria and Rabia.<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017">{{cite news|title=Profile of Shehbaz Sharif|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/07/30/profile-of-shehbaz-sharif/|access-date=28 December 2017|work=Pakistan Today|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228173849/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/07/30/profile-of-shehbaz-sharif/|archive-date=28 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz's family arrives|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/396797/shahbaz-s-family-arrives|access-date=23 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=19 September 2004|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205522/https://www.dawn.com/news/396797/shahbaz-s-family-arrives|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>
=== Environment ===
At the [[2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference]] in [[Baku]] in November 2024, Sharif presented Pakistan’s priorities for climate, emphasising the need for global "climate justice."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Muqadas |first=Urooj |date=28 February 2025 |title=COP '29: Prospects and the Way Forward for Pakistan |url=https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/02/28/cop-29-prospects-and-the-way-forward-for-pakistan/ |access-date=8 November 2025 |website=Modern Diplomacy |language=en-US}}</ref> Moreover, he revealed his government's National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS), which sought to reduce Pakistan's greenhouse gas emissions to 50% of the national economy, leveraging 60% of clean energy resources, and shifting 30% of vehicles to [[Electric vehicle|electric vehicles]] (EVs) by 2030.<ref name=":3" />


In 2003, Shehbaz married his second wife [[Tehmina Durrani]].<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017" /><ref name="dailytimes.com.pk">{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_24-2-2005_pg1_5 |title=Shehbaz confirms marriage to Tehmina |work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)]] |date=24 February 2005 |access-date=29 July 2017 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050517191744/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_24-2-2005_pg1_5 |archive-date=17 May 2005 }}</ref> He lives at his ancestral home in Lahore, [[Raiwind Palace]].
Sharif's government has enhanced climate cooperation with international partners including through the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]]'s Green Belt Programme and the [[Mangrove]] Sustainability Initiative, a project to protect, restore, and manage mangrove ecosystems across the globe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alam |first=Romina Khursheed |date=7 February 2025 |title=Translating policies into climate resilience |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1890339 |access-date=8 November 2025 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref>


===Wealth===
=== Constitutional changes ===
Shehbaz is a businessman by profession<ref name="dawn/13jan2012">{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/687800|access-date=23 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=13 January 2012|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728201508/https://www.dawn.com/news/687800|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> and jointly owns [[Ittefaq Group]],<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /> a multimillion-dollar steel conglomerate.<ref name="baker">{{cite book |title=Capitalism's Achilles heel: Dirty Money and How to Renew the Free-market System |last=Baker |first=Raymond |year=2005 |publisher=John Wiley and Sons |isbn=978-0-471-64488-0 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/capitalismsachil00raym/page/82 82]–83 |url=https://archive.org/details/capitalismsachil00raym |url-access=registration |access-date=29 July 2017 }}</ref>
{{Main|Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan|Twenty-seventh Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan}}
In September 2024, Sharif's government announced a "Constitutional Package" which would create a new [[Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan|Federal Constitutional Court]]. This new court would handle petitions pertaining strictly to interpretations of constitutional clauses. The package also included raising the retirement age of judges in the proposed Constitutional Court to 68, while other judges in Pakistan are required to retire by 65. The package also included a clause that would rule individual legislators' votes against their respective parties as void.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=What are Pakistan's controversial constitutional amendments about? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/17/what-are-pakistans-controversial-constitutional-amendments-about |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> In October 2024, Parliament passed the [[Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan|Twenty-sixth Amendment]], which expanded parliamentary powers, particularly allowing a parliamentary committee to select the Supreme Court's chief justice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan passes amendment empowering parliament to pick top judge |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/21/pakistan-passes-amendment-empowering-parliament-to-pick-top-judge |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> The new amendment was heavily criticised as attacking judicial independence, particularly amplifying judicial action against the PTI and other political opponents. According to the [[New York City Bar Association]], the amendment undermined the [[separation of powers]] and judicial independence in Pakistan, hindering the impartiality of the judiciary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=On the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan |url=https://www.nycbar.org/press-releases/on-the-26th-amendment-to-the-constitution-of-pakistan/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=New York City Bar Association |language=en-US}}</ref>


In 2013, it was noted that Shehbaz is wealthier than his elder brother Nawaz with {{Pakistani Rupee|336900000|link=yes|round=yes}} ({{PKRConvert/USD|336900000}}).<ref>{{cite web|title=Leaders' wealth — Shahbaz richer than Nawaz|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1014984|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|access-date=23 August 2017|date=21 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824052844/https://www.dawn.com/news/1014984|archive-date=24 August 2017}}</ref>
In November 2025, Parliament passed the [[twenty-seventh Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan]] proposed by Sharif's government, which asserted the authority of the Federal Constitutional Court—in which judges are selected by the executive branch, and modified Pakistan's military structure.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Baloch |first2=Shah Meer |date=12 November 2025 |title=Pakistani parliament votes to give army chief new powers and legal immunity |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/12/pakistan-parliament-constitutional-amendment-bill-asim-munir-supreme-court |access-date=13 November 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The amendment created the post of [[Chief of Defence Forces (Pakistan)|Chief of Defence Forces]]—given to Field Marshal [[Asim Munir]]—which oversees all three branches of the [[Pakistan Armed Forces]], and provides Munir with lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution.<ref name=":4" /> The [[Human Rights Commission of Pakistan]] questioned the government's urgency in passing the amendment, while [[Reema Omer]], a legal adviser for the [[International Commission of Jurists]], warned that the new amendment only emboldens the executive and legislative branches, weakening the authority of the judiciary and degrading any balance of power within the government.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=How would Pakistan's 27th Amendment reshape its military and courts? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/11/how-would-pakistans-27th-amendment-reshape-its-military-and-courts |access-date=17 November 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> She described the amendment as a "constitutional surrender."<ref name=":5" />


==Early political career==
=== Counterterrorism initiatives ===
Shehbaz began his political career after getting elected to the [[Provincial Assembly of Punjab]] from Constituency PP-122 (Lahore-VII) as a candidate of [[Islami Jamhoori Ittehad]] (JI) in [[1988 Pakistani general election|1988 general election]].<ref name="dawn/25april2013">{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1024486|access-date=22 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=25 April 2013|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203647/https://www.dawn.com/news/1024486|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="ecp/pa88-97">{{cite web|title=Election result Punjab Assembly 1988–97|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/Punjab.pdf|publisher=ECP|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830191836/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/Punjab.pdf|archive-date=30 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="thenews/1june2013">{{cite news|title=16 old, seven new faces from Lahore to take oath today|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/434107-16-old-seven-new-faces-from-lahore-to-take-oath-today|access-date=23 July 2017|work=www.thenews.com.pk|date=1 June 2013|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728210259/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/434107-16-old-seven-new-faces-from-lahore-to-take-oath-today|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> He secured 22,372 votes and defeated a candidate of [[Pakistan Peoples Party]] (PPP).<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> However his term prematurely ended in 1990 when the assemblies were dissolved.<ref name="pap/profile">{{cite web|title=Profile|url=http://www.pap.gov.pk/index.php/members/profile/en/20/1009|website=www.pap.gov.pk|publisher=Provincial Assembly of The Punjab|access-date=22 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805070607/http://www.pap.gov.pk/index.php/members/profile/en/20/1009|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="dawn/2aug2008">{{cite news|title=Opinion|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1071420/dawn-opinion-august-02-2008|access-date=22 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=2 August 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203713/https://www.dawn.com/news/1071420/dawn-opinion-august-02-2008|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>
{{Main|Operation Azm-e-Istehkam}}
In June 2024, Sharif chaired a meeting of the Apex Committee on the [[National Action Plan (Pakistan)|National Action Plan]] in [[Islamabad]], and announced the launch of [[Operation Azm-e-Istehkam]], a major [[counterterrorism]] initiative that involved both military action and socioeconomic development to hinder the spread of radicalism and [[terrorism]] in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt approves "Operation Azm-e-Istehkam" to eliminate terrorism |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/23-06-2024/no-one-will-be-allowed-to-challenge-writ-of-state-nap-apex-committee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623231023/https://www.radio.gov.pk/23-06-2024/no-one-will-be-allowed-to-challenge-writ-of-state-nap-apex-committee |archive-date=23 June 2024 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=www.radio.gov.pk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title='Azm-e-Istehkam': Can new Pakistani military operation curb armed attacks? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/24/azm-e-istehkam-can-new-pakistani-military-operation-curb-armed-attacks |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> The launch of the operation came amidst a rise in terrorism in Pakistan in the aftermath of the [[Taliban takeover|Taliban takeover of Afghanistan]], with militant groups such as the Pakistani Taliban taking shelter in [[Afghanistan]] to use it as a base for attacks on Pakistani security forces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2024 |title=UN: Afghan Taliban increase support for anti-Pakistan TTP terrorists |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/un-afghan-taliban-increase-support-for-anti-pakistan-ttp-terrorists/7694324.html |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Is Pakistan Poised to Take on the TTP? |url=https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/02/pakistan-poised-take-ttp |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=United States Institute of Peace |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan: Why are militant attacks on the rise? – DW – 09/12/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-why-are-militant-attacks-on-the-rise/a-70197380 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref>


He was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from Constituency PP-124 (Lahore-IX) as a candidate of IJI in [[1990 Pakistani general election|1990 general election]]. He received 26,408 votes and defeated a candidate of [[Pakistan Democratic Alliance]] (PDA).<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> In the same election, he was elected to the [[National Assembly of Pakistan]] from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of IJI. He secured 54,506 votes and defeated [[Jehangir Bader]].<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="ecp/na-88-97">{{cite web|title=Election result National Assembly 1988–97|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/NA.pdf|publisher=ECP|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828225608/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/NA.pdf|archive-date=28 August 2017}}</ref>
Sharif's government has [[State-sponsored terrorism#India|repeatedly accused India]] of financially supporting the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups that operate in [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] and [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quillen |first=Stephen |title=Dozens killed as Pakistani army, fighters clash near Afghan border |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/8/dozens-killed-as-pakistani-army-fighters-clash-near-afghan-border |access-date=9 October 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> describing the Pakistani Taliban as ''Fitna-al-khawarij'' ({{lit|Conflict of [[Kharijites]]}}) and Baloch rebel groups as ''Fitna-al-Hindustan'' ({{lit|Conflict of India}}).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Sanaullah |date=31 July 2025 |title=Govt acting on comprehensive and effective strategy to completely eliminate terrorist outfits: PM Shehbaz |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1927838 |access-date=9 October 2025 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref>
He vacated the Provincial Punjab Assembly seat to retain his National Assembly seat.<ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> His term prematurely ended in 1993<ref name="pap/profile" /> when the assemblies were dissolved.<ref name="dawn/2aug2008" />


He was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from Constituency PP-125 (Lahore-X) as a candidate of [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]] (PML-N) in [[1993 Pakistani general election|1993 general election]].<ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> He received 28,068 votes and defeated a candidate of PPP.<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of PML-N. He secured 55,867 votes and defeated [[Yousuf Salahuddin]].<ref name="ecp/na-88-97" /> He vacated the National Assembly seat and retained his Provincial Punjab Assembly seat.<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /> Shortly after the election, he was elected Leader of Opposition in the Provincial Assembly of Punjab.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> During his tenure as leader of the opposition, he remained in the United Kingdom for some years due for medical treatment. In his absence, [[Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi]] was made acting leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /><ref name="dawn/29nov2002">{{cite news|title=Pervaiz pledges to uproot corruption|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/69023/pervaiz-pledges-to-uproot-corruption|access-date=23 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=29 November 2002|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305041659/https://www.dawn.com/news/69023/pervaiz-pledges-to-uproot-corruption|archive-date=5 March 2017}}</ref> His term as Member of the Punjab Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition prematurely ended in November 1996<ref name="pap/profile" /> when the assemblies were dissolved.<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="dawn/2aug2008" />
Sharif condemned the [[2025 Jaffar Express hijacking|hijacking of the ''Jaffar Express'']] on 11 March 2025, describing it as a 'cowardly act.' He stated that the perpetrators, whom he identified as members of the [[Balochistan Liberation Army]] (BLA), were enemies of the province's development and reaffirmed the government's resolve to eliminate terrorism from the region.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 March 2025 |title=Leaders condemn assault on train passengers |work=The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2533801/leaders-condemn-assault-on-train-passengers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313012720/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2533801/leaders-condemn-assault-on-train-passengers |archive-date=13 March 2025 |access-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>  


== Chief minister of Punjab ==
=== Democratic backsliding ===
[[File:Shehbaz Sharif meets Putin (2024-07-03) (2).jpg|thumb|Shehbaz meeting with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] at the [[2024 Astana SCO summit]] in Astana, Kazakhstan]]
Immediately after becoming prime minister for his second term, PTI supporters across Pakistan began major protests and demonstrations on 11 March, calling for Sharif's removal from office on allegations of electoral rigging in the 2024 general election. These protests also called for the restoration of the PTI's "stolen mandate" and the release of senior PTI leaders, including Imran Khan and [[Shah Mahmood Qureshi]]. In response to these protests, the [[Pakistani police]] launched a large-scale national crackdown, arresting and attacking PTI protestors.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Pakistan police crack down on PTI protests over alleged rigging in election |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/11/pakistan-police-crack-down-on-pti-protests-over-alleged-rigging-in-election |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref>


{{main|Chief Ministership of Shehbaz Sharif}}
On 15 July 2024, Information Minister [[Attaullah Tarar]] announced that the government was considering a ban on the PTI, citing the violent [[2023 Pakistani protests]] and the PTI allegedly "leaking classified information."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=What's behind Pakistan's move to ban Imran Khan's PTI? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/18/whats-behind-pakistans-move-to-ban-imran-khans-pti |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> The plan to ban the PTI received large-scale backlash from both inside Pakistan and internationally, with several prominent politicians, journalists, and lawyers condemning the move.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Nadir Guramani |date=15 July 2024 |title=Ridiculous and desperate': Lawyers, journalists, politicians react to govt's decision to ban PTI |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1845977 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Dawn}}</ref> According to the [[Brookings Institution]], the move against the PTI revealed the government's "weakness and political insecurity," and the move comes during a period where the [[judiciary of Pakistan]] is experiencing increasing state pressure to crack down on political opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In its battle against PTI, Pakistan's new government exposes its own weakness |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/in-its-battle-against-pti-pakistans-new-government-exposes-its-own-weakness/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Brookings}}</ref>


===First term as Chief Minister of Punjab===
Sharif's government continued the unofficial ban on social media platform [[Twitter]] (X) imposed by the [[Kakar caretaker government]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan says it blocked social media platform X over 'national security' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/17/pakistan-says-it-blocked-social-media-platform-x-over-national-security |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 November 2024 |title=Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Donald Trump on X, gets community note for 'unlawful' activity: Here's why |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-congratulates-donald-trump-on-x-gets-community-note-for-unlawful-activity-heres-why/articleshow/115116988.cms?from=mdr |access-date=3 December 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> and installed an internet [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]]. The firewall was created by the government in order to block content that it deemed as [[propaganda]]. The firewall was widely criticised for [[Censorship in Pakistan|censorship]]. Furthermore, the internet firewall project was estimated to cost $300 Million. The firewall negatively affected businesses in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan installs firewall in censorship drive, hitting businesses |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Telecommunication/Pakistan-installs-firewall-in-censorship-drive-hitting-businesses |access-date=25 October 2024 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tahir |first=Nabil |date=7 September 2024 |title=Pakistan's Firewall: Explained|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2494442/pakistans-firewall-explained |access-date=25 October 2024 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>


