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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a Pakistani name. The last name is a patronymic, not a family name; this
person is referred to by the given name Nawaz.
Nawaz Sharif
‫نواز شریف‬

Official portrait, 2013

12th, 14th, and 20th Prime Minister of Pakistan
In office
5 June 2013 – 28 July 2017
President Asif Ali Zardari
Mamnoon Hussain
Preceded by Mir Hazar Khan Khoso (caretaker)
Succeeded by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
In office
17 February 1997 – 12 October 1999
President Farooq Leghari
Wasim Sajjad (acting)
Rafiq Tarar
Preceded by Malik Meraj Khalid (caretaker)
Succeeded by Pervez Musharraf (chief executive)
In office
6 November 1990 – 18 July 1993
President Ghulam Ishaq Khan
Preceded by Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi (Caretaker)
Succeeded by Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi (caretaker)
Leader of the Opposition
In office
19 October 1993 – 5 November 1996
Preceded by Benazir Bhutto
Succeeded by Benazir Bhutto
President of Pakistan Muslim League (N)
In office
3 October 2017 – 21 February 2018
Preceded by Sardar Yaqoob (interim)
Succeeded by Shehbaz Sharif
In office
27 July 2011 – 16 August 2017
Preceded by Javed Hashmi
Succeeded by Sardar Yaqoob (interim)
In office
6 October 1993 – 12 October 1999
Preceded by Post created
Succeeded by Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif
9th Chief Minister of Punjab
In office
9 April 1985 – 13 August 1990
Governor Ghulam Jilani Khan
Sajjad Hussain Qureshi
Tikka Khan
Preceded by Sadiq Hussain Qureshi
Succeeded by Ghulam Haider Wyne
Provincial Minister of Punjab for Finance
In office
1981–1985
Personal details
Born Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
25 December 1949 (age 74)
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Political party Pakistan Muslim League (N) (1999–present)
Other political
affiliations Pakistan Muslim League (1976-1999)
Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (1988–1993)
Spouse Kulsoom Nawaz

(m. 1971; died 2018)

Children 4 (including Maryam Nawaz)
Relatives See Sharif family
Alma mater Govt. College University
University of the Punjab
Signature

This article is part of

a series about
Nawaz Sharif
Early lifePolitical careerElectoral history
Political views
Foreign policyVision 2025
Parties
Pakistan Muslim LeagueIslami Jamhoori IttehadPakistan Muslim League (N)
Elections

19881990199319972013
Chief minister of Punjab
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Prime minister of Pakistan
First ministry and term

First cabinetOperation Clean-upKashmir Solidarity Day

Second ministry and term
Third ministry and term

Gallery: picture, sound, video

vte
Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif (Urdu, Punjabi: ‫ ;میاں محمد نواز شریف‬born 25 December 1949)
is a Pakistani businessman and politician who has served as the Prime Minister of
Pakistan for three non-consecutive terms. He is the longest-serving prime minister
of Pakistan, having served a total of more than 9 years across three tenures. Each
term has ended in his ousting.

Born into the upper-middle-class Sharif family in Lahore, Nawaz is the son of
Muhammad Sharif, the founder of Ittefaq and Sharif groups. He is the elder brother
of Shehbaz Sharif, who also became the prime minister of Pakistan in 2022.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, Nawaz is one of the wealthiest
men in Pakistan, with an estimated net worth of at least Rs. 1.75 billion
(equivalent to Rs. 8.9 billion or US$31 million in 2021).[1] Most of his wealth
originates from his businesses in steel construction.[2]

Before entering politics in the mid-1980s, Nawaz studied business at Government

College and law at the University of Punjab. In 1981, Nawaz was appointed by
President Zia as the minister of finance for the province of Punjab. Backed by a
loose coalition of conservatives, Nawaz was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab
in 1985 and re-elected after the end of martial law in 1988. In 1990, Nawaz led the
conservative Islamic Democratic Alliance and became the 12th prime minister of
Pakistan.

