Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is a prominent Pakistani politician and businessman who has served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan three times. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was born on December 25, 1949, into the upper-middle-class Sharif family in Lahore, Pakistan. His father, Muhammad Sharif, founded the Ittefaq and Sharif groups, major players in Pakistan’s industrial sector. Nawaz’s younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, has also been a prominent political figure, serving as Prime Minister of Pakistan multiple times.
Education
Nawaz pursued business studies at Government College and later studied law at the University of Punjab. His educational background laid the foundation for his future endeavors in both business and politics.
Early Political Career
Entry into Politics
Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif political journey began in the mid-1980s. In 1981, President Zia-ul-Haq appointed him as the Minister of Finance for Punjab province. His performance in this role set the stage for his future political ascension.
Chief Minister of Punjab
In 1985, Nawaz was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab, backed by a coalition of conservatives. He was re-elected after the end of martial law in 1988, demonstrating his growing influence and popularity in the region.
First Term as Prime Minister (1990-1993)
Election Victory
In 1990, Nawaz led the conservative Islamic Democratic Alliance to victory, becoming the 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan. His first term was marked by economic reforms and attempts to modernize the country’s infrastructure.
Ouster
Nawaz’s first term ended in 1993 when President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolved the National Assembly, leading to his ousting. This marked the first of several interruptions in his political career.
Opposition and Second Term (1997-1999)
Leader of the Opposition
From 1993 to 1996, Nawaz served as the leader of the opposition against Benazir Bhutto’s government. During this period, he consolidated his position and prepared for a political comeback.
Return to Power
In 1997, Nawaz’s party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), won the general elections. He returned as Prime Minister with a focus on economic development and nuclear policy, leading Pakistan to conduct its first nuclear tests in 1998.
Military Takeover
In 1999, Nawaz’s second term was abruptly ended by a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf. He was subsequently tried in a plane hijacking case, resulting in his imprisonment and eventual exile.
Exile and Return (2000-2013)
Exile Period
Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif spent more than a decade in exile, primarily in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. During this time, he continued to influence Pakistani politics from afar and maintained his leadership of PML-N.
Return to Politics
In 2011, Nawaz returned to Pakistan and re-entered the political arena. In the 2013 general elections, he led PML-N to a decisive victory, becoming Prime Minister for the third time.
Third Term and Panama Papers Scandal (2013-2017)
Economic Initiatives
During his third term, Nawaz focused on infrastructure projects, including the development of motorways and energy projects. His government also aimed to improve relations with neighboring countries.
Panama Papers and Disqualification
In 2017, the Panama Papers leak revealed Nawaz’s offshore holdings, leading to a Supreme Court investigation. He was subsequently disqualified from office and sentenced to ten years in prison by an accountability court.
Legal Battles and Exile (2018-2023)
Legal Challenges
Nawaz faced numerous legal challenges following his disqualification. In 2018, the Pakistani Supreme Court barred him from holding public office. He was also embroiled in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia Steel Mills cases.
Exile in London
In 2019, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif went to London for medical treatment on bail. During this period, he was declared an absconder by a Pakistani court but was granted protective bail by the Islamabad High Court.
Return and Acquittal (2023-Present)
Return to Pakistan
In 2023, after four years of exile, Nawaz returned to Pakistan. His return was marked by significant legal and political developments.
Acquittal
On November 29, 2023, the Islamabad High Court acquitted Nawaz in the Avenfield Apartments case, marking a significant legal victory for him and his party.
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