He was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from Constituency PP-125 (Lahore-X) as a candidate of PML-N in [[1997 Pakistani general election|1997 general election]].<ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> He received 25,013 votes and defeated a candidate of PPP.<ref name="ecp/pa88-97" /> In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of PML-N. He secured 47,614 votes and defeated [[Hanif Ramay]].<ref name="ecp/na-88-97" /> He was elected as the [[List of Chief Ministers of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]] for the first time and was sworn in as 13th Chief Minister of Punjab on 20 February 1997.<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" />
=== Civil-military relations ===
[[File:P20250925DT-0714 President Donald Trump meets with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan.jpg|thumb|With Chief of Army Staff [[Asim Munir]] at the [[White House]], September 2025]]
During his premiership, Sharif has maintained positive relations with the [[Pakistani military]]. Sharif publicly stated that his government and the military were “on the same page” regarding all key national issues, including national security, counterterrorism, and economic development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Saad |date=29 September 2025 |title='We are on same page': PM on civil-military coordination |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1347210-we-consult-on-every-issue-are-on-same-page-pm-shehbaz-on-civil-military-coordination |access-date=11 November 2025 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en-US}}</ref>  


During his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, he was praised for his good governance in the province because of his focus on health, education, agriculture and industrial sectors.<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> He undertook several development projects in Lahore and launched a crackdown on criminals across the province to maintain law and order in the province.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" />
Sharif developed a particularly cordial relationship with Chief of Army Staff [[Asim Munir]], describing his relationship with the army as a "role model" for the future.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 August 2024 |title=Govt-institutions' cooperation at historic highs: PM Shehbaz |work=Pakistan Today |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/08/08/govt-institutions-cooperation-at-historic-highs-pm-shehbaz/ |access-date=11 November 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> The two leaders held multiple joint meetings on national security and foreign policy, including consultations on Pakistan’s response to India following the [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 November 2025 |title='Comprehensive strategy formulated with civil-military leadership to response India' |url=https://samaa.tv/2087333330-comprehensive-strategy-formulated-with-civil-military-leadership-to-response-india |access-date=11 November 2025 |website=SAMAA TV |language=English}}</ref>


He held his office until 12 October 1999 when was removed from the post of Chief Minister in the [[1999 Pakistani coup d'état]].<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /><ref name="pap/profile" /><ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="dawn/2aug2008" /> Following the coup he was imprisoned.<ref name="pap/profile" /> In December 2000, he along with his immediate family members was exiled forcibly to [[Saudi Arabia]]<ref name="dawn/13jan2012" /> following the request of the [[Saudi royal family]].<ref name="thenews/25nov2007">{{cite news|title=Nawaz Sharif, a profile|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/81984-nawaz-sharif-a-profile|access-date=23 July 2017|work=www.thenews.com.pk|date=25 November 2007|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205219/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/81984-nawaz-sharif-a-profile|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="thenews/5nov2006" />
In May 2025, the federal cabinet approved Munir’s promotion to the rank of [[Field marshal (Pakistan)|Field Marshal]], citing his “decisive leadership” during the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Pakistan promotes army chief Asim Munir to field marshal: Why it matters |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/21/pakistan-promotes-army-chief-asim-munir-to-field-marshal-why-it-matters |access-date=11 November 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> The promotion ceremony, attended by both Sharif and President [[Asif Ali Zardari]], was held at the [[Aiwan-e-Sadr]] in Islamabad, where Munir was formally conferred the baton of Field Marshal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2025 |title=President, PM confer baton of field marshal upon COAS Asim Munir |work=Pakistan Today |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/05/22/president-pm-confer-baton-of-field-marshal-upon-coas-asim-munir/ |access-date=11 November 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>


While in exile in Saudi Arabia, Shehbaz was elected as the President of PML-N in August 2002<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> and moved to the United Kingdom in mid-2003 for medical treatment.<ref name="thenews/5nov2006">{{cite news|title=Government's move to woo Shahbaz|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/646501-governments-move-to-woo-shahbaz|access-date=23 July 2017|work=www.thenews.com.pk|date=5 November 2006|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205442/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/646501-governments-move-to-woo-shahbaz|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>
Sharif’s cooperative stance with the military was seen as an effort to maintain political stability and avoid confrontation with the country's powerful [[The Establishment (Pakistan)|military establishment]]. His government’s approach was described by Defence Minister [[Khawaja Asif]] as a “hybrid model” of governance, combining civilian and military decision-making in national and economic affairs.<ref>{{Cite news |title="It Is Doing Wonders": Pak Defence Minister Praises Civil-Military "Hybrid Model" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/it-is-doing-wonders-pakistan-defence-minister-khwaja-asif-praises-civil-military-hybrid-model-8726025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720150052/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/it-is-doing-wonders-pakistan-defence-minister-khwaja-asif-praises-civil-military-hybrid-model-8726025 |archive-date=20 July 2025 |access-date=11 November 2025 |work=NDTV |language=en}}</ref>


====Sabzazar case====
=== Foreign policy ===
In 1999, a complainant Saeeduddin lodged FIR and accused Shehbaz of allowing the Sabzazar police, as the Chief Minister of the Punjab, to kill his son along with other men in a fake encounter.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shahbaz Sharif, five cops summoned |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/105853 |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=dawn.com |date=10 June 2003 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153817/https://www.dawn.com/news/105853 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the encounter, his two sons and three other people were killed by the police.<ref name="dawn/2march2008">{{cite news |title=Shahbaz acquitted in Sabzazar case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/291855 |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=dawn.com |date=2 March 2008 |archive-date=28 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203305/https://www.dawn.com/news/291855 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Release of Pacific trade text opens fight for ratification |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/71757-sabzazar-shootout-case |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=The News |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731183129/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/71757-sabzazar-shootout-case |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{See also|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Shehbaz Sharif}}
==== Middle East ====
{{See also|Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement|International Stabilization Force|Pakistan in the 2026 Iran war}}
[[File:President Donald Trump participates in a multilateral meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders at the United Nations Headquarters (54822741637).jpg|thumb|With other Muslim leaders and US President [[Donald Trump]] in New York City to discuss the [[Gaza war]], September 2025]]Sharif's first foreign visit during his second premiership was to Saudi Arabia in 2024, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 April 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz lands in Saudi Arabia on first foreign visit since election |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1826065 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> As a part of this meeting, Sharif and bin Salman agreed to extradite the first wave of a $5 billion Saudi investment package to Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shirazi |first=Iftikhar |date=8 April 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz, Crown Prince Salman agree to expedite $5bn Saudi investment in Pakistan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1826502 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref> In September 2025, Sharif announced the creation of the [[Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement]], a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, in the aftermath of the [[Israeli attack on Doha]] earlier that month; however, the Saudi government stated the agreement was a result of "years of discussions" rather than a response to a recent regional development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2025 |title=Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign mutual defense pact as Gulf Arab states grow wary of US security guarantees |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/17/middleeast/saudi-arabia-pakistan-defense-pact-intl-hnk |access-date=20 September 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> Sharif also met with Iranian President [[Ebrahim Raisi]] in April 2024, vowing to strengthen economic and security cooperation in the aftermath of a short [[2024 Iran–Pakistan conflict|tit-for-tat conflict]] between the two nations in January of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 April 2024 |title=The leaders of Iran and Pakistan vow to boost trade in a meeting seeking to mend a diplomatic rift |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-iranian-president-visit-islamabad-c45bd84b7cda511e7aa2adcd0a375b43 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> In June 2025, Sharif expressed his support for [[Iran]] amidst the [[Twelve-Day War|Iran–Israel war]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 June 2025 |title=PM Shehbaz reaffirms support to Iran in call with President Pezeshkian |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2552467/pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-support-to-iran-in-call-with-president-pezeshkian |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>


In 2003, an anti-terrorism court summoned Shehbaz and five others accused in alleged extrajudicial killings in 1998. He was in the exile at that time and failed to show-up to the court. Later, the court issued an arrest warrant for Shehbaz.<ref>{{cite news|title=Warrants for Shahbaz Sharif issued|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/106021|access-date=23 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=11 June 2003|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205733/https://www.dawn.com/news/106021|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="bbc/7sept2007">{{cite news|title=Order for Sharif brother arrest|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6982961.stm|access-date=23 July 2017|publisher=BBC|date=7 September 2007|archive-date=12 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412143342/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6982961.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, Shehbaz attempted to return to Pakistan to appear before the court, but was forcibly deported back to Saudi Arabia.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /><ref name="bbc/7sept2007" />
Sharif emphasised warm relations with the [[United Arab Emirates]], meeting with UAE President [[Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan]] on several occasions. Sharif and bin Zayed agreed to enhance Emirati investments in Pakistan. In May 2024, bin Zayed committed to invest $10 billion in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 May 2024 |title=UAE president commits to investing $10bn in Pakistan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1835200 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref>


In August 2007, the [[Supreme Court of Pakistan]] gave its verdict which allowed Sharif brothers to return to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news|title= Opinion|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1070434|access-date=23 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=1 September 2007|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728204729/https://www.dawn.com/news/1070434|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> In September 2007, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan ordered police to arrest Shehbaz based on a 2003 arrest warrant.<ref name="bbc/7sept2007" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan Court Orders Arrest of Former Prime Minister's Brother|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2007-09-07-voa22/343681.html|access-date=23 July 2017|work=VOA|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202725/https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2007-09-07-voa22/343681.html|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> He later got bail from anti-terrorism court.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shahbaz granted pre-arrest bail |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/279234 |access-date=31 July 2018 |work=dawn.com |date=7 December 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153706/https://www.dawn.com/news/279234 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shehbaz denied ordering the alleged killings and said the charges against him were politically motivated.<ref name="bbc/7sept2007"/> He further said that in 2004 he had landed at the Lahore Airport wanting to appear before the court, but was sent back to Saudi Arabia by the government in violation of the orders of the Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arrest warrant for Shahbaz issued|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/652391-arrest-warrant-for-shahbaz-issued|access-date=23 July 2017|work=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728204858/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/652391-arrest-warrant-for-shahbaz-issued|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> In 2008, he was acquitted by the Anti-Terrorism Court in the ''Sabzazar case''.<ref name="dawn/2march2008" />
[[File:Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 1404-3-9.jpg|thumb|With Iranian President [[Masoud Pezeshkian]] and Supreme Leader [[Ali Khamenei]] in Tehran, May 2025]]
In November 2025, Sharif welcomed King [[Abdullah II of Jordan|Abdullah II]] of [[Jordan]] to Pakistan on a two-day visit, welcoming him to the [[Global Industrial Defence Solutions]] in [[Rawalpindi]] for a review of Pakistan's indigenous defence production and potential bilateral military cooperation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 November 2025 |title=King Abdullah II of Jordan visits Pakistan's defence conglomerate, field firing ranges |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40392683 |access-date=17 November 2025 |website=Brecorder |language=en}}</ref>


===Second term as Chief Minister of Punjab===
Sharif repeatedly condemned Israel's [[Gaza genocide|war in Gaza]]—which he described as a [[Gaza genocide|genocide]]—expressing sympathy with the [[Palestinian people]] and support for an independent [[Palestinian state]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raza |first=Syed Irfan |date=29 March 2025 |title=PM Shehbaz pledges continued support to Palestine, Kashmir |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1901016 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=DAWN|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 February 2025 |title=Pakistan PM uses World Governments Summit to call for independent state of Palestine |url=https://arab.news/jat4z |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> In September 2025, he expressed strong support for [[Gaza peace plan|Donald Trump's Gaza Strip proposal]], calling it "a vital step towards peace in the Middle East." Sharif also praised Trump’s leadership and the efforts of US Special Envoy [[Steve Witkoff]] in resolving the conflict. In response, Trump commended Sharif, saying he "fully support[s] the plan 100 per cent."<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2025 |title=Shehbaz backs Trump's Gaza peace plan, calls two-state solution key to lasting stability |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2569649/shehbaz-backs-trumps-gaza-peace-plan-calls-two-state-solution-key-to-lasting-stability |access-date=6 October 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gjevori |first=Elis |title=How Arab nations, rest of the world reacted to Trump's Gaza peace plan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/29/trumps-gaza-peace-plan-welcomed-by-arab-and-islamic-countries-the-west |access-date=6 October 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nath |first=Sanstuti |title="They're Incredible": Trump Praises Pak PM, Asim Munir For Gaza Plan Support |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/theyre-incredible-donald-trump-praises-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-asim-munir-for-gaza-plan-support-9368780 |work=NDTV}}</ref>
{{main|Chief Ministership of Shehbaz Sharif}}
He was re-elected as the President of PML-N for a second term in August 2006<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="thenews/25nov2007" /> and returned to Pakistan along with Nawaz Sharif in November 2007.<ref name="thenews/25nov2007" />


Shehbaz was not allowed to take part in the [[2008 Pakistani general election|2008 general election]] due to the charges of murder.<ref name="peoplesdaily/9june2008" /> In 2008, Sharif was acquitted in the 1998 extrajudicial killings case.<ref name="dawn/2march2008" />
A political controversy emerged after columnist and social media activist Shama Junejo, perceived to be pro-Israel due to past social media posts on the [[Abraham Accords]], claimed Prime Minister Shehbaz included her in Pakistan’s UN delegation as an adviser and tasked her with helping draft his “historic speech” for the [[Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly|eightieth session of the UNGA]], which she said was the result of "teamwork." Junejo stated she had been part of the speech-writing team since April and joined the entourage from Britain, while the [[Foreign Office of Pakistan|Foreign Office]] denied her official accreditation and said she was not part of the formally approved delegation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2025 |title=Shama Junejo claims PM Shehbaz included her in Pakistan's UN delegation as adviser |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1945191 |access-date=29 September 2025 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref>


Shehbaz was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab unopposed from Constituency PP-48 (Bhakkar-II) as a candidate of PML-N in by-polls held in June 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif elected unopposed to Punjab Assembly|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahbaz-sharif-elected-unopposed-to-punjab-assembly-1.110050|access-date=27 February 2018|work=GulfNews|date=2 June 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227063708/http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahbaz-sharif-elected-unopposed-to-punjab-assembly-1.110050|archive-date=27 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hanif|first1=Intikhab|title=Shahbaz to take oath today: Khosa, cabinet set to resign|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/306246|access-date=23 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=6 June 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205736/https://www.dawn.com/news/306246|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref> He was re-elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab<ref name="pap/profile" /><ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="thenews/1june2013" /> unopposed after securing 265 votes.<ref name="peoplesdaily/9june2008">{{cite news|title=Former Pak PM's brother elected provincial chief executive – People's Daily Online|url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90777/90851/6426618.html|access-date=23 July 2017|work=en.people.cn|publisher=People's Daily Online|date=9 June 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227063709/http://en.people.cn/90001/90777/90851/6426618.html|archive-date=27 February 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Zəfər Paradı 2025 4.jpg|thumb|With [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] of Turkey and [[Ilham Aliyev]] of Azerbaijan to commemorate the anniversary of the [[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]] in Baku, November 2025]]


