Shahbaz Sharif, the current leader of the opposition in Pakistan is the next Prime Minister. Here’s everything you need to know about him.
Pakistan’s new PM: All you need to know
The National Assembly of Pakistan has voted to elect a new Prime Minister for the county on Monday. Following Imran Khan losing the no-confidence motion, members of the ruling party, Pakistan tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were absent. Shahbaz Sharif is the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Additionally, the 70-year-old is also the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, a three-time Pakistani PM. By serving as the Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab three times, he is the longest-serving CM of the state. Known for his “can-do” and direct administrative style, he has worked closely with China on projects funded by Beijing.
The story of Shahbaz Sharif
Sharif was born into the wealthy Sharif dynasty in Lahore. His family is well-to-do and a famous industrial family. He entered the family business and stepped up becoming the owner of a Pakistani steel firm. The industrialist then stepped foot in politics in Punjab and became the CM for the first time in 1997. However, he was caught in political upheaval and was imprisoned following a military coup in the country. He later moved to Saudi Arabia for exile in 2000. Returning from his exile, Shahbaz Sharif entered politics in Punjab for the second time, in 2007. He won the elections and also entered the national political scenario. Becoming the chief of PML-N is another feather on his cap.
According to political analysts, unlike Nawaz, Shehbaz is in amicable relations with the Pakistani military. The nation’s military is responsible for controlling defense and foreign policies. Moreover, in addition to the exile, he also faced several accusations. In December 2019, he and his wife faced accusations of money laundering. Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) froze 23 properties. On September 28, the agency arresting him took him to count. However, he was released on bail.