After being ousted in 1993, when President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolved the National
Assembly, Nawaz served as the leader of the opposition to the government of Benazir
Bhutto from 1993 to 1996. He returned to the premiership after the Pakistan Muslim
League (N) (PML-N) was elected in 1997, and served until his removal in 1999 by
military takeover and was tried in a plane hijacking case which was argued by
Barrister Ijaz Husain Batalvi, assisted by Khawaja Sultan senior Advocate, Sher
Afghan Asdi and Akhtar Aly Kureshy Advocate. After being imprisoned and later
exiled for more than a decade, he returned to politics in 2011 and led his party to
victory for the third time in 2013.[3]

In 2017, Nawaz was removed from office by the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding
revelations from the Panama Papers case.[4] In 2018, the Pakistani Supreme Court
disqualified Nawaz from holding public office,[5][6] and he was also sentenced to
ten years in prison by an accountability court.[7] Since 2018 Nawaz was in London
for medical treatment on bail. He was also declared an absconder by a Pakistani
court, however, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted him protective bail till
October 24 in the Avenfield and Al-Aziza cases.[8][9][10] In 2023, after four years
of exile, he returned to Pakistan.[11]

In a legal proceeding, a division bench, consisting of Islamabad High Court (IHC)

Chief Justice Aamir Farooq and Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb, adjudicated Nawaz
Sharif's appeals challenging his sentences in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia Steel
Mills cases. The outcome of these proceedings resulted in the acquittal of PML-N
leader Nawaz Sharif on 29 November 2023 from charges related to the Avenfield
Apartments references by the Islamabad High Court (IHC).[12]

Early life and education

Government College University, where Sharif studied business

Nawaz was born in Lahore, Punjab, on 25 December 1949.[13][14] The Sharif family
are Butt Kashmiris of Punjab.[14] His father, Muhammad Sharif, was an upper-middle-
class businessman and industrialist whose family had emigrated from Anantnag in
Kashmir for business. They settled in the village of Jati Umra in Amritsar
district, Punjab, at the beginning of the twentieth century. His mother's family
came from Pulwama.[15] After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Nawaz's parents
migrated from Amritsar to Lahore.[14] His father followed the teachings of the Ahl-
i Hadith.[16] His family owns Ittefaq Group, a multimillion-dollar steel
conglomerate,[17] and Sharif Group, a conglomerate with holdings in agriculture,
transport and sugar mills.[18] He has two younger brothers: Shehbaz Sharif and the
late Abbas Sharif, both politicians by profession.[19]

Nawaz went to Saint Anthony High School. He graduated from the Government College
University (GCU) with an art and business degree and then received a law degree
from the Law College of Punjab University in Lahore.[20][21]

Nawaz Sharif's wife, Kulsoom had two sisters and a brother. From her maternal side,
she was the maternal granddaughter of the wrestler The Great Gama. She married
Nawaz Sharif in April 1970. The couple have four children: Maryam, Asma, Hassan and
Hussain.

Provincial politics
Early political career
Nawaz suffered financial losses when his family's steel business was appropriated
under the nationalisation policies of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Nawaz entered politics as a result,[14] initially focused on regaining control of
the steel plants. In 1976, Nawaz joined the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), a
conservative front rooted in the Punjab province.[14]

In May 1980, Ghulam Jilani Khan, the recently appointed military governor of Punjab
and a former Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was seeking
new urban leaders; he quickly promoted Nawaz, making him finance minister.[22] In
1981, Nawaz joined the Punjab Advisory Council[20] under Khan.[22]

During the 1980s, Nawaz gained influence as a supporter of General Muhammad Zia-ul-
Haq's military government. Zia-ul-Haq agreed to return the steel industry to Nawaz,
who convinced the general to denationalise and deregulate industries to improve the
economy.[14] Within Punjab, Nawaz privatised government-owned industries and
presented development-oriented budgets to the military government.[20] These
policies raised financial capital and helped increase the standard of living and
purchasing power in the province, which in turn improved law and order and extended
Khan's rule.[14] Punjab was the richest province and received more federal funding
than the other provinces of Pakistan, contributing to economical inequality.[14]

Nawaz invested his wealth in Saudi Arabia and other oil-rich Arab countries to
rebuild his steel empire.[23][24] According to personal accounts and his time spent
with Nawaz, American historian Stephen Philips Cohen states in his 2004 book Idea
of Pakistan: "Nawaz Sharif never forgave Bhutto after his steel empire was lost
[...] even after [Bhutto's] terrible end, Nawaz publicly refused to forgive the
soul of Bhutto or the Pakistan Peoples Party."[23]
Chief Minister of Punjab
In 1985, Khan nominated Nawaz as Chief Minister of Punjab, against the wishes of
Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo.[22] With the backing of the army, Nawaz
secured a landslide victory in the 1985 elections.[14] Because of his popularity,
he received the nickname "Lion of the Punjab".[25] Nawaz built ties with the senior
army generals who sponsored his government.[20] He maintained an alliance with
General Rahimuddin Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Nawaz also had
close ties with Lieutenant-General (retired) Hamid Gul, the Director-General of
ISI.[14]