In June 2008 he contested for the seat of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from [[Constituency PP-10 (Rawalpindi-X)]], while holding the Assembly seat from Constituency PP-48 (Bhakkar-II). He was elected unopposed but later he resigned from this seat<ref>{{cite news|title=SC summons record in Shahbaz eligibility case|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/669500|access-date=27 February 2018|work=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227214134/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/669500|url-status=live}}</ref> after controversy developed over his eligibility to hold office of Chief Ministership.<ref name="nation/24june2008">{{cite news|title=Shahbaz eligibility for CM questioned|url=https://nation.com.pk/24-Jun-2008/shahbaz-eligibility-for-cm-questioned|access-date=27 February 2018|work=The Nation|archive-date=31 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153851/https://nation.com.pk/24-Jun-2008/shahbaz-eligibility-for-cm-questioned|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Turkey and Azerbaijan ====
Sharif attended a trilateral summit between Pakistan, [[Turkey]], and [[Azerbaijan]], in [[Lachin]], Azerbaijan. Sharif thanked both nations for their diplomatic and moral support for Pakistan during the 2025 conflict with India, and vowed greater cooperation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 May 2025 |title=Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan reaffirm unity at trilateral summit |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2548253/pakistan-turkiye-and-azerbaijan-reaffirm-unity-at-trilateral-summit |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Moreover Sharif's government enhanced military cooperation between the three countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 May 2025 |title=Türkiye-Pakistan-Azerbaijan trilateral defence cooperation |url=https://aze.media/turkiye-pakistan-azerbaijan-trilateral-defence-cooperation/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Aze.Media |language=en-US}}</ref> For instance, in January 2025, Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to establish and operate a joint facility for [[TAI TF Kaan]] fighter jets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2025 |title=Turkiye, Pakistan to establish joint factory for production of KAAN fighter jet |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250122-turkiye-pakistan-to-establish-joint-factory-for-production-of-kaan-fighter-jet/ |access-date=9 November 2025 |website=Middle East Monitor}}</ref> In November 2025, Sharif attended a victory parade in Baku to mark the 5th anniversary of the [[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]], describing the Azerbaijani "liberation" of [[Nagorno-Karabakh]] as a beacon of hope for both the people of [[Palestine]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian-administered Kashmir]] which he described as "occupied nations."<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 November 2025 |title=PM hails Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood at Azerbaijan Victory Day |work=Pakistan Today |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/11/09/pm-hails-pakistan-turkiye-azerbaijan-brotherhood-at-azerbaijan-victory-day/ |access-date=9 November 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>


His second term as Chief Minister lasted until 25 February 2009, when the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared him ineligible to hold public office which took away his seat in the Punjab Assembly, and thereby removed him from office as Chief Minister.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Iqbal|first1=Nasir|title=SC makes public office out of bounds for Sharif brothers|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/346205/sc-makes-public-office-out-of-bounds-for-sharif-brothers|access-date=27 February 2018|work=dawn.com|date=26 February 2009|archive-date=31 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153650/https://www.dawn.com/news/346205/sc-makes-public-office-out-of-bounds-for-sharif-brothers|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 April 2009, a five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court overturned an earlier decision of the apex court, in which Shehbaz was disqualified from holding public office. As a result, Shehbaz returned to office as Chief Minister.<ref name="thenews/1april2009">{{cite news|title=Shahbaz 2nd CM restored by court|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/168881-Millat-Park-murder-suspects-held-claims-police|access-date=23 July 2017|work=www.thenews.com.pk|date=1 April 2009|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202641/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/168881-Millat-Park-murder-suspects-held-claims-police|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>
==== United States ====
[[File:P20250925DT-0884 President Donald Trump meets with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan.jpg|thumb|With US President [[Donald Trump]] at the [[White House]], September 2025]]


===Third term as Chief Minister of Punjab===
In April 2025, Sharif met with a United States delegation led by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and announced that US companies seek to invest in Pakistan's untapped minerals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2025 |title=Pakistan says US companies seek to invest in the country's untapped minerals sector |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-us-delegation-meets-premier-mineral-summit-ef0fdba9ba699429ebaf643d535dc3a8 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> Sharif also emphasised the cruciality of American mediation in de-escalating the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, with the Pakistani government nominating [[Donald Trump]] for the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] for his role in mediating an end to the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2025 |title=Pakistan plans to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyx5yw8y28o |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan says it will nominate Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize for resolving its conflict with India |url=https://news.sky.com/story/pakistan-says-it-will-nominate-donald-trump-for-nobel-peace-prize-for-resolving-its-conflict-with-india-13386708 |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Schneid |first=Rebecca |date=21 June 2025 |title=Trump to Win a Nobel Peace Prize? Pakistan States Nomination |url=https://time.com/7296429/pakistan-nominate-trump-nobel-peace-prize-win-india-conflict/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}</ref> Trump also met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff [[Asim Munir]] in June 2025, signalling a major thaw in relations between the two countries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 June 2025 |title=Thawing of relations between Pakistan and US raises eyebrows in India |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/19/thawing-of-relations-between-pakistan-and-us-raises-eyebrows-in-india |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Amid US-Pakistan thaw, two key challenges: Iran and China |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/20/amid-us-pakistan-thaw-two-key-challenges-iran-and-china |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> In July, Sharif's government negotiated a trade deal with the US which included American investment in Pakistan's crude oil reserves in its territorial waters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Compton |first=Sophia |date=30 July 2025 |title=Trump announces new US-Pakistan trade deal to develop oil reserves |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-announces-new-us-pakistan-trade-deal-develop-oil-reserves |access-date=1 August 2025 |website=FOXBusiness |language=en-US}}</ref> The deal also included partnerships in [[cryptocurrency]] and [[information technology]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why are the US and Pakistan making an oil deal? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/why-are-the-us-and-pakistan-making-an-oil-deal/a-73498835 |access-date=1 August 2025 |website=DW |language=en}}</ref> In September 2025, Sharif attended a conference with Muslim leaders and Trump on the sidelines of the [[Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly]] to establish an end to the [[Gaza war]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magee |first=Caolán |title=Trump urges Gaza war to end 'immediately' in UN General Assembly speech |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/23/trump-calls-for-gaza-war-to-stop-immediately-in-unga-speech |access-date=26 September 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> In the same month, Sharif visited the [[White House]] and met with Trump.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2025 |title=Trump holds talks with Pakistan's prime minister in the latest sign of warming relations |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-sharif-pakistan-india-modi-tariffs-154b9970ce6ea7ea6bde0dd10345e644 |access-date=26 September 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> During the October 2025 [[2025 Gaza peace summit|Gaza Peace Summit]], Sharif announced his intention to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for a second time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fortinsky |first=Sarah |date=13 October 2025 |title=Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize again |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/5553500-pakistani-pm-trump-nobel-peace-prize-gaza-egypt/ |access-date=15 October 2025 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2026, Sharif announced Pakistan's acceptance of an American invitation to join the [[Board of Peace]] for the reconstruction of the [[Gaza Strip]] following the Gaza war.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2026 |title=Seven more countries agree to join Trump's Board of Peace |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8jek4vv8ko |access-date=22 February 2026 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>
{{main|Chief Ministership of Shehbaz Sharif}}
Shehbaz was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from three Constituencies PP-159 (Lahore-XXIII), PP-161 (Lahore-XXV) and PP-247 (Rajanpur-I) – as a candidate of PML-N in [[2013 Pakistani general election|2013 general election]]. In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from [[Constituency NA-129|Constituency NA-129 (Lahore-XII)]] as candidate of PML-N.<ref name="ecp/2013">{{cite web|title=2013 election result|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/General%20Elections%202013%20report/Election%20Report%202013%20Volume-II.pdf|publisher=ECP|access-date=27 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201140612/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/General%20Elections%202013%20report/Election%20Report%202013%20Volume-II.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2018}}</ref> Sharif opted to retain his Provincial Assembly seat PP-159 (Lahore-XXIII) and was re-elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab for the third time<ref name="pap/profile" /> unopposed after securing 300 votes in the 371-members Provincial Assembly.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif takes oath as Punjab chief minister – The Express Tribune|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/559678/shahbaz-sharif-elected-punjab-chief-minister/|access-date=27 February 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=6 June 2013|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612171921/https://tribune.com.pk/story/559678/shahbaz-sharif-elected-punjab-chief-minister/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz sworn in as CM Punjab for third time|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1027821/punjab-assembly-to-elect-cm|access-date=23 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=6 June 2013|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728203657/https://www.dawn.com/news/1027821/punjab-assembly-to-elect-cm|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>


In 2016, Shehbaz was elected unopposed as the president of Punjab chapter of PML-N in intra-party elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif elected unopposed as President of PML-N Punjab|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/19-Oct-2016/shahbaz-elected-unopposed-as-pml-n-punjab-president|access-date=23 July 2017|work=Radio Pakistan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728211046/http://www.radio.gov.pk/19-Oct-2016/shahbaz-elected-unopposed-as-pml-n-punjab-president|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>
==== China ====
[[File:World leaders attending the 2025 China Victory Day Parade (2).jpg|thumb|With [[Vladimir Putin]] of Russia, [[Xi Jinping]] of China, and [[Kim Jong Un]] of North Korea for the [[2025 China Victory Day Parade|China Victory Day Parade]], September 2025]]Sharif's government pledged to revive the stagnating CPEC through cooperation on infrastructure and mining.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 February 2025 |title=China, Pakistan pledge to boost cooperation on infrastructure, mining projects |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-pakistan-pledge-boost-cooperation-infrastructure-mining-projects-2025-02-06/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> This desire to amplify cooperation comes amidst increasing attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan by militant groups aiming at disrupting CPEC, which has affected China-Pakistan relations.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2025/01/china-pakistan-relations-are-souring-but-will-muddle.html |title=China-Pakistan Relations Are Souring, but Will Muddle Along |last=Grossman |first=Derek |date=17 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan and China's diplomatic relations reach a low ebb |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/pakistan-china-s-diplomatic-relations-reach-low-ebb |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Lowy Institute |language=en}}</ref> However, China's significant defence cooperation with Pakistan contributed to Pakistan downing Western-manufactured Indian aircraft, particularly a [[Rafale]], during its 2025 conflict against India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ehrlich |first=Richard S. |date=21 May 2025 |title=China the biggest winner of India-Pakistan air fight |url=http://asiatimes.com/2025/05/china-the-biggest-winner-of-india-pakistan-air-fight/ |access-date=27 June 2025 |website=Asia Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Häsler |first=Georg |date=16 May 2025 |title=Downing of Indian fighter jet offers lessons for West |url=https://www.nzz.ch/english/downing-of-indian-fighter-jet-offers-lessons-for-west-ld.1884492 |access-date=27 June 2025 |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |language=de-CH |issn=0376-6829}}</ref>


On 29 July 2017, Shehbaz was named leader of the PML-N, and hence Prime Minister-designate of Pakistan, following the disqualification of outgoing Prime Minister [[Nawaz Sharif]] after the [[Panama Papers case (Pakistan)|Panama Papers case]] decision.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif will be Pakistan's next Prime Minister|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/219632-Shehbaz-Sharif-to-replace-Nawaz-Sharif|access-date=28 July 2017|work=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728202531/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/219632-Shehbaz-Sharif-to-replace-Nawaz-Sharif|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Abbas|first1=AP|title=Shahbaz tipped to be Nawaz's choice for prime minister: reports|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348225/shahbaz-tipped-to-be-nawazs-choice-for-prime-minister-reports|access-date=29 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=28 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728212118/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348225/shahbaz-tipped-to-be-nawazs-choice-for-prime-minister-reports|archive-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bilal|first1=Muhammad|title=Shahbaz's name finalised as successor to Nawaz Sharif|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348391|access-date=29 July 2017|work=dawn.com|date=29 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729135022/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348391|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref> However, Shehbaz could not be sworn in immediately because he was not a member of the National Assembly. As a result, [[Shahid Khaqan Abbasi]] was made interim Prime Minister of Pakistan for 45 days, presumably giving Shehbaz enough time to enter the legislature via a by-election.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Correspondent|first1=Sana Jamal|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appointed as interim PM of Pakistan|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-appointed-as-interim-pm-of-pakistan-1.2066083|access-date=29 July 2017|work=GulfNews|date=29 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214358/http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-appointed-as-interim-pm-of-pakistan-1.2066083|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref> After Abbasi's election as Prime Minister of Pakistan, however, it was reported that he was likely to continue as Prime Minister for the next ten months until the [[2018 Pakistani general election|2018 general election]]<ref name="indianexpress/3aug2017">{{cite news|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi likely to continue as Pakistan PM for 10-month PML-N tenure|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-nawaz-sharif-4780752/|access-date=5 August 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=3 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805181002/http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-nawaz-sharif-4780752/|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to continue as prime minister for 10-month PML-N tenure: sources|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-will-remain-prime-minister-till-2018-sources/|access-date=5 August 2017|work=Daily Pakistan Global|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805191839/https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-will-remain-prime-minister-till-2018-sources/|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref> due to the reluctance of Shehbaz Sharif to leave the post of [[List of Chief Ministers of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Reporter|first1=The Newspaper's Staff|title=Sana opposes Shahbaz's elevation to Centre|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349073/sana-opposes-shahbazs-elevation-to-centre|access-date=5 August 2017|work=dawn.com|date=2 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805181917/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349073/sana-opposes-shahbazs-elevation-to-centre|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref> Though he was not made the leader of PML-N over differences.<ref name="thenews/21dec2017">{{cite news|title=Shahbaz is next premier: Nawaz|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/258601-shahbaz-is-next-premier-nawaz|access-date=21 December 2017|work=The News|date=21 December 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221135036/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/258601-shahbaz-is-next-premier-nawaz|archive-date=21 December 2017}}</ref>
==== South Asia ====
[[File:Subrahmanyam Jaishankar with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on 16 October 2024.jpg|thumb|With Indian Foreign Minister [[S. Jaishankar]] during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Islamabad, October 2024]]
In October 2024, Sharif welcomed Indian Foreign Minister [[S. Jaishankar]] for the [[2024 Islamabad SCO summit]], the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kugelman |first=Michael |date=2 October 2025 |title=India's Jaishankar Makes Rare Trip to Pakistan |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/10/16/india-jaishankar-pakistan-islamabad-sco-summit/ |access-date=27 September 2025 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref> However, relations between India and Pakistan soured during his premiership as India blamed Pakistan for inciting a [[2025 Pahalgam attack|terrorist attack on tourists]] in [[Pahalgam]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir]], which Pakistan strongly denied and demanded an international investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Manjari Chatterjee |title=The Latest Attack in Kashmir Escalates India-Pakistan Tensions |url=https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/latest-attack-kashmir-escalates-india-pakistan-tensions |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=CFR |date=25 April 2025 |language=en}}</ref> After the attack, India launched several diplomatic actions such as the cancellation of the [[Indus Waters Treaty]], the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, and the suspension of all bilateral trade.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Michel |first=David |date=1 May 2025 |title=Can India Cut Off Pakistan's Indus River Lifeline? |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/can-india-cut-pakistans-indus-river-lifeline |journal=[[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] |language=en}}</ref> In response to India's diplomatic actions against Pakistan, Sharif suspended the 1972 [[Simla Agreement]] and suspended all trade with India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 April 2025 |title=Pakistan suspends 1972 Simla Agreement: What is it and what will be the impact on LoC |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-suspends-1972-simla-agreement-what-is-it-and-what-will-be-the-impact-on-loc/articleshow/120584779.cms |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 7 May, India launched [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict#7 May|Operation Sindoor]]'','' targeting nine sites in [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=India and Pakistan blame each other for escalating military tensions |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwyneele13qt |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> India claimed that the strikes were launched against "terrorist infrastructure" that they claimed were used by [[Jaish-e-Mohammed]], [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]], and [[Hizbul Mujahideen]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Shahzad |first1=Asif |last2=Patel |first2=Shivam |last3=Shahzad |first3=Asif |date=7 May 2025 |title=Pakistan vows retaliation after Indian strike over tourist deaths |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/multiple-loud-explosions-heard-pakistani-kashmir-reuters-witness-2025-05-06/ |access-date=1 July 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> On 10 May, Sharif presided over the launch of [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict#10 May|Operation Bunyan un-Marsoos]]{{Efn|''Bunyan-un-Marsoos''<ref name="a616">{{cite web | title=India and Pakistan agree ceasefire: What does it mean? | website=Al Jazeera | date=10 May 2025 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/10/india-and-pakistan-agree-ceasefire-what-does-it-mean | access-date=20 May 2025}}</ref> is an [[Arabic]] term meaning "Unbreakable Wall". The name is derived from a [[Ayat|verse]] in the [[Quran]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bunyan-un-Marsoos: Name came from mosque destroyed in Indian attack|date=12 May 2025|website=Aaj TV|url=https://english.aaj.tv/news/330416046/bunyan-un-marsoos-name-came-from-mosque-destroyed-in-indian-attack}}</ref>


