Introduction
Nawaz Sharif is a prominent Pakistani politician who served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan on three separate occasions. He was born on December 25, 1949, in Lahore, Pakistan. Sharif was a successful businessman before entering politics, and he used his entrepreneurial skills to propel his political career forward.
Early Life and Education
Nawaz Sharif was born into a Punjabi family that had ties to the business and political world. His father, Muhammad Sharif, was a prominent industrialist who owned several sugar mills in Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif received his early education from Saint Anthony’s High School in Lahore and later attended Government College University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in law.
Entry into Business and Politics
After completing his education, Nawaz Sharif joined his family’s business and quickly became a successful businessman. He expanded his family’s sugar mills and established several other businesses, including a textile mill and a steel mill. In 1981, he decided to enter politics and joined the Pakistan Muslim League (PML).
Sharif’s business success and connections helped him climb the ranks of the PML quickly. in 1985 he was appointed as Chief Minister Punjab. He was the youngest person ever to hold this position, and his performance in this role helped him secure the nomination for Prime Minister in 1990.
Tenure as Prime Minister
Sharif served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan three times, from 1990-1993, 1997-1999, and 2013-2017. During his tenure, he implemented several policies that aimed to boost the country’s economy, including privatization of state-owned enterprises, reducing tariffs, and attracting foreign investment.
In his first term as Prime Minister, Sharif implemented several reforms that improved the country’s infrastructure and education system. He also played a key role in establishing closer ties between Pakistan and China.
During his second term as Prime Minister, Sharif faced several challenges, including a dispute with neighboring India over the Kashmir region and a political crisis that led to his resignation in 1999.
Sharif’s third term as Prime Minister was marked by significant economic growth and improved infrastructure. However, his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and embezzlement, which eventually led to his disqualification from office and imprisonment.
Controversies and Scandals
In 1999, Nawaz Sharif’s government was toppled by a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf. Sharif was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of terrorism and hijacking. However, in 2000, Sharif was released and allowed to leave the country to seek medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
Sharif returned to Pakistan in 2007 and played an active role in the country’s politics. He was once again elected Prime Minister in 2013, but his tenure was marred by several controversies, including allegations of corruption and embezzlement.
In 2017, the Supreme Court of Pakistan disqualified Sharif from holding public office due to his involvement in a corruption scandal known as the Panama Papers. The scandal involved the leaked documents from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, which revealed that Sharif and his family had hidden assets and offshore accounts.
Family Life and Personal Interests
Nawaz Sharif is married to Kulsoom Nawaz, and they have four children. His daughter, Maryam Nawaz, is an active politician and has been involved in several controversies herself.
Outside of politics, Sharif is a sports enthusiast and enjoys playing cricket and golf. He is also a philanthropist and has established several charitable organizations to support education and health initiatives in Pakistan.
Conclusion
Nawaz Sharif’s life has been a rollercoaster ride of business success, political victories, and controversies. Despite his achievements in improving Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure, his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and embezzlement, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Sharif’s legacy remains a subject of debate in Pakistan, with some praising his economic policies and development initiatives, while others criticize his alleged involvement in corruption and abuse of power.
FAQs
What is Nawaz Sharif’s net worth?
- According to Forbes, Nawaz Sharif’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.4 billion.
How many times has Nawaz Sharif been Prime Minister?
- Nawaz Sharif has been Prime Minister of Pakistan three times, from 1990-1993, 1997-1999, and 2013-2017.
What was the Panama Papers scandal?
- The Panama Papers scandal involved leaked documents from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, which revealed that Nawaz Sharif and his family had hidden assets and offshore accounts.
What is Nawaz Sharif’s current status?
- Nawaz Sharif is currently living in London, UK, after being released on bail in 2019 due to health reasons.
What is Nawaz Sharif’s educational background?
- Nawaz Sharif earned a bachelor’s degree in law from Government College University in Lahore, Pakistan.