As chief minister, Nawaz stressed welfare and development activities and the
maintenance of law and order.[20] Khan beautified Lahore, extended military
infrastructure, and silenced political opposition, while Nawaz expanded economic
infrastructure to benefit the army, his own business interests, and the people of
Punjab.[20] In 1988, General Zia dismissed the government of Junejo and called for
new elections.[20] However, Zia retained Nawaz as the Chief Minister of Punjab, and
until his death, continued to support Nawaz.[20]

1988 elections
Main article: 1988 Pakistani general election
After General Zia's death in August 1988, his political party – Pakistan Muslim
League (Pagara Group) – split into two factions.[26] Nawaz led the Zia-loyalist
Fida Group against the Prime Minister's Junejo's Pakistan Muslim League (J).[26]
The Fida Group later took on the mantle of the PML while the Junejo Group became
known as the JIP.[26] The two parties along with seven other right-wing
conservative and religious parties united with encouragement and funding from the
ISI to form the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI).[26] (The IJI received PRs. 15
million from Zia loyalists in the ISI,[27] with a substantial role played by
Nawaz's ally Gul.[14]) The alliance was led by Nawaz and Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi and
opposed Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the elections.[26] The IJI
gained a majority in Punjab, and Nawaz was re-elected as the chief minister.[26]

In December 1989, Nawaz decided to remain in the provincial Punjab Assembly rather
than hold a seat in the National Assembly.[28] In early 1989, the PPP government
attempted to unseat Nawaz through a no-confidence motion in the Punjab Assembly,
[26] which they lost by a vote of 152 to 106.[26]

National politics
First term as prime minister (1990–1993)
The conservatives first came to power in a democratic Pakistan under Nawaz's
leadership.[29] Nawaz Sharif became the 12th prime minister of Pakistan on 1
November 1990, succeeding Benazir Bhutto. He also became head of IJI.[29] Sharif
had a majority in the assembly and ruled with considerable confidence, having
disputes with three successive army chiefs.[29]

Nawaz had campaigned on a conservative platform and vowed to reduce government

corruption.[29] Nawaz introduced an economy based on privatisation and economic
liberalisation to reverse the nationalisation by Zulfikar Bhutto,[23] notably for
banks and industries.[29] He legalised foreign money exchange to be transacted
through private money exchangers.[29] His privatisation policies were continued by
both Benazir Bhutto in the mid-1990s and Shaukat Aziz in the 2000s.[29] He also
improved the nation's infrastructure and spurred the growth of digital
telecommunication.[29]

Conservative policies

Nawaz meeting with conservative Sindhi intellectuals of Pakistan in Sindh Province,

c. 1990s.
Nawaz continued the simultaneous Islamization and conservatism of Pakistan society,
[29] a policy begun by Zia. Reforms were made to introduce fiscal conservatism,
supply-side economics, bioconservatism and religious conservatism in Pakistan.[29]

Nawaz intensified Zia's controversial Islamization policies, and introduced Islamic

laws such as the Shariat Ordinance and Bait-ul-Maal (to help poor orphans, widows,
etc.) to drive the country on the model of an Islamic welfare state.[29] Moreover,
he gave tasks to the Ministry of Religion to prepare reports and recommendations
for steps taken toward Islamization. He ensured the establishment of three
committees:[29]

Ittehad-e-bain-ul-Muslemeen (English: Unity of Muslims Bloc)

Nifaz-e-Shariat Committee (English: Sharia Establishment Committee)
Islamic Welfare Committee
Nawaz extended membership of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to all Central
Asian Muslim countries, to unite them into a Muslim Bloc.[29] Nawaz included
environmentalism in his government platform, and established the Environmental
Protection Agency in 1997.[30]

Conflicts
Main articles: Operation Blue Fox, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Clean-up,
Politics of Karachi, Economy of Karachi, and Civil-military operations
Following the imposition and passing of Resolution 660, 661, and 665, Nawaz sided
with the United Nations on the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.[31] Nawaz's government
criticised Iraq for invading the fellow Muslim country, which strained Pakistan's
relationships with Iraq.[31] This continued as Pakistan sought to strengthen its
relations with Iran. This policy continued under Benazir Bhutto and Pervez
Musharraf until the removal of Saddam Hussein in 2003.[31] Nawaz raised the issue
of Kashmir in international forums[citation needed] and worked toward a peaceful
transfer of power in Afghanistan[citation needed] to curb the rampant trading of
illicit drugs and weapons across the border.[29][citation needed]

