Sharif Family - in Pakistani Politics

In Pakistani Politics

The Sharif family has been actively involved in the politics of Pakistan since the nationalisation of their factories in the regime of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Sharif rose to prominence as part of General Zia-ul-Haq's military regime in the 1980s under the wing of Governor of Punjab Ghulam Jilani Khan. He was appointed Chief Minister of Punjab by Zia in 1985. After Zia's death and Benazir Bhutto's being elected Prime Minister in 1988, The affiliation to Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), a right-wing alliance formed against Pakistan People's Party in 1988. In the same year, Nawaz Sharif was elected the chief minister of the Punjab. When Benazir was dismissed by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan in 1990 on corruption charges, Sharif was elected Prime Minister the same year. But relations between Sharif and Khan too deteriorated, with president attempting to dismiss Sharif on similar charges. Sharif successfully challenged the President's decision in the Supreme Court, but both men were ultimately persuaded to step down in 1993 by army chief Abdul Waheed Kakar. He served as the 12th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms from November 1990 to July 1993, and from February 1997 until October 12, 1999. Shahbaz Sharif is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab, and also held the position from 1997 to 1999. Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), a center-right, conservative and one the largest political parties in Pakistan, is currently headed by Nawaz Sharif. The family has influence mainly in Punjab province and their third generation is also becoming involved in Pakistani politics.