Reportedly, Shehbaz was offered to become Prime Minister of Pakistan by the establishment several times previously but never accepted.<ref name="indianexpress/30july2017">{{cite news|title=The baton in Pakistan passes from Nawaz Sharif to Shahbaz|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/the-baton-in-pakistan-passes-from-nawaz-sharif-to-shahbaz-4774667/|access-date=31 July 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151317/http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/the-baton-in-pakistan-passes-from-nawaz-sharif-to-shahbaz-4774667/|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>
The verse states: {{Cite Quran|61|4|translator=s|q=Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were ''a firm and compact wall''.}})}} in retaliation, overseeing a Pakistani air assault over 26 military sites across [[Western India]], claiming heavy damage to Indian air bases, logistics hubs, storage facilities, and other military infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 May 2025 |title=Operation 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos': DG ISPR briefs nation on response to Indian aggression |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2545242/dg-ispr-holds-press-briefing-on-operation-bunyan-un-marsoos-launched-against-indian-aggression |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=26 Indian military targets hit during "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos": Pakistan |url=https://azertag.az/en/xeber/26_indian_military_targets_hit_during_operation_bunyan_un_marsoos_pakistan-3551763 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=azertag.az |language=en}}</ref> That same day, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire to end the conflict. In the aftermath of the conflict, Sharif declared victory over India and designated 16 May as ''Youm-e-Tashakur'' ('Day of Gratitude') in honour of the Pakistani military, though the conflict produced no clear winner.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2025 |title=Govt denies May 16 holiday rumours over Youm-e-Tashakur |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2546046/no-public-holiday-on-may-16-for-youm-e-tashakur-government-confirms |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=What did India and Pakistan gain – and lose – in their military standoff? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/14/what-did-india-and-pakistan-gain-and-lose-in-their-military-standoff |access-date=18 November 2025 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chance |first=Matthew |date=12 May 2025 |title=India and Pakistan both claim victory. But this latest conflict has no winners |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/12/asia/india-pakistan-us-ceasefire-no-winners-intl-hnk |access-date=18 November 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>


In December 2017, during a party meeting between the senior members of PML-N, Nawaz named Shehbaz as candidate of the party for the office of Prime Minister in the upcoming June 2018 general election, saying that "Shahbaz had never disappointed him or the party, and had risen to prominence because of his hard work and performance."<ref name="thenews/21dec2017" /><ref>{{cite news |last1= Hussain |first1= Ubaidullah Shaikh, Javed |title= Shahbaz to be PML-N's next candidate for prime minister: Nawaz Sharif |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1378008/shahbaz-to-be-pml-ns-next-candidate-for-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif |access-date= 21 December 2017 |work=dawn.com |date= 21 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222000152/https://www.dawn.com/news/1378008/shahbaz-to-be-pml-ns-next-candidate-for-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif |archive-date= 22 December 2017 |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nawaz Sharif appoints brother Shehbaz as PM candidate for 2018 elections|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/nawaz-sharif-appoints-brother-shehbaz-as-pm-candidate-for-2018-elections/story-zuWKCAn2ijAqhozHBwJgBM.html|access-date=21 December 2017|work=hindustantimes.com/|date=21 December 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053522/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/nawaz-sharif-appoints-brother-shehbaz-as-pm-candidate-for-2018-elections/story-zuWKCAn2ijAqhozHBwJgBM.html|archive-date=22 December 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Shehbaz Sharif Meets Muhammad Yunus at D-8 Summit Cairo 2024-12-19 (PID-0004463).jpg|thumb|With Bangladeshi Chief Adviser [[Muhammad Yunus]] at the [[Developing 8]] summit in Egypt, December 2024]]
Sharif met with Bangladeshi Chief Adviser [[Muhammad Yunus]] in December 2024 during a [[D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation|Developing-8]] summit in [[Cairo]], the first meeting between Pakistani and Bangladeshi senior leaders since the [[July Revolution (Bangladesh)|July Revolution]] in Bangladesh.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Murali Krishnan |title=How Bangladesh-Pakistan reconciliation impacts India |date=31 December 2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/a-71189995 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=DW}}</ref> Sharif sought to bolster ties with Bangladesh, launching direct cargo shipments from Pakistan to [[Chittagong Port]] and offering 300 scholarships to Bangladeshi students.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistan to offer fully-funded scholarships to 300 Bangladeshi students |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/368072 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=Dhaka Tribune |date=14 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Nazimuddin Shyamol |date=22 December 2024 |title=Ship makes second direct arrival from Pakistan |url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/ship-makes-second-direct-arrival-from-pakistan |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=The Financial Express}}</ref>


On 27 February 2018, Shehbaz was appointed as the interim President of the PML-N.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shehbaz Sharif appointed acting president of PML-N – The Express Tribune|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1645952/1-pml-n-set-announce-party-president-today/|access-date=27 February 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=27 February 2018|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227212136/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1645952/1-pml-n-set-announce-party-president-today/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PML-N endorses Nawaz's decision to pass on baton to Shehbaz|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/02/27/shehbaz-sharif-elected-as-pml-ns-interim-president-reports/|access-date=27 February 2018|work=www.pakistantoday.com.pk}}</ref> On 13 March, he was elected as the President of the PML-N unopposed.<ref>{{cite news|author= Javed Hussain|title= 'Cannot even think of replacing Nawaz': Shahbaz Sharif appointed PML-N president|url= https://www.dawn.com/news/1394992/cannot-even-think-of-replacing-nawaz-shahbaz-sharif-appointed-pml-n-president|access-date= 13 March 2018|work= dawn.com|date= 13 March 2018|archive-date= 13 March 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180313135001/https://www.dawn.com/news/1394992/cannot-even-think-of-replacing-nawaz-shahbaz-sharif-appointed-pml-n-president|url-status= live}}</ref>
Sharif expressed a desire to enhance relations with [[Afghanistan]]; however, he urged the Afghan government to crack down on the presence of militant groups such as the [[Pakistani Taliban]] (TTP), which operate out of Afghan territory against Pakistani security forces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 December 2024 |title=PM Shehbaz calls for improved relations with Afghanistan but urges Kabul to take action against TTP |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1881424 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> In March 2024, Sharif authorised the Pakistan Air Force to launch [[Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes (2024-present)#PAF airstrikes|airstrikes in Eastern Afghanistan]] to destroy TTP strongholds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan kill 46 people, Taliban official says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/25/asia/pakistani-airstrikes-afghanistan-taliban |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 December 2024 |title=Afghan Taliban vow to retaliate after Pakistani air strikes kill at least 46 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20241225-afghan-taliban-vow-retaliate-pakistani-air-strikes-kill-at-least-46 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> He also continued the [[deportation of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan]] that first began under the [[Anwaar ul Haq Kakar#Caretaker Prime Minister (2023-2024)|Anwaar ul Haq Kakar caretaker government]] in December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Pakistan to Begin Deportation of 1.7 Million Undocumented Afghans |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan accelerates deportation of Afghans: UN |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/15/pakistan-accelerates-deportation-of-afghans-un |work=Al Jazeera |date=15 April 2024}}</ref> As of late 2025, the UNHCR confirmed that more than one million Afghans have returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan in 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=One million Afghans returned from Pakistan in 2025: UNHCR |url=https://www.unhcr.org/pk/news/press-releases/one-million-afghans-returned-pakistan-2025-unhcr |work=UNHCR |date=27 November 2025}}</ref> Following directives from Sharif's government, this campaign has expanded beyond undocumented individuals to include holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, with thousands of arrests reported monthly in early 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arrest, detention of Afghans increased 18pc in Jan: UN-IOM |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1967425 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |date=17 January 2026}}</ref>


On 7 June 2018, Shehbaz was succeeded by [[Hasan Askari Rizvi]] as caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab.<ref>{{cite news |author= Arif Malik |title= Prof Hasan Askari named Punjab caretaker CM |url= https://www.dawn.com/news/1412606/prof-hasan-askari-named-punjab-caretaker-cm |access-date= 7 June 2018 |work= dawn.com |date= 7 June 2018 |archive-date= 12 June 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612091316/https://www.dawn.com/news/1412606/prof-hasan-askari-named-punjab-caretaker-cm |url-status= live }}</ref>
While addressing the [[Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly|eightieth session of the UNGA]], Sharif publicly claimed that Pakistan faced problems from terrorist groups operating from "Afghan soil."<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 September 2025 |title=At UNGA, PM Shehbaz says South Asia requires 'proactive not provocative' leadership |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1944785 |access-date=29 September 2025 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref> In October 2025, Sharif oversaw Pakistani [[2025 Afghanistan–Pakistan conflict|military operations]] against both the [[Afghan Taliban]] and the TTP as the Pakistani military struck Afghan border posts and cities, including [[Kabul]] and [[Kandahar]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2025 |title=Afghan Taliban and Pakistan agree short truce after deadly clashes |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3dnvnjdg1ro |access-date=16 October 2025 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Sophia Saifi |author2=Lex Harvey |date=15 October 2025 |title=Afghanistan and Pakistan exchanged their deadliest fire in years. Here's what we know |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/14/asia/pakistan-afghanistan-attacks-intl-hnk |access-date=16 October 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>


==Leader of the Opposition==
== Public image ==
{{see also|List of heads of the executive by approval rating}}<!--remove hatnote once out of office-->
During his tenure as chief minister, Sharif developed a reputation as a diligent administrator.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/11/shahbaz-sharif-the-diligent-administrator-now-pm-of-pakistan|title=Shehbaz Sharif: the diligent administrator now PM of Pakistan|work=The Guardian|date=12 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411202624/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/11/shahbaz-sharif-the-diligent-administrator-now-pm-of-pakistan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=National Assembly of Pakistan |url=https://na.gov.pk/en/profile.php?uid=1367 |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=na.gov.pk}}</ref> He initiated ambitious infrastructure projects in Punjab and was noted for his efficient governance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/11/pakistan-prime-mininster-shehbaz-sharif/|title=What to know about Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's new prime minister|newspaper=Washington Post|date=12 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411193908/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/11/pakistan-prime-mininster-shehbaz-sharif/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61063386|title=Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif chosen as PM after week-long uncertainty|work=BBC|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411191848/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61063386|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/6165802/pakistan-imran-khan-shahbaz-sharif/|title=Pakistan's Parliament Elects Shahbaz Sharif as Prime Minister After Khan Exit|magazine=Time|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=12 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411182346/https://time.com/6165802/pakistan-imran-khan-shahbaz-sharif/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 December 2016, Vice-Minister [[Zheng Xiaosong]] of the [[International Department of the Chinese Communist Party|International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party]] coined the term "Shehbaz Speed" to acknowledge his contributions to expediting the progress of projects within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Subsequently, the term has been employed to characterise the rate of advancement within the CPEC.<ref name="dailytimes1">{{cite web | url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/921634/cpecs-shahbaz-speed-back-with-bang/ | title=CPEC's 'Shahbaz Speed' Back with Bang | date=19 April 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1183306-after-shehbaz-speed-pm-earns-man-of-action-title | title=After 'Shehbaz Speed', PM earns 'Man of Action' title | date=28 April 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1799084 | title=Nawaz hints at bringing 'Shehbaz speed' to Karachi | date=19 December 2023 }}</ref> In official meetings, Saudi officials also declared Sharif the "Man of Action."<ref>{{Cite web |agency=APP |date=28 April 2024 |title=After 'Shehbaz Speed', PM earns 'Man of Action' title |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1183306-after-shehbaz-speed-pm-earns-man-of-action-title |access-date=5 December 2025 |website=The News International |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2025, Sharif was recognised among the world's 500 most influential Muslims by ''[[The Muslim 500]]'', an annual publication by the [[Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre]] in [[Amman]], [[Jordan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 2025 |title=PM Sharif, Gen. Munir among several Pakistanis make it to list of 500 Most Influential Muslims for 2025 |url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2585584/pakistan |access-date=29 April 2025 |website=Arab News PK |language=en}}</ref>