Nawaz challenged former Chief of Army Staff General Mirza Aslam Beg over the 1991
Gulf War.[31] Under the direction of Beg, Pakistan Armed Forces participated in
Operation Desert Storm and the Army Special Service Group and the Naval Special
Service Group were deployed to Saudi Arabia to provide security for the Saudi royal
family.[31]

Nawaz faced difficulty working with the PPP and the Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM),
a potent force in Karachi.[32] The MQM and the PPP opposed Nawaz due to his focus
on beautifying Punjab and Kashmir while neglecting Sindh,[32] and the MQM also
opposed Nawaz's conservatism. Although the MQM had formed the government with
Nawaz,[32] the political tensions between liberalism and conservatism erupted into
conflict by renegade factions in 1992.[32]

To end the fighting between PML-N and MQM, Nawaz's party passed a resolution to
launch a paramilitary operation[32] under command of Chief of Army Staff General
Asif Nawaz Janjua.[31] Violence erupted in Karachi in 1992 and brought the economy
to a halt.[32] During this time, Benazir Bhutto and the centre-left PPP remained
neutral,[32] but her brother Murtaza Bhutto exerted pressure which suspended the
operation.[32] The period of 1992–1994 is considered[by whom?] the bloodiest in the
history of the city, with many people missing.[citation needed]

Industrialization and privatisation

Nawaz had campaigned on a conservative platform[29] and after assuming office
announced his economic policy under the National Economic Reconstruction Programme
(NERP).[29] This programme introduced an extreme level of the Western-styled
capitalist economics.[29]

Unemployment had limited Pakistan's economic growth and Nawaz believed that only
privatisation could solve this problem.[29] Nawaz introduced an economy based on
privatisation and economic liberalisation,[23] notably for banks and industries.
[29] According to the US Department of State, this followed a vision of "turning
Pakistan into a [South] Korea by encouraging greater private saving and investment
to accelerate economic growth."[33]

The privatisation programme reversed the nationalisation by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto[23]

and the PPP in the 1970s.[34] By 1993, around 115 nationalised industries were
opened to private ownership,[34] including the National Development Finance
Corporation, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, National Electric Power
Regulatory Authority, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan
Telecommunication Corporation, and Pakistan State Oil.[29] This boosted the
economy[29] but a lack of competition in bidding allowed the rise of business
oligarchs and further widened the wealth gap, contributing to political
instability.[34] Former science advisor Dr. Mubashir Hassan called Nawaz's
privatisation "unconstitutional".[35] The PPP held that nationalisation policy was
given constitutional status by parliament, and that privatisation policies were
illegal and had taken place without parliamentary approval.[35]

Privatization programme reached the GDP growth rate to 7.57% (1992) but dropped at
4.37% (1993; 1998).[inconsistent]
Nawaz initiated several large-scale projects to stimulate the economy, such as the
Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project.[29] However, unemployment remained a challenge.
In an attempt to counter this, Nawaz imported thousands of privatised Yellow-cab
taxis for young Pakistanis, but few of the loans were repaid and Nawaz was forced
to pay for them through his steel industry.[29] Nawaz's projects were not evenly
distributed, focusing on Punjab and Kashmir Provinces, the base of his support,[35]
with lesser efforts in Khyber and Balochistan provinces, and no benefits from
industrialization in Sindh Province.[29] After intense criticism from the PPP and
MQM, Nawaz completed the Orangi Cottage Industrial Zone[29] but this did not repair
his reputation in Sindh.[29] Opponents accused Nawaz of using political influence
to build factories for himself and his business,[29] for expanding the Armed
Forces' secretive industrial conglomerate and bribing generals.[35]

Science policy
[icon]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2019)
While privatising industry, Nawaz took steps for intense government control of
science in Pakistan, and placed projects under his authorisation.[36] In 1991,
Nawaz founded and authorised the Pakistan Antarctic Programme under the scientific
directions of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), with the Pakistan Navy's
Weapons Engineering Division, and first established the Jinnah Antarctic Station
and Polar Research Cell. In 1992, Pakistan became an associate member of the
Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.

