Shehbaz SharifÂ
Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and the current Prime Minister of Pakistan. He has served as prime minister twice and previously held the office of Chief Minister of Punjab on multiple occasions. He is a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Pakistan’s government currently lists him as Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning Commission.
Born Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on September 23, 1951, in Lahore, he comes from the Sharif family, one of Pakistan’s best-known political and business families. His elder brother is former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Early Life and Family
Shehbaz Sharif was born into a business family in Lahore. His father, Mian Muhammad Sharif, was associated with the Ittefaq Group, a major industrial business established by the Sharif family.
His brothers include Nawaz Sharif and the late Abbas Sharif. His family background gave him exposure to business before he entered politics.
Shehbaz Sharif’s Education
Shehbaz Sharif studied at Government College Lahore, now known as Government College University, Lahore. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry’s official profile states that he graduated from Government College with distinction.
After completing his education, he became involved in the family business before moving into public life.
Business Career
Before entering politics, Shehbaz Sharif worked in the family industrial business.
In 1985, he became president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a position that gave him experience in business representation and economic affairs.
He subsequently moved into electoral politics and began building a career within the PML-N.
Entry Into Politics
Shehbaz Sharif entered elected politics in the late 1980s. He was elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1988 and later entered the National Assembly in 1990.
He returned to the Punjab Assembly in 1993 and served as Leader of the Opposition from 1993 to 1996. He was elected again in 1997 and became Chief Minister of Punjab.
Shehbaz Sharif as Chief Minister of Punjab
Shehbaz Sharif first became Chief Minister of Punjab in 1997. His first term ended after the military coup of 1999 that removed the federal government led by his brother Nawaz Sharif.
He subsequently spent several years outside Pakistan, including time in Saudi Arabia, before returning to the country.
Shehbaz later became Chief Minister of Punjab again after the PML-N’s victory in the 2008 provincial elections. He remained in the position until 2013.
He returned for another term as Punjab chief minister from 2013 to 2018. His time in provincial government was associated with infrastructure, transportation and public-service projects in Punjab.
Shehbaz Sharif as PML-N Leader
Shehbaz Sharif became an increasingly important figure within the PML-N as his brother faced legal and political challenges.
He eventually became president of the PML-N. His role within the party expanded from provincial leadership to national politics.
First Term as Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister of Pakistan for the first time in April 2022 after Imran Khan was removed from office through a parliamentary no-confidence vote.
His first administration lasted until August 2023, when the government was replaced by a caretaker administration ahead of the 2024 general election.
During this period, his government dealt with major economic pressures and worked with international lenders, including the International Monetary Fund.
Second Term as Prime Minister
Following the February 2024 general election, Shehbaz Sharif returned to the prime minister’s office after winning the parliamentary vote for the position.
He took the oath on March 4, 2024. His return marked his second term as Pakistan’s prime minister.
As of 2026, Pakistan’s government continues to identify Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister.
Shehbaz Sharif’s Government in 2026
As prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has dealt with economic management, development planning, public services, security and Pakistan’s relationships with other countries.
The government’s stated areas of focus include economic stability, public-service delivery, development planning and institutional reform.
His government has also faced political tensions with opposition groups. These disputes include disagreements over elections, governance, security and the political status of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In October 2026, Reuters reported that supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party began a march toward Islamabad while the federal government opposed the protesters entering the capital.
Shehbaz Sharif’s Wife and Children
Shehbaz Sharif has been married twice.
His first wife was Nusrat Shehbaz, whom he married in 1973. They have four children, including sons Hamza Shehbaz and Salman Shehbaz.
He later married Tehmina Durrani, a Pakistani author, in 2003. They do not have children together.
Shehbaz Sharif’s Political Family
Shehbaz Sharif is part of the wider Sharif political family.
His elder brother, Nawaz Sharif, has served as Pakistan’s prime minister three times. Shehbaz himself has held both provincial and federal executive office.
His son Hamza Shehbaz has also been active in Pakistani politics and served as Chief Minister of Punjab.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shehbaz Sharif
Who is Shehbaz Sharif?
Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and the current Prime Minister of Pakistan. He is a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
When was Shehbaz Sharif born?
Shehbaz Sharif was born on September 23, 1951, in Lahore, Pakistan.
How old is Shehbaz Sharif?
Shehbaz Sharif is 75 years old as of October 2026.
Who is Shehbaz Sharif’s brother?
His elder brother is former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Who is Shehbaz Sharif’s wife?
Shehbaz Sharif’s current wife is Tehmina Durrani. He was previously married to Nusrat Shehbaz.
How many children does Shehbaz Sharif have?
He has four children from his first marriage, including Hamza Shehbaz and Salman Shehbaz.
What did Shehbaz Sharif study?
He graduated from Government College Lahore, now Government College University, Lahore.
How many times has Shehbaz Sharif been Prime Minister?
He has served as Prime Minister twice, first from 2022 to 2023 and again from 2024 onward.
Was Shehbaz Sharif Chief Minister of Punjab?
Yes. He served multiple terms as Chief Minister of Punjab, including terms beginning in 1997, 2008 and 2013.
Which political party does Shehbaz Sharif belong to?
He is a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
