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Shehbaz SharifPrime Minister of Pakistan from 11 April 2022
Date of Birth: 23.09.1951
Country:  Pakistan |
Content:
- Early Life and Family Background
- Business and Politics: The Early Years
- Political Ascent and Leadership
- Political Turmoil and Exile
- Return to Politics and Prosecution
- Opposition Leader and Scandals
- Prime Minister of Pakistan
- Current Policies and Initiatives
- Personal Life and Family
Early Life and Family Background
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the current Prime Minister of Pakistan since April 11, 2022, hails from humble beginnings. Born on September 23, 1951, in Lahore, he is a third-generation politician from a family of Indian Kashmiri descent who settled in Pakistan after independence. His father, Muhammad Sharif, founded the Ittefaq Group, a steel manufacturing company. Growing up in a family of three brothers, Shahid, Nawaz, and Abbas, young Shahid's future was shaped by the world of business and politics.
Business and Politics: The Early Years
After completing his education in arts from the Government College, Lahore, Shahid joined the family business. However, when the family's industries were nationalized in the mid-1970s, his older brother Nawaz ventured into politics in an effort to regain control over their business. Following in his brother's footsteps, Shahid entered politics in 1985 by becoming the President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Subsequently, he served as a member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly and the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Political Ascent and Leadership
In 1990, Shahid became the President of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), a center-right conservative political party, a position he has held multiple times. In the same year, he was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab. As Chief Minister, he focused on improving healthcare, education, agriculture, industry, and combating crime.
Political Turmoil and Exile
In 1999, after a military coup in Pakistan, Shahid was imprisoned for alleged involvement in the murder of five individuals. Nawaz, his brother, was sentenced to life in prison on charges of terrorism and attempted murder, narrowly escaping the death penalty. Through the intervention of the Saudi royal family and Bill Clinton, the Sharif brothers and their immediate family were allowed to leave Pakistan for Saudi Arabia. They later sought asylum in the United Kingdom.
Return to Politics and Prosecution
Shahid and his family returned to Pakistan in 2007. A year later, he was cleared of murder charges and resumed his political career as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Meanwhile, his brother Nawaz returned to politics and became Prime Minister for a third time in 2013.
In 2017, Nawaz was removed from office and banned from holding public office for life after the "Panama Papers" scandal revealed offshore assets and alleged money laundering, corruption, and contradictory statements. Shahid emerged as a potential successor to his brother, but in the 2018 elections, the position went to Imran Khan.
Opposition Leader and Scandals
Shahid became the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly after the 2018 elections. In 2020, he was arrested and accused of laundering $41 million through fake bank accounts with the alleged involvement of family members. However, he was granted bail in 2021.
Prime Minister of Pakistan
In April 2022, the opposition successfully passed a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan and nominated Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the Prime Minister. He took oath as the new head of government on April 11.
Current Policies and Initiatives
As Prime Minister, Shahid has continued to foster close ties with China. In an effort to mend strained relations with the United States under his predecessor, his government has adopted a more pro-American stance. He has also made official visits to Turkey, Russia, and Kazakhstan, seeking to strengthen bilateral and economic ties.
Personal Life and Family
Shahid is married twice. His first wife is Tehmina Durrani, a writer, and artist known for her memoirs and biographies. They have four children together: sons Hamza and Salman, and twin daughters Khaveria and Rabia. His son, Hamza, has pursued a career in politics, while Salman manages the family business.
