Introduction
Imagine a man who rose from a family business to lead a nation, not once, but three times! That’s Nawaz Sharif, one of Pakistan’s most famous politicians and the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Known for bold decisions like making Pakistan a nuclear power and building massive roads, Nawaz Sharif’s life is like a rollercoaster—full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. From leading Pakistan as Prime Minister to facing jail and exile, his story is packed with drama, achievements, and challenges. In this article, we’ll explore Nawaz Sharif’s biography, his political career, and why he remains a big name in Pakistani politics. Whether you’re curious about his early life or his role in the 2024 elections, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into the life of this influential leader.
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Early Life and Education
Nawaz Sharif was born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, a bustling city in Punjab, Pakistan. Think of Lahore as the heart of Pakistan, filled with culture and history. Nawaz grew up in a well-off family of Kashmiri descent, who had moved from Amritsar, India, to Lahore after the 1947 partition. His father, Muhammad Sharif, was a successful businessman who founded the Ittefaq Group, a big name in steel, sugar, and textiles. Growing up in a wealthy family gave Nawaz a comfortable life, but it also taught him the value of hard work.
As a kid, Nawaz was curious and determined. He went to Saint Anthony High School in Lahore, where he studied with other bright students. Later, he joined Government College University (GCU) in Lahore, earning a degree in arts and business. After that, he studied law at the University of the Punjab and got an LL.B. degree. His education wasn’t just about books—it prepared him to think like a leader, blending business smarts with legal know-how. This mix would later help him in politics.
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Entry into Politics
Nawaz Sharif didn’t start as a politician. He was a businessman, helping run his family’s Ittefaq Group. But in the late 1970s, things changed. The government, led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, took over many businesses, including the Sharif family’s steel factory. This pushed Nawaz into politics to protect his family’s interests. It was like jumping into a stormy sea to save a sinking ship!
In the 1980s, Nawaz found a mentor in General Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s military leader. Zia saw potential in Nawaz and helped him join the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), a major political party. By 1981, Nawaz was Punjab’s Finance Minister, managing the province’s money like a school treasurer but on a much bigger scale. His skills impressed many, and in 1985, he became Punjab’s Chief Minister. This role made him a star in Pakistani politics, showing he could lead and get things done.
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Prime Ministerial Terms
Nawaz Sharif served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister three times, each term filled with big wins and tough challenges. Let’s break down his three stints as the country’s leader.
First Term (1990–1993)
In 1990, Nawaz became Prime Minister after his party, the Islamic Democratic Alliance (led by PML), won the elections. He was only 41, young for such a huge job! His goal? To make Pakistan’s economy stronger. He pushed for privatization, which means letting private companies run businesses instead of the government. It’s like handing over a school canteen to a private chef to make better food. Nawaz also started big road projects to connect cities.
But his term wasn’t smooth. He clashed with the President, who had the power to kick out the Prime Minister. In 1993, the President dismissed Nawaz, saying he wasn’t doing his job right. Nawaz fought back in court, but the drama led to his resignation. It was a tough lesson in how tricky politics can be!
Second Term (1997–1999)
Nawaz bounced back in 1997, winning the elections with a huge majority. This time, he was bolder. In 1998, when India tested nuclear weapons, Nawaz made a historic call: Pakistan would test its own nuclear bombs. On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, becoming a nuclear power. It was like saying, “We’re strong, too!” to the world. This move made Nawaz a hero to many Pakistanis, though it upset some countries.
But trouble brewed again. Nawaz’s decisions, like trying to control the military, upset General PervezNevez Musharraf, the army chief. In 1999, Musharraf led a military coup, kicking Nawaz out of power. Nawaz was arrested, charged with serious crimes like hijacking, and faced a life sentence. Thanks to Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd, he was sent into exile instead of prison. It was a dramatic end to his second term.
Third Term (წ
System: (2013–2017) Nawaz returned to power in 2013, promising to transform Pakistan into an “Asian tiger.” His government launched massive projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and new motorways to boost travel and trade. Power plants were built to solve Pakistan’s electricity shortages, and the economy grew stronger. It was like fixing a broken engine to make the country run smoother.
But in 2016, the Panama Papers, leaked documents showing hidden wealth, caused a storm. They linked Nawaz’s children to offshore companies owning expensive properties in London. Nawaz denied wrongdoing, but the Supreme Court investigated. In 2017, they disqualified him from office for not declaring all his earnings, ending his term early. It was a shocking fall for a leader who had big dreams.
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Comparison of Nawaz Sharif’s Prime Ministerial Terms
| Term | Years | Key Achievements | Major Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | 1990–1993 | Privatization, road projects | Conflict with President, dismissal |
| Second Term | 1997–1999 | Nuclear tests, constitutional reforms | Military coup, exile |
| Third Term | 2013–2017 | CPEC, motorways, power plants | Panama Papers, disqualification |
Legal Challenges & Disqualification
The Panama Papers scandal in 2016 was a turning point for Nawaz Sharif. These leaked documents revealed that his children owned offshore companies with pricey properties in London. Imagine finding out someone’s hiding a secret bank account—it caused a huge uproar! Pakistan’s Supreme Court launched an investigation, and in 2017, they ruled Nawaz was “dishonest” for not disclosing income from a Dubai company. He was removed as Prime Minister and banned from public office.
In 2018, an anti-corruption court sentenced Nawaz to 10 years in prison and his daughter Maryam to seven years for corruption charges. Nawaz called the charges unfair, saying they were politically motivated. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also accused him of money laundering through companies like Hudaibiya Paper Mills, but some cases lacked strong evidence. In 2019, Nawaz was allowed to go to London for medical treatment, raising questions about his health and legal status.
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Exile and Return to Pakistan
After the 1999 coup, Nawaz spent years in exile in Saudi Arabia, living in a fancy villa in Jeddah. He wasn’t allowed to do politics, but he never gave up. In 2007, a Supreme Court ruling let him return to Pakistan. He came back to a hero’s welcome, ready to rebuild PML-N.
In 2019, after his prison sentence, Nawaz went to London again for medical treatment. Some called him an “absconder,” but he was granted bail. In 2023, after four years, he returned to Pakistan, and the Islamabad High Court acquitted him in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia cases, clearing his path back to politics. His returns were like a movie hero making a comeback—full of hope and drama.
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Role in PML-N and 2024 Elections
Nawaz Sharif is the heart of PML-N, the party he shaped into a powerhouse. In 2024, he was reelected PML-N president, showing his grip on leadership. His daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has become a rising star, serving as Punjab’s Chief Minister in 2024. Together, they’ve pushed PML-N to focus on development and jobs.
In the 2024 elections, Nawaz ran for the National Assembly and won, but his brother Shehbaz became Prime Minister. Many believe Nawaz’s influence helped PML-N stay strong, despite tough competition from Imran Khan’s PTI party. His strategy? Big rallies, promises of progress, and leaning on his reputation as a builder of modern Pakistan.
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Public Image and Legacy
Nawaz Sharif is like a magnet—people either love him or criticize him. Supporters call him a visionary who made Pakistan a nuclear power, built roads, and fought poverty. Posts on X praise his economic policies, like controlling the dollar and lowering inflation. Critics, though, point to corruption scandals and his clashes with the military, calling him power-hungry.
His legacy is a mix of triumphs and controversies. He’s known for modernizing Pakistan with projects like CPEC and nuclear power plants, but his legal battles and exiles have left scars. Nawaz’s story is one of resilience, like a boxer who keeps getting up after being knocked down. He’s shaped Pakistan’s democracy, for better or worse, and remains a key player in its future.
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