Nawaz Sharif
Nawaz Sharif is one of the most influential and controversial figures in the political history of Pakistan. A three-time Prime Minister, businessman, and the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), his political career has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. This article provides a comprehensive look into Nawaz Sharif’s life, from his early years to his rise in politics, his major accomplishments, controversies, legal battles, and legacy in Pakistan.
Nawaz Sharif was born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, Pakistan, into a prominent business family. His father, Muhammad Sharif, was a successful industrialist, and Nawaz grew up surrounded by the business world. He completed his early education at Saint Anthony’s High School and later attended Government College Lahore. Following his schooling, Nawaz Sharif pursued a degree in business and law from the University of the Punjab, where he gained the knowledge and skills that would later influence his political career.
Before entering the world of politics, Nawaz Sharif was deeply involved in his family’s business empire, Ittefaq Group of Industries, which primarily dealt in steel manufacturing. His exposure to the business world provided him with insights into economic policies and management, which played a significant role during his time as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Sharif’s business background also made him a proponent of free-market policies and privatization when he later entered the political arena.
Nawaz Sharif’s entry into politics began in the early 1980s, under the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq. Initially appointed as the finance minister of Punjab in 1981, he quickly gained recognition for his administrative skills. By 1985, he became the Chief Minister of Punjab, where he pushed for economic reforms, industrial growth, and infrastructural development. His tenure as Punjab’s Chief Minister built the foundation for his later success on the national stage.
In 1990, Nawaz Sharif became the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the first time, representing the coalition of Islamic political parties known as the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI). During his first term, Sharif focused on economic reforms, including the privatization of state-owned enterprises, and pushed for the development of Pakistan’s industrial sector. However, his term was marred by a power struggle with then-President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, which led to his resignation in 1993 under pressure from the military and the judiciary.
Nawaz Sharif returned to power in 1997 after winning a landslide victory. His second term in office was marked by significant constitutional changes, including amendments that aimed to curtail presidential powers and increase the authority of the Prime Minister. Sharif’s government also took bold steps in foreign policy, particularly in relation to India. In 1998, he made the critical decision to conduct nuclear tests in response to India’s nuclear tests, a move that brought Pakistan into the nuclear-armed states club and solidified Sharif’s status as a nationalist leader.
However, his second term also saw escalating tensions between Sharif and the military, particularly with General Pervez Musharraf, which culminated in the 1999 military coup. The military ousted Nawaz Sharif’s government, leading to his arrest and subsequent exile in Saudi Arabia.
Nawaz Sharif spent approximately seven years in exile following his ousting. During this time, he remained politically active, maintaining leadership over the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and forming alliances with other political figures. Sharif returned to Pakistan in 2007 after a negotiated agreement with General Musharraf, marking the beginning of his political comeback.
In 2013, Nawaz Sharif was elected Prime Minister for the third time, following a general election in which his party, the PML-N, secured a decisive victory. His third term focused heavily on infrastructural development, including the construction of highways, motorways, and energy projects. His government was also instrumental in promoting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project aimed at connecting Pakistan to China and other regional markets.
However, his third term was overshadowed by the Panama Papers leak in 2016, which revealed offshore companies linked to his family. This scandal led to a Supreme Court investigation, which ultimately resulted in his disqualification from office in 2017 due to corruption charges. Despite the disqualification, Sharif continued to play an influential role in politics through his party and family members.
After his disqualification, Nawaz Sharif faced a series of corruption charges. In 2018, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) convicted him in the Avenfield reference case, which involved the ownership of luxury apartments in London. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, and his political career seemed to hang in the balance. However, due to health issues, he was allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment in 2019, and he has since remained in London.
In addition to the Avenfield case, Sharif was also convicted in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference case. The legal battles continued to tarnish his image, although he maintained his stance of being a victim of political persecution.
Despite facing multiple legal challenges, Nawaz Sharif’s legacy as a political leader remains significant in Pakistan. Under his leadership, the PML-N became one of the country’s most powerful political parties. He is credited with advancing infrastructure projects, improving Pakistan’s energy sector, and pushing for economic liberalization. His leadership also helped stabilize the country during times of political and economic instability.
Sharif’s narrative of being wronged by the military and judiciary has resonated with a large segment of Pakistan’s population, especially in the context of his legal battles. His political philosophy of economic reform and infrastructural development continues to shape the discourse in Pakistan.
As of now, Nawaz Sharif resides in London, where he remains involved in Pakistani politics, primarily through his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, and his political party. Although his active role in politics has been diminished due to health and legal issues, discussions about his potential return to Pakistan remain an ongoing topic. As Pakistan approaches the next general elections, the political landscape may see shifts, and Nawaz Sharif’s influence could once again become a central factor.
Nawaz Sharif’s political career has been marked by both remarkable achievements and significant controversies. From his early days as a businessman to his time as a three-time Prime Minister, Sharif has left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s political history. Whether regarded as a champion of economic reform or a controversial figure facing corruption allegations, his legacy continues to shape Pakistan’s political trajectory. Despite legal challenges and his time in exile, Sharif remains an influential figure in the country’s politics, and his story is far from over.
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