He was elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of PML-N from Constituency NA-132 (Lahore-X) in [[2018 Pakistani general election]]. In the same election, he was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab as a candidate of PML-N from Constituency PP-164 (Lahore-XXI) and PP-165 (Lahore-XXII).<ref name="dawn/17aug2018">{{cite news |title=Shahbaz Sharif — the three-time Punjab CM in the running for next PM |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427542 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=dawn.com |date=17 August 2018 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818023441/https://www.dawn.com/news/1427542 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following his successful election, he abandoned his Punjab seats in favour of the National assembly seat.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=By-polls on 11 NA seats to be held within two months |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1426872 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=dawn.com |date=14 August 2018 |archive-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816195030/https://www.dawn.com/news/1426872 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 August, he was nominated by PML-N for the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran, Shahbaz file nomination papers for PM's slot |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/355604-imran-shahbaz-file-nomination-papers-for-pm-s-slot |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=The News |date=16 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818115319/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/355604-imran-shahbaz-file-nomination-papers-for-pm-s-slot |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 August 2018, he received 96 votes and lost the office to Imran Khan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wasim |first1=Amir |title=Imran outscores Shahbaz, secures top job |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427716/imran-outscores-shahbaz-secures-top-job |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=dawn.com |date=18 August 2018 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818025118/https://www.dawn.com/news/1427716/imran-outscores-shahbaz-secures-top-job |url-status=live }}</ref> The same day, he was nominated for the office of [[Leader of the Opposition (Pakistan)|Leader of the Opposition]] in the National Assembly by one 111 Members of the National Assembly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raza |first1=Syed Irfan |title=Shahbaz set to become opposition leader in National Assembly |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427708/shahbaz-set-to-become-opposition-leader-in-national-assembly |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=dawn.com |date=18 August 2018 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818025200/https://www.dawn.com/news/1427708/shahbaz-set-to-become-opposition-leader-in-national-assembly |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 August 2018, he was notified as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. In his capacity as Leader of Opposition, he also served as [http://www.na.gov.pk/en/cmen.php?comm=MTI3 Chairman Public Accounts Committee] from 22 December 2018 till 28 November 2019. He resigned from the post and [[Rana Tanveer Hussain]] succeeded him.
==Personal life==
=== Family ===
{{Further|Sharif family}}
[[File:CM Shehbaz and PM Nawa (36227070991).jpg|thumb|right|Shehbaz with his elder brother [[Nawaz Sharif]]]]  
Sharif married Nusrat Shehbaz<ref name="dawn/3jan2014">{{cite news |author1=Iftikhar A. Khan |author2=Kalbe Ali |date=3 January 2014 |title=The mystery of Raiwind palace ownership |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1078082 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723012258/https://www.dawn.com/news/1078082 |archive-date=23 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> in 1973. They had four children: Salman, [[Hamza Shehbaz|Hamza]], and twin daughters Javeria and Rabia.<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017">{{cite news|title=Profile of Shehbaz Sharif|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/07/30/profile-of-shehbaz-sharif/|access-date=28 December 2017|work=Pakistan Today|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228173849/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/07/30/profile-of-shehbaz-sharif/|archive-date=28 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 September 2004 |title=Shahbaz's family arrives |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/396797/shahbaz-s-family-arrives |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205522/https://www.dawn.com/news/396797/shahbaz-s-family-arrives |archive-date=28 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref>


===Money laundering cases===
His second marriage was to Aaliya Honey, whom he married in 1993.<ref name="Khan2010" /><ref name="Iqbal2005" /> The couple separated after just one year.<ref name="Khan2010" />


On 28 September 2020, Shehbaz was arrested by the [[National Accountability Bureau]] on charges of laundering over {{PKR|7328}} million ({{USD|41}} million<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistan-government-files-money-laundering-case-against-shahbaz-sharif-family-2904449.html| title=Pakistan Government Files Money Laundering Case Against Shahbaz Sharif, Family| date=24 September 2020| website=news18.com| url-status=live| archive-date=30 October 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031161347/https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistan-government-files-money-laundering-case-against-shahbaz-sharif-family-2904449.html}}</ref>) in a systematic scheme involving close associates and family members.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif's brother Shahbaz Sharif arrested in money laundering case|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/shahbaz-sharif-brother-of-nawaz-sharif-arrested-in-pakistan|access-date=28 September 2020|website=Free Press Journal|language=en|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930181010/https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/shahbaz-sharif-brother-of-nawaz-sharif-arrested-in-pakistan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistan opposition leader arrested in corruption case|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/28/pakistan-opposition-leader-arrested-in-corruption-case|access-date=28 September 2020|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928150812/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/28/pakistan-opposition-leader-arrested-in-corruption-case|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bureau had previously frozen 23 different properties belonging to Sharif, his son, and other family members, claiming that these assets were acquired beyond known sources of income. The NAB alleges that the Shehbaz Sharif family used fake transactions to receive foreign funds, with the transactions being made through a company owned by Sharif's son-in-law, Haroon Yousaf.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Shahbaz's son, daughter, son-in-law, three others declared POs|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749941-money-laundering-assets-case-shahbaz-s-son-daughter-son-in-law-three-others-declared-pos|access-date=28 November 2020|website=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128122454/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/749941-money-laundering-assets-case-shahbaz-s-son-daughter-son-in-law-three-others-declared-pos|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2003, Sharif married his third wife, author and artist [[Tehmina Durrani]].<ref name="pakistantoday/30july2017" /><ref name="dailytimes.com.pk">{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_24-2-2005_pg1_5 |title=Shehbaz confirms marriage to Tehmina |work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)]] |date=24 February 2005 |access-date=29 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050517191744/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_24-2-2005_pg1_5 |archive-date=17 May 2005 }}</ref>


Shehbaz remained incarcerated pending trial.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-29 |title=Pakistan's Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif Remanded in NAB Custody for 14 Days in Money Laundering Case |url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/pakistans-opposition-leader-shahbaz-sharif-remanded-in-nab-custody-for-14-days-in-money-laundering-case-2919225.html |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> He was temporarily released on parole to attend his mother's funeral prayers in November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 November 2020|title=Shahbaz, Hamza to be released on parole today|url=https://nation.com.pk/27-Nov-2020/shahbaz-sharif-hamza-to-be-released-on-parole-today|access-date=28 November 2020|website=The Nation|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127084311/https://nation.com.pk/27-Nov-2020/shahbaz-sharif-hamza-to-be-released-on-parole-today|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Wealth===
His family jointly owns [[Sharif Group]] and formerly owned [[Ittefaq Group]].<ref name="dawn/25april2013" /><ref name="baker">{{cite book |title=Capitalism's Achilles heel: Dirty Money and How to Renew the Free-market System |last=Baker |first=Raymond |year=2005 |publisher=John Wiley and Sons |isbn=978-0-471-64488-0 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/capitalismsachil00raym/page/82 82]–83 |url=https://archive.org/details/capitalismsachil00raym |url-access=registration |access-date=29 July 2017 }}</ref> In 2013, it was noted that Shehbaz is wealthier than his elder brother Nawaz with a net worth of {{PKR|33.69 crore}}.{{efn|In 2013, {{US$|1}} was equivalent to average {{PKR|101.583}}.<ref>{{cite news|author=Iftikhar A. Khan|title=Leaders' wealth — Shahbaz richer than Nawaz|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1014984|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|access-date=23 August 2017|date=21 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824052844/https://www.dawn.com/news/1014984|archive-date=24 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.poundsterlinglive.com/history/USD-PKR-2013|title=U.S. Dollar-Pakistani Rupee History: 2013|website=Pound Sterling Live|accessdate=5 July 2025}}</ref>}}


On 14 April 2021, he was released on bail in a money laundering reference by Lahore High court.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LHC approves bail plea of Shehbaz Sharif in money laundering case|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/597231-LHC-Shehbaz-Sharif-bail-plea-money-laundering-case|access-date=14 April 2021|website=Dunya News|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414081652/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/597231-LHC-Shehbaz-Sharif-bail-plea-money-laundering-case|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Toshakhana records ===
On 12 March 2023, the [[Government of Pakistan]] released a record of [[Toshakhana (Pakistan)|Toshakhana gifts]] retained by government officials from 2003 to 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |title=In a first, govt goes public with Toshakhana record |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/475941-in-a-first-govt-goes-public-with-toshakhana-record |access-date=14 March 2023 |website=www.geo.tv |date=13 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314093542/https://www.geo.tv/latest/475941-in-a-first-govt-goes-public-with-toshakhana-record |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherani |first=Tahir |date=12 March 2023 |title=Govt releases Toshakhana gift records from 2002 onwards |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1741794 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314093542/https://www.dawn.com/news/1741794 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |access-date=14 March 2023 |website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en}}</ref> 90 gifts were retained by Sharif from [[Toshakhana (Pakistan)|Toshakhana]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toshakhana Records, Government of Pakistan |url=https://cabinet.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/TOSHAKHANA/Procedures/TK-Record.pdf |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314090641/https://cabinet.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/TOSHAKHANA/Procedures/TK-Record.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Toshakhana Gifts
!Date
!Assessed Market Value
!Price Paid
|-
|Book from Tehran to Tehran
|15 July 2009
|a. NCV b. Rs. 7,500/-
| ---
|-
|Carpet in Shopping Bag
|15 -07 -2009
|Rs.13,000/ –
| ---
|-
|a. Frame box Shield (Large) b. Frame box shield (small) c. Three shields (small)
|15 -07 -2009
|a. Rs.6,000/ – b. NCV c. NCV
| ---
|-
|One Ceramic Plate (Large)
|15 -07 -2009
|Rs.4,000/ –
| ---
|-
|a. Book Shahnama – e -Firdous b. 2 Gift Pack in Boxes
|15 -07 -2009
|a. NCV b. Rs.4,500/
| ----
|-
|One Tower
|15 July 2009
|NCV
| ---
|-
|One Ceramic Plate (Small)
|15 July 2009
|Rs.2,500/-
| ---
|}


==Prime Minister of Pakistan==
== Books ==
{{main|Premiership of Shehbaz Sharif|Shehbaz Sharif ministry}}
* ''Azm O Himmat Kī Dāstān'' (عزم و همت كى داستان; "A Tale of Resolve and Courage"), Lāhore: Sharīf Publīcations, 2000, 72 pp. <small>History and struggle of business endeavours of the [[Sharif family]]</small>.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharīf |first=Shahbāz |date=2000 |title=Azm O Himmat Kī Dāstān |url=https://openlibrary.org/works/OL7809021W/%CA%BBAzm_o_himmat_ki%CC%84_da%CC%84sta%CC%84n?edition=key:/books/OL6827196M |publisher=[[Open Library]] |access-date=21 July 2023 |language=en |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720190319/https://openlibrary.org/works/OL7809021W/%CA%BBAzm_o_himmat_ki%CC%84_da%CC%84sta%CC%84n?edition=key:/books/OL6827196M |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 10 April 2022, Sharif was nominated as candidate for Prime Minister by opposition parties following a [[No-confidence motion against Imran Khan|vote of no confidence]] in incumbent Prime Minister Imran Khan after the [[2022 Pakistani constitutional crisis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-10/pakistan-lawmakers-set-to-vote-in-new-pm-with-close-ties-to-army|title=Pakistan to Vote in New PM as Ousted Khan Rallies Supporters|date=11 April 2022|website=Bloomberg News|access-date=10 April 2022|archive-date=10 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410123200/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-10/pakistan-lawmakers-set-to-vote-in-new-pm-with-close-ties-to-army|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nominations-pakistan-pm-due-supporters-ousted-khan-expected-protest-2022-04-10/|title=Political change in Pakistan as Shehbaz Sharif seeks to become PM|first1=Asif|last1=Shahzad|first2=Syed Raza|last2=Hassan|newspaper=Reuters|date=11 April 2022|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=10 April 2022|archive-date=10 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410134030/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nominations-pakistan-pm-due-supporters-ousted-khan-expected-protest-2022-04-10/|url-status=live}}</ref>


He was elected [[Premiership of Shehbaz Sharif|Prime Minister]] on 11 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/shehbaz-sharif-pakistan-opposition-leader-elected-new-pm-2878194|title=Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Opposition Leader, Elected New PM|website=NDTV.com|access-date=11 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411115941/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/shehbaz-sharif-pakistan-opposition-leader-elected-new-pm-2878194|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Elected PM Dawn">{{cite news |title=Shehbaz Sharif elected prime minister of Pakistan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1684500/shehbaz-sharif-elected-prime-minister-of-pakistan |access-date=11 April 2022 |work=DAWN.COM |date=11 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411121204/https://www.dawn.com/news/1684500/shehbaz-sharif-elected-prime-minister-of-pakistan |url-status=live }}</ref> He took the oath of office on the same day, administered by the Chairman of the Senate, [[Sadiq Sanjrani]], acting for President [[Arif Alvi]], who was on medical leave after complaining of “discomfort”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/410879-shehbaz-sharif-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-of-pakistan|title=Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as prime minister of Pakistan|website=www.geo.tv|accessdate=11 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411161738/https://www.geo.tv/latest/410879-shehbaz-sharif-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-of-pakistan|url-status=live}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[Electoral history of Shehbaz Sharif]]
* [[List of current heads of state and government]]
* [[List of international prime ministerial trips made by Shehbaz Sharif]]


== Book ==
==Notes==
*''ʻAzm o himmat kī dāstān'' (عزم و همت كى داستان; "A tale of resolve and courage"), Lāhore : Sharīf Publīcations, 2000, 72 p. <small>History and struggle of business endeavours of the [[Sharif family]]</small>.
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== References ==
== References ==
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==External links==
==External links==
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*{{official website|https://pmo.gov.pk/}}
* {{Official website|https://pmo.gov.pk/}}
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Latest revision as of 23:27, 28 March 2026


Shehbaz Sharif
شہباز شریف
Sharif in 2024
Prime Minister of Pakistan
Assumed office
4 March 2024
PresidentArif Alvi
Asif Ali Zardari
DeputyIshaq Dar
Preceded byAnwaar ul Haq Kakar (Caretaker)
In office
11 April 2022 – 14 August 2023
PresidentArif Alvi
Preceded byImran Khan
Succeeded byAnwaar ul Haq Kakar (Caretaker)
Leader of the Opposition
In office
20 August 2018 – 10 April 2022
President
Prime MinisterImran Khan
Preceded byKhurshid Shah
Succeeded byRaja Riaz
Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan
Assumed office
29 February 2024
Preceded byHimself (NA-132 (Lahore-X))
ConstituencyNA-123 (Lahore-VII)
In office
13 August 2018 – 10 August 2023
Preceded byKhawaja Saad Rafique (NA-125 (Lahore-VIII))
Shazia Mubashar (NA-129 (Lahore-XII))
Sohail Shaukat Butt (NA-130 (Lahore-XIII))
Succeeded byHimself (NA-123 (Lahore-VII))
ConstituencyNA-132 (Lahore-X)
In office
3 November 1990 – 18 July 1993
Preceded byJehangir Bader
Succeeded byKamil Ali Agha
ConstituencyNA-96 (Lahore-V)
13th & 16th Chief Minister of Punjab
In office
7 June 2013 – 7 June 2018
Governor
Preceded byNajam Sethi (caretaker)
Succeeded byHasan Askari Rizvi (caretaker)
In office
30 March 2009 – 26 March 2013
Governor
Preceded byGovernor's rule
Succeeded byNajam Sethi (caretaker)
In office
8 June 2008 – 25 February 2009
Governor
Preceded byDost Muhammad Khosa
Succeeded byGovernor's rule
In office
20 February 1997 – 12 October 1999
Preceded byMian Muhammad Afzal Hayat (caretaker)
Succeeded byParvez Elahi
President of Pakistan Muslim League (N)
In office
13 March 2018 – 13 May 2024
Preceded byNawaz Sharif
Succeeded byNawaz Sharif
In office
2009–2011
Preceded byChaudhary Nisar Ali Khan
Succeeded byNawaz Sharif
Leader of the Opposition of Punjab
In office
18 October 1993 – 17 November 1996
Preceded byRana Ikram Rabbani
Succeeded bySaeed Ahmed Khan
Member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab
In office
18 October 1993 – 31 May 2018
In office
30 November 1988 – 6 August 1990
Personal details
Born
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif

(1951-09-23) 23 September 1951 (age 74)
Lahore, West Punjab, Pakistan
NationalityPakistani
Political partyPML(N) (1993–present)
Other political
affiliations
IJI (1988–1993)
Spouse(s)
Begum Nusrat
(
m. 1973)
Aaliya Honey
(
m. 1993; div. 1994)
[1][2]
(
m. 2003)
[2]
Children4, including Hamza Shahbaz
Parent(s)Mian Muhammad Sharif (father)
Shamim Akhtar (mother)
RelativesSharif family
EducationGovernment College University, Lahore (BA)
Occupation
  • Politician
  • businessperson
Signature

Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif[lower-alpha 1] (born 23 September 1951) is a Pakistani politician and businessman who has served as the prime minister of Pakistan since March 2024, having previously been in the role between April 2022 to August 2023. He has also served as the president of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and chief minister of Punjab three times, making him the longest-serving person in the role.

