By Ahad Khan
Early Life & Education:
Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was born in Lahore on Sept 23, 1951 in a business-oriented family of migrated Kashmiris of Jati Umra, Amritsar.
His father Mian Muhammad Sharif was an industrialist who established Ittefaq Group of Industries.
Shehbaz Sharif received his early education from Saint Anthony High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Government College, Lahore.
Lesser known facts:
1) Shehbaz Sharif was heir apparent to the Ittefaaq Group of Industries. He was looking into family business while his brother was venturing into politics.
2) Shehbaz Sharif was president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1985.
3) Shehbaz Sharif is an avid swimmer. He also loves poetry and singing.
4) Shehbaz Sharif was first elected an MPA in 1988 from the IJI platform from PP-122 Lahore.
5) In 1990, Shehbaz was also elected MNA from NA-96.
6) Shehbaz Sharif was opposition leader in Punjab Assembly from 1993-1996.
7) Shehbaz Sharif is fluent in multiple foreign languages, notably Arabic and Persian.
Imprisonment:
Shehbaz Sharif was first arrested in 1999 after Gen Musharraf's coup which led to the imposition of Martial Law in Pakistan. He, along with his brother Nawaz Sharif, spent time in Attock, Landhi and Adiala jails for few months.
He also remained in jail from September 2020 to April 2021 on money laundering charges.
Exile:
He went into exile from 2000-2007 following the deal offered by King Fahad of Saudia Arabia.
Political Career:
Shehbaz Sharif was first elected an MPA in 1988 from IJI. After assemblies dissolved prematurely in 1990, elections were held again.
In 1990 election, he became MNA from NA-96, he also won provincial assembly seat from PP-124 in this election but vacated this seat. He continued as an MNA from 1990-1993.
Once again assemblies were dissolved in 1993, and he once again won both National and Provincial Assembly seats from NA-96 and PP-125 Lahore. He vacated his NA seat and continued as opposition leader from 1993-1996.
In 1997 elections, he was elected chief minister for the first time after winning from PP-125. He aslo won NA-96 seat but vacated it to become the Punjab CM.
After Musharraf's Martial Law, he came back to Pakistan in 2008 and became CM after winning from PP-48 Bhakkar. He served in the office from 2008-13 except from Feb to April 2009 when governor’s rule was imposed in Punjab after his disqualification.
In 2013 elections, he retained his PP-159 seat and vacated his NA-129 seat to become CM for third time. He remained in the office till 2018.
In 2018 elections, Shehbaz Sharif retained his NA-132 Lahore seat to become opposition leader in National Assembly. He vacated both his provincial assembly seats.
On April 10, 2022, Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister of Pakistan after throwing the PTI govt PM in a successful vote of no-confidence.
Election 2024
PML-N's president Shehbaz Sharif is running from NA-123, Lahore and NA-132, Kasur where he has a face-off with PTI-backed Afzaal Azeem Pahat, JI old guard Liaquat Baloch and Sardar Muhammad Hussain Dogar.
Important takeaways from Shehbaz Sharif's time in office as CM & PM.
1) Sabzazar case
2) Laptop Scheme
3) Sasti Roti Scheme
4) Ashiana Housing Scheme
5) Danish School
6) Unprecedented Inflation during his stay as PM
7) SIFC