On 28 July 1997, Nawaz declared 1997 a year of science in Pakistan and personally
allotted funds for the 22nd INSC College on Theoretical Physics. In 1999, Nawaz
signed the executive decree, declaring 28 May as the National Science Day in
Pakistan.

Nuclear policy
Nawaz made the nuclear weapons and energy programme one of his top priorities.[36]
[37] He expanded the nuclear energy program, and continued an atomic programme[29]
[36] while following a policy of deliberate nuclear ambiguity.[37]

This resulted in a nuclear crisis with the United States which tightened its
embargo on Pakistan in December 1990 and reportedly offered substantial economic
aid to halt the country's uranium enrichment programme.[36][37] Responding to US
embargo, Nawaz announced that Pakistan had no atomic bomb, and would sign the
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if India did as well.[37] The embargo blocked plans
for a French-built nuclear power plant, so Nawaz's advisors intensively lobbied the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which allowed China to establish
CHASNUPP-I nuclear power plant and upgrade KANUPP-I.[36]

Nawaz's nuclear policy was considered less aggressive towards India with its focus
on public usage through nuclear power and medicine, viewed as a continuation of the
US Atoms for Peace programme.[by whom?] In 1993, Nawaz established the Institute of
Nuclear Engineering (INE) to promote his policy for the peaceful use of nuclear
energy.

Co-operatives societies scandal

Nawaz suffered a major loss of political support from the co-operatives societies
scandal.[29] These societies accept deposits from members and can legally make
loans only to members for purposes to the benefit of the membership.[29] However,
mismanagement led to a collapse affecting millions of Pakistanis in 1992.[29] In
Punjab and Kashmir, around 700,000 people lost their savings, and it was discovered
that billions of rupees had been granted to the Ittefaq Group of Industries –
Nawaz's steel mill. Although the loans were hurriedly repaid, Nawaz's reputation
was severely damaged.[29]

Constitutional crisis and resignation

Nawaz had developed serious issues of authority with conservative President Ghulam
Ishaq Khan, who had raised Nawaz to prominence during the Zia dictatorship.[38] On
18 April, ahead of the 1993 Parliamentary election, Khan used his reserve powers
(58-2b) to dissolve the National Assembly, and with the support of the army
appointed Mir Balakh Sher as interim prime minister. Nawaz refused to accept this
act and raised a challenge at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. On 26 May, the Supreme
Court ruled 10–1 that the presidential order was unconstitutional, that the
president could dissolve the assembly only if a constitutional breakdown had
occurred and that the government's incompetence or corruption was irrelevant.[38]
(Justice Sajjad Ali Shah was the only dissenting judge; he later became 13th Chief
Justice of Pakistan.[39][relevant?])

Issues of authority continued. In July 1993, under pressure from the armed forces,
Nawaz resigned under an agreement that also removed President Khan from power.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Shamim Allam and the Chief
of Army Staff General Abdul Vahied Kakar forced Khan to resign from the presidency
and ended the political standoff. Under the close scrutiny of the Pakistan Armed
Forces, an interim and transitional government was formed and new parliamentary
election was held after three months.[38]

Parliamentary opposition (1993–1996)

See also: 1993 Pakistani general election
Following 1993 elections, the PPP returned to power under Benazir Bhutto. Nawaz
offered his full co-operation as Leader of the Opposition but soon the PPP and PML-
N held parliament locked in dispute. Bhutto found it difficult to act effectively
in the face of opposition from Nawaz, and also faced problems in her political
stronghold of Sindh Province from her younger brother Murtaza Bhutto.[38]

Nawaz and Murtaza Bhutto formed the Nawaz-Bhutto axis and worked to undermine
Benazir Bhutto's government, tapping an anti-corruption wave in Pakistan. They
accused the government of corruption with major state corporations and slowing
economic progress. In 1994 and 1995 they made a "train march" from Karachi to
Peshawar, making critical speeches to huge crowds. Nawaz organised strikes
throughout Pakistan in September and October 1994. The death of Murtaza Bhutto in
1996, which allegedly involved Benazir's spouse, led to demonstrations in Sindh and
the government lost control of the province. Benazir Bhutto became widely unpopular
across the country and was ousted in October 1996.[38]

Second term as prime minister (1997–1999)

US Defense Secretary William S. Cohen with Nawaz (1998)

