Nawaz Sharif (1990-1993)

Nawaz Sharif (born on December 25, 1949) is a Pakistani politician who served as the 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan on three non-consecutive occasions. His first term as Prime Minister lasted from November 1990 to July 1993.

Nawaz Sharif started his political career in the 1980s and became a prominent figure within the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), a conservative political party. In 1990, his party emerged as the largest party in the general elections, and he became the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

During his first term as Prime Minister, Sharif focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and privatization. He introduced policies to liberalize the economy, attract foreign investment, and promote the private sector. His government undertook significant infrastructure projects, including motorways and power plants.

Sharif’s government also faced challenges during his first term. He had a strained relationship with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, which eventually led to his dismissal in 1993 under controversial circumstances. The dismissal was challenged in court, and the Supreme Court of Pakistan later ruled it as unconstitutional.

After his dismissal, Sharif continued to play an active role in politics and became the leader of the opposition. He led the PML in the general elections held in 1997 and emerged as the Prime Minister for the second time.

Nawaz Sharif’s political career has been marked by periods of power, dismissal, and exile. He served as Prime Minister again from 1997 to 1999 but was removed from office by a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf.

Sharif went into exile in Saudi Arabia but returned to Pakistan in 2007 and participated in the general elections held in 2008. His party emerged as the second-largest party in the National Assembly, and he became the Prime Minister for the third time. However, his third term was marred by political instability, protests, and confrontations with the judiciary and the military.

In 2017, Sharif faced legal challenges regarding his family’s offshore assets revealed in the Panama Papers leak. He was disqualified by the Supreme Court of Pakistan from holding public office, and his tenure as Prime Minister ended prematurely.

Despite his political challenges and controversies, Nawaz Sharif remains a significant figure in Pakistani politics. His leadership and policies during his first term as Prime Minister had a notable impact on the country’s economy and infrastructure development. However, his political career has been marked by political turmoil, legal battles, and a complex relationship with the military and the judiciary.