Editorial note: Biographical profile. Current offices and ongoing legal matters, where relevant, should be checked immediately before publication.
At a glance
| Life | Born 25 December 1949 |
|---|---|
| Principal roles | Prime Minister, 1990–1993, 1997–1999 and 2013–2017; former Chief Minister of Punjab; leading figure of PML-N. |
Overview
Nawaz Sharif is the only person to have served three non-consecutive terms as prime minister of Pakistan. His career connects Punjab’s provincial politics, economic liberalization, infrastructure-led government and repeated institutional conflict.
Political career
He rose during the 1980s, became Punjab chief minister and led the IJI to victory in 1990. His first term ended during a confrontation with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. His second ended in General Pervez Musharraf’s 1999 coup. He returned to office after PML-N’s 2013 victory.
Record and criticism
Supporters associate Sharif with business confidence, motorways, energy investment and CPEC. Critics focus on dynastic organization, centralization, fiscal choices and corruption allegations. He was disqualified in 2017; later convictions were overturned before his return to electoral politics.
Political legacy
Nawaz Sharif’s career illustrates the changing relationship between elected leadership, courts, presidency and military authority. His continuing influence over PML-N makes his political legacy a current as well as historical subject.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 22 July 2026. If you spot an error, please use our corrections process.