A scion of the prominent Pakistani political family, Sharif was elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1988 and to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1990. He was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1993 and appointed leader of the opposition. He was elected as chief minister of Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, for the first time on 20 February 1997. After the 1999 Pakistani coup d'état, Sharif, along with his family, spent years of self-exile in Saudi Arabia, returning to Pakistan in 2007. Sharif was appointed chief minister for a second term after the PML(N)'s victory in Punjab in the 2008 Pakistani general election. He was elected as chief minister of Punjab for the third time after the 2013 Punjab provincial election and served his term until his party's defeat in the 2018 Punjab provincial election. Sharif was nominated as the president of the PML(N) after his brother, Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from holding office in the wake of the Panama Papers case.[3]

He was nominated as the leader of the opposition after the 2018 general election, and elected prime minister in 2022 after the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was passed in the National Assembly. After the PML(N) won a minority in the 2024 general election, Sharif became prime minister with a coalition government.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Sharif was born on 23 September 1951[4][5][6] in Lahore, West Punjab.[7] His family is Punjabi with Kashmiri ancestry. Sharif's father, Mian Muhammad Sharif, was an upper-middle-class businessman and industrialist whose family had emigrated from Anantnag in Kashmir for business, and eventually settled in the village of Jati Umra in Amritsar district, Punjab, at the beginning of the twentieth century. His mother's family came from Pulwama.[8] Following the partition of India and Pakistan's independence in 1947, his parents migrated from Amritsar to Lahore.[9] He has two brothers, Abbas Sharif and Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz is a three-time elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, serving the longest non-consecutive tenure in the role.[10] Nawaz's wife, Kulsoom Nawaz, was the First Lady of Pakistan for three non-consecutive terms and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz is the current Chief Minister of Punjab.[11]

Sharif attended St. Anthony High School, Lahore, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Government College University, Lahore.[12] After his graduation, he joined his family-owned Ittefaq Group. He was elected president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry in 1985.[7][13] Sharif can speak Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, English, German and Arabic.[14]

Early political career[edit | edit source]

Sharif began his political career after getting elected to the Punjab Assembly from Constituency PP-122 (Lahore-VII) as a candidate of the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) in the 1988 general election.[13][15][16] He had 22,372 votes and defeated a candidate of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).[15] However, his term prematurely ended in 1990 when the assemblies were dissolved.[12][17]

He was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab from Constituency PP-124 (Lahore-IX) as an IJI candidate in the 1990 general election. He received 26,408 votes and defeated a candidate of the Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDA).[15] In the same election, he was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of IJI. He secured 54,506 votes and defeated Jehangir Bader.[13][18] He vacated the Punjab Assembly seat to retain his National Assembly seat.[16] His term prematurely ended in 1993[12] when the assemblies were dissolved.[17]

He was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly from Constituency PP-125 (Lahore-X) as a candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML(N)), a new party founded by his brother, Nawaz, in the 1993 general election.[16] He received 28,068 votes and defeated a candidate of PPP.[15] In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of the PML(N). He secured 55,867 votes and defeated Yousuf Salahuddin.[18] He vacated the National Assembly seat and retained his Provincial Punjab Assembly seat.[13] Shortly after the election, he was elected Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly.[19] During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, he travelled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. In his absence, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi was made Acting Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly.[19][20] His term as a member of the Punjab Assembly and Leader of the Opposition prematurely ended in November 1996[12] when the assemblies were dissolved.[13][17]

Chief Minister of Punjab (1997–1999) and exile[edit | edit source]

Sharif was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly from Constituency PP-125 (Lahore-X) as a candidate of the PML(N) in the 1997 Punjab provincial election.[16] He received 25,013 votes and defeated a candidate of PPP.[15] In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-96 (Lahore-V) as a candidate of PML(N). He secured 47,614 votes and defeated Hanif Ramay.[18] He was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab for the first time and was sworn in as 13th Chief Minister of Punjab on 20 February 1997.[4][19]

Sharif focused on healthcare, education, agriculture and the promotion of industry in Punjab.[7][19] He undertook several development projects in Lahore and launched a crackdown on criminals across the province to maintain law and order.[19] Sharif introduced a series of educational reforms such as reformed exams in a variety of subjects, as well as self-finance schemes for students.[7]

He held his office until 12 October 1999 when was removed from the post of Chief Minister in the 1999 Pakistani coup d'état.[7][12][13][17]

In 1999, a complainant, Saeeduddin, lodged a first information report and accused Sharif of allowing the Punjab Police, as chief minister, to kill his son along with other men in a fake encounter.[21] In the encounter, his two sons and three other people were killed by the police.[22][23] Following the coup Sharif was imprisoned.[12] In December 2000, he, along with his immediate family members, was forcibly exiled to Saudi Arabia following the request of the Saudi royal family.[19][24][7]

While in exile in Saudi Arabia, Sharif was elected as the PML(N) President in August 2002 and moved to the United Kingdom in 2003 for medical treatment.[24][13][19]

In 2003, an anti-terrorism court summoned Sharif and five others accused in alleged extrajudicial killings in 1998. He was in the exile at that time and failed to show-up to the court. Later, the court issued an arrest warrant for Sharif.[25][26] In 2004, Sharif attempted to return to Pakistan to appear before the court, but was forcibly deported back to Saudi Arabia.[19][26]

In August 2007, the Supreme Court of Pakistan gave its verdict which allowed the Sharif and Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan.[27] In September 2007, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan ordered police to arrest Sharif based on a 2003 arrest warrant.[26][28] He later achieved bail from an anti-terrorism court.[29] Sharif denied ordering the alleged killings and said the charges against him were politically motivated.[26] He further added that in 2004, he had landed at Lahore Airport, wanting to appear before the court, but was sent back to Saudi Arabia by the government in violation of the orders of the Supreme Court.[30] In 2008, he was acquitted by the Anti-Terrorism Court in the Sabzazar case.[22]

Sharif was re-elected as PML(N) President for a second term in August 2006[13][19] and returned to Pakistan along with Nawaz Sharif in November 2007.[19]

Sharif was ineligible to take part in the 2008 general election due to the Sabzazar case, but a few months later he was acquitted by the court.[31][22]

On 14 July 2019, the Daily Mail published a news with the headline: "Did the family of Pakistani politician who has become the poster boy for British overseas aid STEAL funds meant for earthquake victims?" According to the report, Shehbaz stole aid funds from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) following the 2005 earthquake. It was written by Daily Mail journalist David Rose. Investigations have shown that the donated more than £500 million to the earthquake victims in Pakistan through the DFID, a UK government organisation.[32][33]

David Rose claimed Shehbaz used the aid funds to send one million pounds through money laundering to his frontman Aftab Mehmood, a British citizen of Pakistani descent, who then gave the money to Shehbaz's family. Shehbaz and his family allegedly stole British citizens' tax relief funds, according to news reports. Salman Shehbaz, Shehbaz's son, refuted this information.[34]

A DFID representative referred to the reports as "baseless" and "fabricated" on the organisation's website, and in January 2020, Shehbaz filed a claim for damages against the Daily Mail and Rose in the Royal Court of Justice in London.[35]

According to court documents, the Daily Mail took almost three years to submit a defence of Rose's story. On 20 April 2020, Justice Matthew Nicklin issued the initial order for the listing hearing window running from 21 April 2020 to 31 July 2020. On 7 May 2020, Justice Nicklin issued a second ruling that extended the due dates. On 20 October 2020, Justice Nicklin issued the first order, merging the claims of Shehbaz and his son-in-law Yousaf. On 28 January 2021, Justice Nicklin issued another order pertaining to the preliminary issue trial.[36] The verdict and order were delivered on 5 February 2021. Justice Nicklin ruled at the meaning hearing at the London High Court in favour of the PML(N). Justice Nicklin determined that the Mail on Sunday's article carried the highest level of defamatory meaning for both Shehbaz and Yousaf.[citation needed]

On 18 February 2021, Justice Nicklin issued the directive with relation to certain deadlines. On 15 March 2022, the Daily Mail filed its defence. On 17 March 2022, Master Thornett issued the directive to file the defence. On 23 June and 20 September 2022, he then issued the orders to extend the deadline for filing the defence. Following negotiations to resolve the dispute after March 2022 between Daily Mail and Shehbaz, it was made apparent to his legal counsel that the publication would issue an apology and take down the item under his conditions. On 26 September 2022, Justice Nicklin issued an order and scheduled a joint case management meeting for 9 November.[36] Three days prior to this hearing, Shehbaz pulled his request for a delay in favour of a full trial in a shrewd political move. According to the regulations, the court was not informed that the lawyers for Daily Mail had been secretly negotiating with Shehbaz's lawyers for several months, proposing to apologise. Shehbaz was persuaded by his legal staff that there was no use in submitting more paperwork as the paper had already agreed to apologise and remove the defamatory and misleading piece.[36]

Daily Mail publishers and Shehbaz's lawyers signed an agreement of settlement with Tomlin Order in the second week of December 2022, after which Daily Mail removed the defamatory article and apologised to the prime minister and his son-in-law. The ANL promised that it will never propagate these false allegations at any forum, it has also worked with Google to remove all articles carrying Daily Mail's previous allegations.[37][36][38]

Chief Minister of Punjab (2008–2018)[edit | edit source]

Sharif was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly unopposed from Constituency PP-48 (Bhakkar-II) as a PML(N) candidate in the by-election held in June 2008.[39][40] Subsequently, he was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Punjab, receiving 265 votes unopposed after securing 265 votes.[13][16] Later, in June 2008, while holding the Assembly seat from Constituency PP-48 (Bhakkar-II), Sharif contested for a seat in the Punjab Assembly from Constituency PP-10 (Rawalpindi-X). He was elected unopposed but resigned from this seat due to a dispute regarding his eligibility to serve as chief minister.[41][42]

His second term as chief minister was interrupted on 25 February 2009 when the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared him ineligible to hold public office, resulting in the vacancy of his seat in the Punjab Assembly and his removal from the office of chief minister.[43] On 1 April 2009, a five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court overturned the earlier decision, reinstating Sharif as chief minister.[44]

In the 2013 general election, Sharif was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly from three Constituencies PP-159 (Lahore-XXIII), PP-161 (Lahore-XXV) and PP-247 (Rajanpur-I), as a PML(N) candidate. In the same election, he was re-elected to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-129 (Lahore-XII).[45] Sharif chose to retain his Provincial Assembly seat PP-159 (Lahore-XXIII) and was re-elected as chief minister of Punjab for the third time, receiving 300 votes in the 371-member Provincial Assembly.[46][47]

Intra-party politics[edit | edit source]

In 2016, Sharif was elected unopposed as the president of the PML(N)'s Punjab chapter in intra-party elections.[48]

On 29 July 2017, following the disqualification of outgoing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after the Panama Papers case decision, Sharif was named leader of the PML(N) and their candidate for the office of prime minister.[49][50][51] However, he was not a member of the National Assembly, so Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was asked to serve as the interim prime minister of Pakistan, allowing Sharif enough time to enter the legislature through a by-election.[52] Later, Sharif decided to complete his tenure as chief minister until the next general election.[53][54]

In December 2017, Sharif was named as the candidate of PML(N) for the office of prime minister in the 2018 general election.[55][56]

In February 2018, Sharif was appointed the interim president of the PML(N).[57][58] In March 2018, he was elected unopposed as the president of PML(N).[59] It was reported[by whom?] that the establishment had previously offered Sharif the position of prime minister of Pakistan on several occasions, which he did not accept.[60]

Leader of the Opposition (2018–2022)[edit | edit source]

Sharif at an anti-Imran Khan government rally in Islamabad, November 2019

Sharif was elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of PML(N) from Constituency NA-132 (Lahore-X) in the 2018 Pakistani general election. In the same election, he was re-elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab as a candidate of PML(N) from Constituency PP-164 (Lahore-XXI) and PP-165 (Lahore-XXII).[61] Following his successful election, he abandoned his Punjab seats in favour of the National assembly seat.[62]

On 16 August 2018, he was nominated by PML(N) for the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan.[63] The following day, he secured 96 votes, losing to Imran Khan.[64] Later, he was nominated for the office of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly by 111 members of the National Assembly.[65] On 20 August 2018, he was notified as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Concurrently, he served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee from 22 December 2018 until 28 November 2019, when he resigned and was succeeded by Rana Tanveer Hussain.