By 1996, continuous large-scale corruption by the government of Benazir Bhutto had
deteriorated the country's economy, which was nearing failure.[40] In the 1997
parliamentary elections, Nawaz and the PML-N won an overwhelming victory, with an
exclusive mandate from across Pakistan.[40][41] It was hoped that Nawaz would
deliver on promises to provide a stable conservative government and improve overall
conditions.[40] Nawaz was sworn as prime minister on 17 February.[42]

Nawaz had formed an alliance with Altaf Hussain of the MQM which fell apart
following the assassination of Hakim Said.[32] Nawaz then removed the MQM from
parliament and assumed control of Karachi while MQM was forced underground.[32]
This led Nawaz to claim an exclusive mandate, and for the first time Nawaz and the
PML-N had the control of Sindh, Balochistan, Northwest Frontier, Kashmir and
Punjab.[32] With a supermajority, Nawaz's new government amended the constitution
to restrict the powers of the president to dismiss governments.[43] With the
passing of the 14th amendment, Nawaz emerged as the most powerful elected prime
minister in the country.[40]

Nawaz's popularity peaked in May 1998[44] after conducting the country's first
nuclear weapons tests in response to tests by India.[45] When Western countries
suspended foreign aid, Nawaz froze the country's foreign currency reserves and
economic conditions worsened.[46][47] The country became embroiled in conflicts on
two borders and Nawaz's long-standing relationships with the military establishment
fell apart, so that by mid-1999 few approved of his policies.[48]

Atomic policy
During the 1997 elections, Nawaz promised to follow his policy of nuclear ambiguity
while using nuclear energy to stimulate the economy.[49] However, on 7 September,
before a state visit to the US, Nawaz acknowledged in a STN News interview that the
country had had an atomic bomb since 1978. Nawaz maintained that:

The issue of [atomic] capability is an established fact. [H]ence the debate on this
[atomic] [i]ssue should come to an end [...] Since 1972, [P]akistan had progressed
significantly, and we have left that [developmental] stage far behind. Pakistan
will not be made a "hostage" to India by signing the CTBT before [India].

— Nawaz Sharif, 7 September 1997[49]

On 1 December, Nawaz told the Daily Jang and The News International that Pakistan
would immediately become a party of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT) if India signed and ratified it first.[49] Under his leadership, the nuclear
program had become a vital part of Pakistan's economic policy.[36]

1998 nuclear crisis

Main articles: Chagai-I and Chagai-II
In May 1998, soon after Indian nuclear tests, Nawaz vowed that his country would
make a suitable reply.[50] On 14 May, Leader of the Opposition Benazir Bhutto and
MQM called for nuclear tests, followed by calls from the public.[51] When India
tested its nuclear weapons the second time, it caused a great alarm in Pakistan and
pressure mounted on Nawaz. On 15 May, Nawaz put the armed forces on high-alert and
called a National Security Council meeting,[51] discussing the financial,
diplomatic, military, strategic and national security concerns.[51] Only Treasure
Minister Sartaj Aziz opposed the tests, due to the economic recession, low foreign
exchange reserves, and economic sanctions.[51]

Nawaz was initially hesitant of the economic impact of nuclear testing,[52] and
observed the international reaction to India's tests, where an embargo had no
economic effect.[52] Failure to conduct the tests would put the credibility of
Pakistan's nuclear deterrence in doubt,[51] which was emphasized when Indian Home
Minister Lal Kishanchand Advani and Defence Minister George Fernandes gloated and
belittled Pakistan, angering Nawaz.[52]

On 18 May, Nawaz ordered the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) to make
preparation for the tests,[51] and put military forces on high alert to provide
support.[46] On 21 May, Nawaz authorised nuclear weapon tests in Balochistan.[52]

On 27 May, the day before testing, the ISI detected Israeli F-16 fighters
conducting exercises and received intelligence that they had orders to attack
Pakistan's nuclear facilities on behalf of India.[53] Nawaz scrambled the Pakistan
Air Force and had nuclear bombs prepared for deployment. According to political
scientist Shafik H. Hashmi, the US and other nations assured Nawaz that Pakistan
was safe; the Israeli attack never materialized.[53]

On 28 and 30 May 1998, Pakistan successfully carried out its nuclear tests,
codenamed Chagai-I and Chagai-II.[46][51] Following these test, Nawaz appeared on
national television and stated:

If [Pakistan] had wanted, she would have conducted nuclear tests 15–20 years ago
[...] but the abject poverty of the people of the region dissuaded [... Pakistan]
from doing so. But the [w]orld, instead of putting pressure on [India ...] not to
take the destructive road [...] imposed all kinds of sanctions on [Pakistan] for no
fault [...] If [Japan] had its own nuclear capability [...] Hiroshima and Nagasaki
would not have suffered atomic destruction at the hands of the [United States.]

