Nawaz Sharif served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan for three non-consecutive terms, establishing a tenure exceeding nine years. Born in Lahore in 1949, he navigated a career transitioning from private business and law into national leadership. His political trajectory involved multiple appointments, military coups, periods of exile, and legal battles within the Pakistani judicial system.
Professional and Educational Background
Born in Lahore, Sharif attended Saint Anthony High School before enrolling at Government College University. He later earned a law degree from Punjab University Law College. Beyond politics, he engaged in business as an entrepreneur and held an interest in cricket, famously attempting to open the batting during a 1987 match against the West Indies while serving as Chief Minister of Punjab. His formal career began in 1981, when he was appointed Minister of Finance for the province of Punjab under the regime of President Zia ul-Haq.
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Take the IQ test →Tenures as Prime Minister
Sharif first held the position of Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1990 to 1993, returning to the office again from 1997 to 1999. His third term occurred between 2013 and 2017. Throughout these years, he also occupied various other roles, including serving as a Member of the 14th National Assembly of Pakistan and briefly as Federal Minister for Defence and Federal Minister for Finance. Each of his premierships concluded with his removal from office, spanning domestic political crises and legal challenges.
Judicial Challenges and Returns
Following his ousting in 1999, Sharif faced trial and subsequent exile. He returned to Pakistani politics in 2011, securing another victory in 2013. In 2017, the Supreme Court of Pakistan removed him from office following the Panama Papers case, later disqualifying him from holding public office and sentencing him to imprisonment. After spending time in London for medical treatment, he returned to Pakistan in 2023, where he was acquitted in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia Steel Mills cases. As of 2024, he remains an active member of the National Assembly.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949
- Birthplace: Lahore, Pakistan
- Citizenship: United Kingdom, Pakistan
- Term as Prime Minister (1st): 1990-1993
- Term as Prime Minister (2nd): 1997-1999
- Term as Prime Minister (3rd): 2013-2017
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Current Position: Patron-in-Chief of the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival
Questions readers ask
How many terms did Nawaz Sharif serve as Prime Minister?
He served three non-consecutive terms totaling more than nine years.
What is his professional background outside of politics?
He is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and former cricketer.