In September 2020, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Sharif on charges of laundering Rs. 7,328 million (US$41 million) through a purported scheme involving close associates and family members.[66] The NAB had previously frozen 23 properties owned by Sharif, his son, and other relatives, alleging these assets were acquired through unknown sources of income and that foreign funds were funnelled via fake transactions through a company owned by Sharif's son-in-law, Haroon Yousaf.[67]

Following his arrest, Sharif was held in custody during the investigation.[68] In November 2020, he was temporarily released on parole to attend his mother's funeral prayers.[69] On 14 April 2021, he was granted bail by the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case.[70] On 12 October 2022, Sharif and his son were acquitted on all charges of corruption and money laundering by the Special Court Central in Lahore.[71] After the verdict, Sharif's lawyer Amjad Pervez described the case as "totally baseless and politically motivated."[71]

Prime Minister (2022–2023)[edit | edit source]

On 10 April 2022, Sharif was nominated as a candidate for prime minister by opposition parties following the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan after the 2022 Pakistani constitutional crisis.[72][73] He was elected prime minister on 11 April 2022.[74][75] He took the oath of office on the same day, administered by the Chairman of the Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani, acting for President Arif Alvi, who was on medical leave after complaining of "discomfort".[76]

Domestic policy[edit | edit source]

Sharif's main priority upon his ascension as prime minister in 2022 was to resolve the severe economic crisis that began that year, as rising fuel prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, excessive borrowing, poor macroeconomic decision-making, a balance of payments crisis, among other factors had accumulated into a severe crisis that strained the nation's economy. Sharif also vowed to investigate Imran Khan's allegations of American intervention to instigate the latter's removal from power, vowing to step down if an "iota of evidence" was found against him.[77] Sharif promised to enact electoral reforms to ensure that free and fair elections occurred.[78]

Economic policy[edit | edit source]

Soon after Sharif's swearing-in ceremony, the government announced a relief package that included various measures such as raising the minimum wage from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 25,000, subsidising wheat flour, a 10% raise in pensions, and a government employee salary reduction to less than Rs. 100,000 rupees.[79] He also revived the Benazir Income Support Programme for poverty reduction, expanding it to educational aid.[79]

In order to resolve skyrocketing fuel prices, Sharif sought to amplify energy production from power projects. He expressed his intentions to resolve the lack of profit from Pakistan's coal of reserves, suggesting that the Thar Engro Coal Power Project could be connected to other coal-powered plants and amplify production to up to 4,000 megawatts. Sharif further suggested that the Thar Project could revive the national economy and save the government up to $6 billion as the expenditure on energy imports rose to $24 billion.[80]

Under Sharif's premiership, Pakistan's inflation rate skyrocketed to a multi-decade high of 27.3% in September 2022[81] and 37.97% in May 2023.[82] In January 2023, 7 million textile workers became unemployed due to decreasing exports and the government's failure to end the economic crisis.[83]

Despite negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a relief package for Pakistan's economy, the Pakistani rupee continued to depreciate under Sharif's tenure, with increasing inflation, unemployment, and low profits damaging business in Pakistan. The government's target of $7.7 billion for FY 2023 for foreign commercial loans also slumped, with only $0.2 billion gained from July to October 2022.[84]

Sharif's government continued negotiations with the IMF for a relief package to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis, with a staff-level agreement reached in June 2023 for a $3 billion stand-by arrangement.[85] In July 2023, the IMF's executive board approved the loan and begin a disbursement of roughly $1.2 billion. To secure the loan, Sharif's government instituted austerity measures in its annual budget, raising taxes by $750 million and hiking its interest rate to 22%, measures to curb inflation.[86][87]

2022 Pakistan floods[edit | edit source]

In 2022, Sindh and Balochistan received more rainfall than the August average, with 784% and 500% more, respectively.[88] In addition to this rise in rainfall, southern Pakistan experienced back-to-back heat waves in May and June 2022, which were record-setting and made more likely by climate change. These conditions created a strong thermal low that brought heavier rains than usual. On 25 August 2022, Sharif's government declared a nationwide state of emergency due to the floods, which killed around 1,700 people and caused over roughly $30–40 billion in damage.[89][90][91][92][93]

Map comparing Sindh from before the 2022 floods and after

In response to the floods and farmer sit-ins over electricity and fuel bills, Sharif launched the Kissan Package for farmers' relief, forming a federal committee and unveiling a Rs. 600 billion package.[94][95] As a part of this package, the government would provide Rs. 50 billion subsidised loans to young entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector across the country, alongside Rs. 10 billion to small and medium enterprises in the agriculture sector. In addition to these measures, the package rolled out Rs. 5 billion to landless farmers affected by the floods, and the provision of 1.2 million bags of certified seeds to flood-affected farmers. In regards to cost divisions, Sharif stated that the federal government would provide 50% of the contributions while the four provinces would provide the other 50%.[95] Sharif's government also reduced duties on knock-down kits tractor parts from 35% to 15%, and wheat imports were enhanced to 2.6 million tonnes in order to prevent a national wheat shortage. These measures in the Kissan Package were implemented to enhance the agriculture sector and its related sectors such as the fertiliser industry, and particularly to mitigate the harmful economic effects of the floods on the country.[citation needed]

Energy policy[edit | edit source]

Sharif's ascension as prime minister was also marked by an energy crisis in Pakistan as a result of a failure to open completed projects and global fuel and energy prices hiking due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and the COVID-19 pandemic.[96][97] In June 2025, Sharif's government opted out of an LNG import of $39.8 per MMBTU because of its unaffordability, instead relying on nationwide loadshedding. As a result of this decision, Sharif warned Pakistanis to prepare for loadshedding for the following month as he stated that his government would try and make an energy duel for LNG imports possible.[98][99][100] In July 2022, Sharif ordered the resumption of energy production from closed power plants such as the Punjab Thermal Power Plant and the Sahiwal Coal Power Project. Projects such as these two plants were delayed because of a lack of ownership or the breakdown of contractual commitments.[101]

Under his premiership, Sharif began the transition all government buildings to solar power to reduce the government's fuel import bill. He added that this move would be an example for the country's provincial governments, urging provincial leaders to follow suit and standardise the use of solar power for government buildings.[102][103]

Foreign affairs[edit | edit source]

Sharif at the 2022 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Sharif's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in September 2022

Sharif's government sought to improve ties with the United States after strained relations due to Lettergate, despite Pakistan's close ties with China.[104] Sharif met US President Joe Biden in New York City in September 2022 during the United Nations General Assembly annual summit.[105] During the meeting, Biden pledged support to Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods. In October 2022, President Biden called Pakistan "one of the most dangerous nations in the world" during an address in California. Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari rejected the statement as baseless, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the US ambassador for an explanation of Biden's remarks.[106]

Sharif also sought closer ties with China and the amplification of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. However, relations grew increasingly complicated due to a rise in attacks on Chinese workers by groups such as the Pakistani Taliban and Balochistan Liberation Army, as the Pakistan Army is responsible for the security of CPEC workers.[107] Sharif visited China on a two-day official visit in November 2022, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, and visiting after the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. Sharif pledged to revitalise CPEC and expand trade.[108]

Sharif's first visit as prime minister was to Saudi Arabia in April 2022 on a three-day official visit, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Sharif's government also secured an $8 billion package from Saudi Arabia in May 2022, alongside an expansion to a $2.4 billion oil financing facility funded by Saudi Arabia.[109] Sharif visited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to secure investments in Pakistan; he expressed his desire to facilitate a strong and healthy business environment in Pakistan for Qatari investors during a Pakistan-Qatar trade and investment roundtable meeting in Doha; 2022.[110][111]

Sharif visited Turkey and met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on several occasions, seeking to further deepen Pakistan-Turkey relations and enhance trade. He invited Turkey to join CPEC.[112]

Sharif's government also inaugurated a new power transmission line with Iran during a ceremony in Pishin along the Iran–Pakistan border with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, facilitating the transmission of up to 100 megawatts of Iranian electricity to Pakistan. Sharif's government also remained committed to the construction of an Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline.[113]

Sharif visited the United Kingdom during the funeral of Elizabeth II in September 2022 as the head of government of a Commonwealth republic, offering condolences to Charles III and meeting with British prime minister Liz Truss.[114] Sharif again visited the United Kingdom for the coronation of Charles III and Queen Camilla, attending the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and meeting with British prime minister Rishi Sunak.[115][116]

Between premierships[edit | edit source]

On 9 August 2023, Sharif suggested the dissolution of parliament to President Arif Alvi, three days before the end of its term.[117] On 14 August, the 76th independence day of Pakistan, Sharif's term ended as prime minister and Anwaar ul Haq Kakar was appointed caretaker prime minister until a general election would be held.[118]

PML(N) supporters during the party's welcome rally in Lahore for Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan. October 2023

On 21 October 2023, Sharif welcomed the return of his brother, Nawaz Sharif, to Pakistan after four years of self-imposed exile. Nawaz returned to Pakistan after obtaining protective bail two days prior, which allowed him to return without being arrested. Nawaz's acquisition of protective bail was a result of the Shehbaz government's adoption of a law which allowed for review petitions against previous Supreme Court verdicts to be filed.[119] Shehbaz was a part of the PML(N) welcome rally for Nawaz in Lahore, where tens of thousands of PML(N) supporters awaited Nawaz's arrival.[120][121]

On 22 December 2023, the Election Commission of Pakistan ruled that the PTI would not be allowed to use its party symbol in the upcoming elections, citing that the party failed to hold intra-party elections up to the commission's standards. This decision was widely controversial and viewed as pre-poll rigging by eliminating PTI opposition, thus clearing the way for Nawaz Sharif to win the election and become prime minister with ease.[122][123][124][125]

A general election was held on 8 February 2024, with Nawaz Sharif serving as the PML(N) candidate for prime minister. However, Nawaz did not get his projected easy victory as PTI candidates, running as independents, managed to secure the most seats.[126][127] The PML(N) won the second most seats while the PPP won the third most; however, neither the independent candidates or the two largest parties were able to secure the 169 seats needed for a majority. On 20 February, the PML(N) and PPP formed a minority coalition government, and Shehbaz was chosen as the prime ministerial candidate over Nawaz. As a part of the coalition arrangement, senior PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari, was chosen as the coalition's candidate for president. The general election was marred with controversy as Pakistan's military establishment was accused of rigging the election to prevent the PTI from winning. International media also denounced the election while members of the international community voiced concern over its fairness.[128][129][130][131][132]

Prime Minister (2024–present)[edit | edit source]

On 3 March 2024, Sharif was re-elected as prime minister of Pakistan for a second term after a controversial general election, as he received 201 votes against 92 votes for the PTI candidate, Omar Ayub Khan.[133] He formed a minority government with the Pakistan People's Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan, the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and the Balochistan Awami Party.[134][135]

Economy[edit | edit source]

With Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, July 2025

Immediately after his swearing-in ceremony, Sharif directed preparations for a national action plan to amplify economic revival. As a part of this plan, Sharif initiated talks with the IMF for a loan agreement and ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to clear tax refunds worth Rs. 65 billion. He also stated that state-owned institutions that caused heavy losses for the government would be privatised, and that the gas sector would adopt smart metering to reduce line losses.[136][137] Sharif appointed Muhammad Aurangzeb, former president of Habib Bank Limited and JPMorgan banker, as finance minister.[138][139]

Sharif's government negotiated a bailout agreement with the IMF in July 2024, and secured a $7 billion loan from the IMF in September 2024.[140][141] However, the government raised taxes by 40% as a part of a new tax scheme to comply with strict IMF regulations. Despite the rise of taxes for Pakistan's middle class, Sharif failed to cut state expenses after a new fiscal year in July 2024. The government also included private companies into the new tax scheme, bumping up exporters' tax rate from 1% to 29%, in addition to a corporate tax of 30%, the highest in South Asia.[142]

Sharif's government created a comprehensive five-year plan for economic development, titled the “Uraan Pakistan: Homegrown National Economic Plan.” As a part of this plan, the government vowed to enhance export-led growth, expand the digital and technology sectors, and address economic challenges through what it described as the "five Es: Exports; E-Pakistan; Equity and Empowerment; Environment, Food and Water Security; and Energy and Infrastructure."[143][144] The plan also established quantitative targets, particularly achieving a 6% annual GDP growth by 2028, the creation of 1 million jobs per year, boosting exports to $60 billion annually by 2028, and $10 billion worth of private investment annually.[145] The plan also envisaged Pakistan to emerge as a trillion dollar economy by 2035.[146]

Despite big claims of austerity, Sharif's government has increased the salaries of ministers and advisers by 188%, to Rs519,000 per month while the common public was struggling financially and being told to spend less.[147]

Sharif's government has undertaken the privatisation of over 50 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), except "strategic ones," in three phases within the next four years of office, beginning in May 2025.[148] The large-scale privatisation of SOEs was a recommendation by the IMF because these SOEs hold sizeable assets in Pakistan; however, they have low employment and are cash-bleeding with over half of SOEs in Pakistan operating at a loss.[149][150] That month, inflation slowed down to 3.5%.[151]

In March 2026, Sharif announced emergency energy-saving measures, including a four-day work week and school closures, in response to rising global fuel prices caused by the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.[152]

Youth empowerment[edit | edit source]

Sharif's government has promoted youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. On International Youth Day in 2024, Sharif announced an Rs.100 billion boost for over 300,000 young entrepreneurs as a part of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, in addition to the launch of several youth empowerment schemes.[153] He also announced that the government would provide 1 million smartphones, tablets, and laptops to students across the country on the basis of merit, alongside personally funding the education of 1,000 graduates of agriculture in China.[154] Sharif also created a youth employment action plan across Pakistan. As a part of this plan, a laptop scheme provided over 600,000 laptops on the basis of merit to young Pakistanis, in addition to youth training initiatives across 268 universities across the country under the Prime Minister Green Youth Program.[155][156] Sharif also formed the National Youth Council, composed of 113 youth representatives (aged 10–29), aimed at amplifying youth development and integrating young Pakistanis into policy-making.[157]

Healthcare[edit | edit source]

On World Health Day in 2024, Sharif vowed to expand medical facilities across Pakistan to be accessible for all people, partnering with provincial governments to upgrade and establish medical facilities, launch mobile health clinics, and ensure cost-free treatment for lower-and-middle class families.[158] Sharif also ordered the use of advanced technology to advance digitised health reforms across the country, alongside the creation of oversight mechanisms to crack down on healthcare violations.[159]

At the opening ceremony of COP29 with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Baku, November 2024

Environment[edit | edit source]

At the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku in November 2024, Sharif presented Pakistan’s priorities for climate, emphasising the need for global "climate justice."[160] Moreover, he revealed his government's National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS), which sought to reduce Pakistan's greenhouse gas emissions to 50% of the national economy, leveraging 60% of clean energy resources, and shifting 30% of vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.[160]

Sharif's government has enhanced climate cooperation with international partners including through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Green Belt Programme and the Mangrove Sustainability Initiative, a project to protect, restore, and manage mangrove ecosystems across the globe.[161]

Constitutional changes[edit | edit source]

In September 2024, Sharif's government announced a "Constitutional Package" which would create a new Federal Constitutional Court. This new court would handle petitions pertaining strictly to interpretations of constitutional clauses. The package also included raising the retirement age of judges in the proposed Constitutional Court to 68, while other judges in Pakistan are required to retire by 65. The package also included a clause that would rule individual legislators' votes against their respective parties as void.[162] In October 2024, Parliament passed the Twenty-sixth Amendment, which expanded parliamentary powers, particularly allowing a parliamentary committee to select the Supreme Court's chief justice.[163] The new amendment was heavily criticised as attacking judicial independence, particularly amplifying judicial action against the PTI and other political opponents. According to the New York City Bar Association, the amendment undermined the separation of powers and judicial independence in Pakistan, hindering the impartiality of the judiciary.[164]

