Shehbaz Sharif, who currently holds the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan, first assumed the leadership of the nation in 2022. A career politician born in Lahore on 23 September 1951, he has maintained a long-standing involvement in the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and served three separate terms as the Chief Minister of Punjab.
Political Beginnings
Sharif entered elective politics in 1988, winning a seat in the Punjab Assembly from Constituency PP-122 as a candidate for the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad. Throughout the 1990s, he transitioned between provincial and national legislatures, securing seats in the National Assembly in both 1990 and 1993. During this period, he also acted as the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly.
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His first appointment as Chief Minister of Punjab occurred on 20 February 1997. Following the 1999 Pakistani coup d'état, he was arrested and subsequently exiled to Saudi Arabia, only returning to his home country in 2007. He later returned to the office of Chief Minister for two additional terms, serving from 2008 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018.
National Leadership
Following the 2018 general election, Sharif served as Leader of the Opposition. In April 2022, he ascended to the position of Prime Minister after a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. He was re-elected to the premiership in 2024, leading a coalition government following a plurality victory by his party in the general election.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 September 1951, Lahore
- Education: St. Anthony's High School and Government College University
- First Term as Chief Minister of Punjab: 1997-1999
- President of Pakistan Muslim League (N): 2009-2011, 2018
- Prime Minister of Pakistan: 2022-2023, 2024
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Citizenship: Pakistan
- Languages: Punjabi
Questions readers ask
How many times has Shehbaz Sharif been Chief Minister of Punjab?
He served as Chief Minister of Punjab three times, covering the periods 1997-1999, 2008-2013, and 2013-2018.
Which party does Shehbaz Sharif belong to?
He is a member and president of the Pakistan Muslim League (N).