— Nawaz Sharif, 30 May 1998, televised on PTV[54]

Nawaz's political prestige reached its peak when the country went nuclear.[44]
Despite the intense international criticism and decline in foreign investment and
trade, Nawaz's domestic popularity increased, as the tests made Pakistan the first
Muslim country and seventh nation to become a nuclear power.[51] Editorials were
full of praise for the country's leadership and advocated the development of
nuclear deterrence.[44] Leader of the Opposition Benazir Bhutto congratulated Nawaz
for his "bold decision" in spite of the economic outcomes,[54] and felt that the
tests erased doubts and fears which troubled the nation since the Indo-Pakistani
war of 1971.[55] In India, opposition leaders in parliament blamed the government
for starting a nuclear arms race.[46] Nawaz was awarded an Ig Nobel prize for his
"aggressively peaceful explosions of atomic bombs".[56][relevant?]

Economic policy
Nawaz built Pakistan's first major motorway, the M2 Motorway (3MM), called the
Autobahn of South Asia.[29] This public-private project was completed in November
1997 at a cost of US$989.12 million.[29] His critics questioned the layout of the
highway, its excessive length, its distance from important cities, and the absence
of link roads with important towns. It also appropriated funds designated for the
Peshawar–Karachi Indus Highway, benefiting Punjab and Kashmir at the cost of other
provinces. There was particular dissatisfaction in Sindh and Balochistan Provinces,
and Nawaz faced a lack of capital investment to finance additional projects.[29]
Nawaz loosened foreign exchange restrictions and opened Karachi Stock Exchange to
foreign capital, but the government remained short of funds for investments.[29]

Due to economic pressures, Nawaz halted the national space programme. This forced
the Space Research Commission to delay the launch of its satellite, Badr-II(B),
which was completed in 1997. This caused frustration among the scientific community
who criticised Nawaz's inability to promote science. Senior scientists and
engineers attributed this to "Nawaz's personal corruption" that affected national
security.
By the end of Nawaz's second term, the economy was in turmoil. The government faced
serious structural issues and financial problems; inflation and foreign debt stood
at an all-time high, and unemployment in Pakistan had reached its highest point.
Pakistan had debts of US$32bn against reserves of little more than $1bn. The
International Monetary Fund (IMF) had suspended aid, demanding the country's
finances be resolved. Nawaz continued to meddle with the stock exchange markets
with devastating effects.[48] By the time he was deposed, the country was heading
for financial default.

Foreign policy
See also: Pakistan - European Union relations, Pakistan-Turkey relations, Pakistan-
Iran relations, Pakistan-South Korea relations, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations,
and Pakistan - Israeli relations
Nawaz strengthened Pakistan's relations with the Muslim world and Europe.[57]

In February 1997, Nawaz met with Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng
to discuss economic cooperation.[57] Two conferences were organised in Beijing and
Hong Kong to promote Chinese investment in Pakistan.[57]

In 1997, Nawaz signed a trilateral free trade agreement with Malaysia and
Singapore,[57] which was followed by collaboration in defence.[57] One of the core
issues was Malaysia's agreement on sharing its space technology with Pakistan.[57]
Both Malaysia and Singapore assured their support for Pakistan to join Asia–Europe
Meeting,[57] though Pakistan and India were not parties to the treaty until 2008.
[57]

Nawaz in Washington D.C., with William S. Cohen in 1998

In January 1998, Nawaz signed bilateral economic agreements with South Korean
President Kim Young-sam.[57] Nawaz urged North Korea to make peace and improve its
ties with South Korea; causing a division in Pakistan–North Korean relations.[57]
In April 1998, Nawaz went on to visit Italy, Germany, Poland, and Belgium to
promote economic ties.[57] He signed a number of agreements to enlarge economic co-
operation with Italy and Belgium, and an agreement with the European Union (EU) for
the protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights.[57]

