About Picture: Nawaz Sharif And Khalid Hussain Sain [Credit: DwD]
Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is one of the most prominent and influential political figures in Pakistan’s history. His political journey spans more than four decades, marked by power, popularity, controversy, and resilience. As a three-time Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif has played a central role in shaping the country’s political, economic, and democratic landscape. His career reflects both the promise and the challenges of Pakistan’s political system, where civilian leadership and military influence have often collided.
Early Life and Entry into Politics
Nawaz Sharif was born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, into a wealthy industrial family that owned the Ittefaq Group of Companies, a major steel conglomerate. Educated at Saint Anthony’s High School and Government College Lahore, he later earned a law degree from the University of Punjab. His family background in business deeply influenced his political philosophy, particularly his focus on economic development and privatization.
Sharif’s political journey began during the regime of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in the late 1970s. The Sharif family suffered losses when the nationalization policies of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto targeted their industries. This experience drew Nawaz Sharif toward conservative and pro-business politics. Under Zia’s military government, Sharif was appointed as the Finance Minister of Punjab in 1981 and later became the Chief Minister of Punjab in 1985. As Chief Minister, he gained a reputation for development-oriented governance, launching infrastructure and industrial projects that earned him popularity across the province.
Rise to National Leadership
Second Term and Nuclear Milestone
Nawaz Sharif returned to power with a landslide victory in 1997 after the PPP government was dismissed on charges of corruption and mismanagement. His second term was marked by significant developments in Pakistan’s political and defense history. The most defining moment came in May 1998 when Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in response to India’s tests, making Pakistan the first Islamic nuclear power. These tests elevated Sharif’s popularity domestically, as he was seen as a defender of national sovereignty.
However, his second term also faced challenges. Relations with the judiciary soured after he attempted to curb its independence. His effort to impose constitutional amendments aimed at concentrating power in the Prime Minister’s office raised fears of authoritarianism. The 1999 Kargil conflict with India, led by the Pakistani military without full civilian consent, strained civil-military relations. Later that year, Sharif’s attempt to dismiss Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf led to a military coup that ousted him from power. He was arrested, convicted of hijacking and terrorism, and later exiled to Saudi Arabia in 2000 through a deal brokered by international mediators.
Return and Third Tenure
After nearly seven years in exile, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan in 2007 amid growing opposition to General Musharraf’s rule. He re-entered politics with renewed vigor and led his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), in the 2008 general elections, becoming a key opposition leader. His narrative of democracy, rule of law, and economic revival resonated with voters disillusioned by years of instability.
In the 2013 general elections, PML-N secured a decisive victory, and Sharif became Prime Minister for the third time. His government focused on infrastructure, energy projects, and economic reforms. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was launched during his tenure, marking a new phase in Pakistan-China relations. However, political turbulence returned when opposition parties accused his government of corruption and election rigging. The Panama Papers leak in 2016 revealed that Sharif’s family owned offshore companies and properties in London, leading to a Supreme Court investigation.
Disqualification and Aftermath
In July 2017, the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Nawaz Sharif from holding public office, citing his failure to disclose assets. The verdict ended his third term prematurely and significantly altered Pakistan’s political landscape. Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were later convicted in corruption cases, though they maintained that the charges were politically motivated. Despite legal challenges and health issues, Sharif remained influential within his party, with his narrative of “vote ko izzat do” (respect the vote) gaining traction among supporters.
Legacy and Political Impact
Nawaz Sharif’s political career is a blend of achievements and controversies. He is credited with modernizing Pakistan’s infrastructure, promoting industrial growth, and strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. Yet, his terms were also marked by political confrontation, allegations of corruption, and challenges to democratic institutions. His repeated dismissals — by presidents, the judiciary, and the military — reflect the deep-rooted instability in Pakistan’s governance system.
As of the mid-2020s, Nawaz Sharif continues to be a central figure in Pakistani politics. Whether through direct leadership or through his party and family, his influence remains undeniable. His career symbolizes both the potential and fragility of democratic leadership in Pakistan — a story of ambition, resilience, and the enduring struggle for civilian supremacy.