In November 2025, Parliament passed the twenty-seventh Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan proposed by Sharif's government, which asserted the authority of the Federal Constitutional Court—in which judges are selected by the executive branch, and modified Pakistan's military structure.[165] The amendment created the post of Chief of Defence Forces—given to Field Marshal Asim Munir—which oversees all three branches of the Pakistan Armed Forces, and provides Munir with lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution.[165] The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan questioned the government's urgency in passing the amendment, while Reema Omer, a legal adviser for the International Commission of Jurists, warned that the new amendment only emboldens the executive and legislative branches, weakening the authority of the judiciary and degrading any balance of power within the government.[166] She described the amendment as a "constitutional surrender."[166]

Counterterrorism initiatives[edit | edit source]

In June 2024, Sharif chaired a meeting of the Apex Committee on the National Action Plan in Islamabad, and announced the launch of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a major counterterrorism initiative that involved both military action and socioeconomic development to hinder the spread of radicalism and terrorism in Pakistan.[167][168] The launch of the operation came amidst a rise in terrorism in Pakistan in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, with militant groups such as the Pakistani Taliban taking shelter in Afghanistan to use it as a base for attacks on Pakistani security forces.[169][170][171]

Sharif's government has repeatedly accused India of financially supporting the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups that operate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,[172] describing the Pakistani Taliban as Fitna-al-khawarij (lit. 'Conflict of Kharijites') and Baloch rebel groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan (lit. 'Conflict of India').[173]

Sharif condemned the hijacking of the Jaffar Express on 11 March 2025, describing it as a 'cowardly act.' He stated that the perpetrators, whom he identified as members of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), were enemies of the province's development and reaffirmed the government's resolve to eliminate terrorism from the region.[174]

Democratic backsliding[edit | edit source]

Shehbaz meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2024 Astana SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan

Immediately after becoming prime minister for his second term, PTI supporters across Pakistan began major protests and demonstrations on 11 March, calling for Sharif's removal from office on allegations of electoral rigging in the 2024 general election. These protests also called for the restoration of the PTI's "stolen mandate" and the release of senior PTI leaders, including Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi. In response to these protests, the Pakistani police launched a large-scale national crackdown, arresting and attacking PTI protestors.[175]

On 15 July 2024, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that the government was considering a ban on the PTI, citing the violent 2023 Pakistani protests and the PTI allegedly "leaking classified information."[176] The plan to ban the PTI received large-scale backlash from both inside Pakistan and internationally, with several prominent politicians, journalists, and lawyers condemning the move.[177] According to the Brookings Institution, the move against the PTI revealed the government's "weakness and political insecurity," and the move comes during a period where the judiciary of Pakistan is experiencing increasing state pressure to crack down on political opposition.[178]

Sharif's government continued the unofficial ban on social media platform Twitter (X) imposed by the Kakar caretaker government,[179][180] and installed an internet firewall. The firewall was created by the government in order to block content that it deemed as propaganda. The firewall was widely criticised for censorship. Furthermore, the internet firewall project was estimated to cost $300 Million. The firewall negatively affected businesses in Pakistan.[181][182]

Civil-military relations[edit | edit source]

With Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir at the White House, September 2025

During his premiership, Sharif has maintained positive relations with the Pakistani military. Sharif publicly stated that his government and the military were “on the same page” regarding all key national issues, including national security, counterterrorism, and economic development.[183]

Sharif developed a particularly cordial relationship with Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, describing his relationship with the army as a "role model" for the future.[184] The two leaders held multiple joint meetings on national security and foreign policy, including consultations on Pakistan’s response to India following the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict.[185]

In May 2025, the federal cabinet approved Munir’s promotion to the rank of Field Marshal, citing his “decisive leadership” during the conflict.[186] The promotion ceremony, attended by both Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, where Munir was formally conferred the baton of Field Marshal.[187]

Sharif’s cooperative stance with the military was seen as an effort to maintain political stability and avoid confrontation with the country's powerful military establishment. His government’s approach was described by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif as a “hybrid model” of governance, combining civilian and military decision-making in national and economic affairs.[188]

Foreign policy[edit | edit source]

Middle East[edit | edit source]

With other Muslim leaders and US President Donald Trump in New York City to discuss the Gaza war, September 2025

Sharif's first foreign visit during his second premiership was to Saudi Arabia in 2024, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.[189] As a part of this meeting, Sharif and bin Salman agreed to extradite the first wave of a $5 billion Saudi investment package to Pakistan.[190] In September 2025, Sharif announced the creation of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, in the aftermath of the Israeli attack on Doha earlier that month; however, the Saudi government stated the agreement was a result of "years of discussions" rather than a response to a recent regional development.[191] Sharif also met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in April 2024, vowing to strengthen economic and security cooperation in the aftermath of a short tit-for-tat conflict between the two nations in January of that year.[192] In June 2025, Sharif expressed his support for Iran amidst the Iran–Israel war.[193]

Sharif emphasised warm relations with the United Arab Emirates, meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on several occasions. Sharif and bin Zayed agreed to enhance Emirati investments in Pakistan. In May 2024, bin Zayed committed to invest $10 billion in Pakistan.[194]

With Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, May 2025

In November 2025, Sharif welcomed King Abdullah II of Jordan to Pakistan on a two-day visit, welcoming him to the Global Industrial Defence Solutions in Rawalpindi for a review of Pakistan's indigenous defence production and potential bilateral military cooperation.[195]

Sharif repeatedly condemned Israel's war in Gaza—which he described as a genocide—expressing sympathy with the Palestinian people and support for an independent Palestinian state.[196][197] In September 2025, he expressed strong support for Donald Trump's Gaza Strip proposal, calling it "a vital step towards peace in the Middle East." Sharif also praised Trump’s leadership and the efforts of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in resolving the conflict. In response, Trump commended Sharif, saying he "fully support[s] the plan 100 per cent."[198][199][200]

A political controversy emerged after columnist and social media activist Shama Junejo, perceived to be pro-Israel due to past social media posts on the Abraham Accords, claimed Prime Minister Shehbaz included her in Pakistan’s UN delegation as an adviser and tasked her with helping draft his “historic speech” for the eightieth session of the UNGA, which she said was the result of "teamwork." Junejo stated she had been part of the speech-writing team since April and joined the entourage from Britain, while the Foreign Office denied her official accreditation and said she was not part of the formally approved delegation.[201]

With Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to commemorate the anniversary of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in Baku, November 2025

Turkey and Azerbaijan[edit | edit source]

Sharif attended a trilateral summit between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, in Lachin, Azerbaijan. Sharif thanked both nations for their diplomatic and moral support for Pakistan during the 2025 conflict with India, and vowed greater cooperation.[202] Moreover Sharif's government enhanced military cooperation between the three countries.[203] For instance, in January 2025, Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to establish and operate a joint facility for TAI TF Kaan fighter jets.[204] In November 2025, Sharif attended a victory parade in Baku to mark the 5th anniversary of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, describing the Azerbaijani "liberation" of Nagorno-Karabakh as a beacon of hope for both the people of Palestine and Indian-administered Kashmir which he described as "occupied nations."[205]

United States[edit | edit source]

With US President Donald Trump at the White House, September 2025

In April 2025, Sharif met with a United States delegation led by Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and announced that US companies seek to invest in Pakistan's untapped minerals.[206] Sharif also emphasised the cruciality of American mediation in de-escalating the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, with the Pakistani government nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in mediating an end to the conflict.[207][208][209] Trump also met with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir in June 2025, signalling a major thaw in relations between the two countries.[210][211] In July, Sharif's government negotiated a trade deal with the US which included American investment in Pakistan's crude oil reserves in its territorial waters.[212] The deal also included partnerships in cryptocurrency and information technology.[213] In September 2025, Sharif attended a conference with Muslim leaders and Trump on the sidelines of the Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly to establish an end to the Gaza war.[214] In the same month, Sharif visited the White House and met with Trump.[215] During the October 2025 Gaza Peace Summit, Sharif announced his intention to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for a second time.[216] In January 2026, Sharif announced Pakistan's acceptance of an American invitation to join the Board of Peace for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following the Gaza war.[217]

China[edit | edit source]

With Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jinping of China, and Kim Jong Un of North Korea for the China Victory Day Parade, September 2025

Sharif's government pledged to revive the stagnating CPEC through cooperation on infrastructure and mining.[218] This desire to amplify cooperation comes amidst increasing attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan by militant groups aiming at disrupting CPEC, which has affected China-Pakistan relations.[219][220] However, China's significant defence cooperation with Pakistan contributed to Pakistan downing Western-manufactured Indian aircraft, particularly a Rafale, during its 2025 conflict against India.[221][222]

South Asia[edit | edit source]

With Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Islamabad, October 2024

In October 2024, Sharif welcomed Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar for the 2024 Islamabad SCO summit, the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since 2015.[223] However, relations between India and Pakistan soured during his premiership as India blamed Pakistan for inciting a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which Pakistan strongly denied and demanded an international investigation.[224] After the attack, India launched several diplomatic actions such as the cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty, the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, and the suspension of all bilateral trade.[225] In response to India's diplomatic actions against Pakistan, Sharif suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement and suspended all trade with India.[226] On 7 May, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine sites in Azad Kashmir and Punjab.[227] India claimed that the strikes were launched against "terrorist infrastructure" that they claimed were used by Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.[228] On 10 May, Sharif presided over the launch of Operation Bunyan un-Marsoos[lower-alpha 2] in retaliation, overseeing a Pakistani air assault over 26 military sites across Western India, claiming heavy damage to Indian air bases, logistics hubs, storage facilities, and other military infrastructure.[231][232] That same day, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire to end the conflict. In the aftermath of the conflict, Sharif declared victory over India and designated 16 May as Youm-e-Tashakur ('Day of Gratitude') in honour of the Pakistani military, though the conflict produced no clear winner.[233][234][235]

With Bangladeshi Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the Developing 8 summit in Egypt, December 2024

Sharif met with Bangladeshi Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in December 2024 during a Developing-8 summit in Cairo, the first meeting between Pakistani and Bangladeshi senior leaders since the July Revolution in Bangladesh.[236] Sharif sought to bolster ties with Bangladesh, launching direct cargo shipments from Pakistan to Chittagong Port and offering 300 scholarships to Bangladeshi students.[237][238]

Sharif expressed a desire to enhance relations with Afghanistan; however, he urged the Afghan government to crack down on the presence of militant groups such as the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which operate out of Afghan territory against Pakistani security forces.[239] In March 2024, Sharif authorised the Pakistan Air Force to launch airstrikes in Eastern Afghanistan to destroy TTP strongholds.[240][241] He also continued the deportation of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan that first began under the Anwaar ul Haq Kakar caretaker government in December 2023.[242][243] As of late 2025, the UNHCR confirmed that more than one million Afghans have returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan in 2025.[244] Following directives from Sharif's government, this campaign has expanded beyond undocumented individuals to include holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, with thousands of arrests reported monthly in early 2026.[245]

While addressing the eightieth session of the UNGA, Sharif publicly claimed that Pakistan faced problems from terrorist groups operating from "Afghan soil."[246] In October 2025, Sharif oversaw Pakistani military operations against both the Afghan Taliban and the TTP as the Pakistani military struck Afghan border posts and cities, including Kabul and Kandahar.[247][248]

Public image[edit | edit source]

During his tenure as chief minister, Sharif developed a reputation as a diligent administrator.[249][250] He initiated ambitious infrastructure projects in Punjab and was noted for his efficient governance.[251][252][253] On 19 December 2016, Vice-Minister Zheng Xiaosong of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party coined the term "Shehbaz Speed" to acknowledge his contributions to expediting the progress of projects within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Subsequently, the term has been employed to characterise the rate of advancement within the CPEC.[254][255][256] In official meetings, Saudi officials also declared Sharif the "Man of Action."[257] In 2025, Sharif was recognised among the world's 500 most influential Muslims by The Muslim 500, an annual publication by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan.[258]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Family[edit | edit source]

Shehbaz with his elder brother Nawaz Sharif

Sharif married Nusrat Shehbaz[259] in 1973. They had four children: Salman, Hamza, and twin daughters Javeria and Rabia.[4][260]

His second marriage was to Aaliya Honey, whom he married in 1993.[1][2] The couple separated after just one year.[1]

In 2003, Sharif married his third wife, author and artist Tehmina Durrani.[4][261]

Wealth[edit | edit source]

His family jointly owns Sharif Group and formerly owned Ittefaq Group.[13][262] In 2013, it was noted that Shehbaz is wealthier than his elder brother Nawaz with a net worth of Template:PKR.[lower-alpha 3]

Toshakhana records[edit | edit source]

On 12 March 2023, the Government of Pakistan released a record of Toshakhana gifts retained by government officials from 2003 to 2023,[265][266] 90 gifts were retained by Sharif from Toshakhana.[267]

Toshakhana Gifts Date Assessed Market Value Price Paid
Book from Tehran to Tehran 15 July 2009 a. NCV b. Rs. 7,500/- ---
Carpet in Shopping Bag 15 -07 -2009 Rs.13,000/ – ---
a. Frame box Shield (Large) b. Frame box shield (small) c. Three shields (small) 15 -07 -2009 a. Rs.6,000/ – b. NCV c. NCV ---
One Ceramic Plate (Large) 15 -07 -2009 Rs.4,000/ – ---
a. Book Shahnama – e -Firdous b. 2 Gift Pack in Boxes 15 -07 -2009 a. NCV b. Rs.4,500/ ----
One Tower 15 July 2009 NCV ---
One Ceramic Plate (Small) 15 July 2009 Rs.2,500/- ---

Books[edit | edit source]

  • Azm O Himmat Kī Dāstān (عزم و همت كى داستان; "A Tale of Resolve and Courage"), Lāhore: Sharīf Publīcations, 2000, 72 pp. History and struggle of business endeavours of the Sharif family.[268]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. Urdu, Punjabi: میاں محمد شہباز شریف, hns
  2. Bunyan-un-Marsoos[229] is an Arabic term meaning "Unbreakable Wall". The name is derived from a verse in the Quran.[230] The verse states: "Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were a firm and compact wall."[Quran 61:4 (Translated by Shakir)])
  3. In 2013, US$1 was equivalent to average Template:PKR.[263][264]

References[edit | edit source]

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External links[edit | edit source]

Political offices
Preceded by
Mian Muhammad Afzal Hayat
Caretaker
Chief Minister of Punjab
1997–1999
Vacant
Title next held by
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi
Preceded by
Dost Muhammad Khosa
Chief Minister of Punjab
2008–2013
Succeeded by
Najam Sethi
Caretaker
Preceded by
Najam Sethi
Caretaker
Chief Minister of Punjab
2013–2018
Succeeded by
Hasan Askari Rizvi
Caretaker
Preceded by
Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah
Leader of the Opposition
2018–2022
Vacant
Preceded by
Imran Khan
Prime Minister of Pakistan
2022–present
Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by
Nisar Ali Khan
Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N)
2009–2011
Succeeded by
Nawaz Sharif
Preceded by
Nawaz Sharif
Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N)
2018–present
Incumbent

Template:Shehbaz Sharif