However, Nawaz's diplomatic efforts seemed to have gone to waste after conducting
nuclear tests in May 1998. Widespread international criticism brought Pakistan's
reputation to a low since the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.[57] Pakistan failed to
gather any support from its allies at the UN,[57] and trade agreements were
repealed by the US, Europe, and Asian bloc.[57] Pakistan was accused of allowing
nuclear proliferation.[57] In June 1998, Nawaz authorised a secret meeting between
Pakistan and Israel's ambassadors to the UN and US, and assured Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Pakistan would not transfer nuclear technology or
materials to Iran or other Middle Eastern countries.[49] Israel responded with
concerns that Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi's visit to Pakistan shortly
after the May 1998 nuclear weapons tests was a sign that Pakistan was preparing to
sell nuclear technology to Iran.[49]

In 1998, India and Pakistan made an agreement recognising the principle of building
an environment of peace and security and resolving all bilateral conflicts.[58] On
19 February 1999, Indian Premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee paid a historic state visit
to Pakistan, travelling on the inaugural Delhi–Lahore Bus connecting the Indian
capital with Pakistan's major cultural city of Lahore.[58] On 21 February, the
prime ministers signed a bilateral agreement with a memorandum of understanding to
ensure nuclear-free safety in South Asia, which became known as the Lahore
Declaration.[58] The agreement was widely popular in both countries,[58] where it
was felt that development of nuclear weapons brought added responsibility and
promoted the importance of confidence-building measures to avoid accidental or
unauthorised use of nuclear weapons.[58] Some Western observers compared the treaty
to the cold war Strategic Arms Limitation Talks.[59]

Constitutional amendments
Main articles: Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan and Fourteenth
Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan
In late August 1998, Nawaz proposed a law to establish a legal system based on
Islamic principles.[60] His proposal came a week after the 10-year commemorations
of the late president Zia ul-Haq. After his cabinet removed some of its
controversial aspects,[61][62] the National Assembly approved and passed the bill
on 10 October 1998 by a vote of 151 to 16.[63] With a majority in parliament, Nawaz
reverted the semi-presidential system in favour of a more parliamentary system.[63]
With these amendments, Nawaz became the country's strongest freely elected prime
minister.[63] However, these amendments failed to achieve a two-thirds majority in
the Senate, which remained under the control of the PPP. Weeks later, parliament
was suspended by a military coup and Legal Framework Order, 2002 (2002 LFO)
returned the country to a semi-presidential system for another decade.

Nawaz's Fourteenth Amendment consolidated his power by preventing legislators and

lawmakers from dissenting or voting against their own parties,[64] and prohibited
judicial appeal for offenders.[64] Legislators from different parties challenged
this with the Supreme Court, infuriating Nawaz.[64] He openly criticised Chief
Justice Sajad Alishah, inviting a notice of contempt.[64] At the urging of the
military and president, Nawaz agreed the solve the conflict amicably but remained
determined to oust Alishah.[64]

1997 Constitutional crisis

Nawaz manipulated the ranks of senior judges, deposing two judges close to Alishah.
[64] The deposed judges challenged Nawaz's orders on procedural grounds by filing a
petition at Quetta High Court on 26 November 1997.[64] Alishah was restrained by
his fellow judges from adjudicating in the case against the prime minister.[64] On
28 November, Nawaz appeared in the Supreme Court and justified his actions, citing
evidence against the two deposed judges.[64] Alishah suspended the decision of
Quetta High Court, but soon the Peshawar High Court issued similar orders removing
Alishah's closest judges.[64] The associate chief justice of Peshawar High Court,
Justice Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, declared himself acting chief justice.[64]

Alishah continued to assert his authority and persisted in hearing Nawaz's case.
[64] On 30 November, Nawaz's cabinet ministers and a large number of supporters
entered the Supreme Court building, disrupting the proceedings.[64] The chief
justice requested the military police, and subsequently struck down the Thirteenth
Amendment, restoring the power of the president.[64] However, the military-backed
Nawaz refused to obey the president's orders to remove him.[64] Nawaz forced
President Farooq Leghari to resign, and appointed Wasim Sajjad as acting president,
[64] then ousted Alishah to end the constitutional crisis.[64]

On 29 November 2006, Nawaz and the PML-N issued a formal apology for their actions
to Alishah and Leghari.[65] A written apology was presented to Alishah at his
residence and later, his party issued a white paper in Parliament formally
apologising for their wrongdoing.[66]

Policy on anti-terrorism
Nawaz passed the controversial Anti-Terrorist Act on 17 August 1997, which
established Anti-Terrorism Courts.[40] The Supreme Court later rendered the Act
unconstitutional. However, Nawaz made amendments and received the permission of the
Supreme Court to establish these courts.[40]

Relations with the military

Main articles: Kargil war, Indo-Pakistani War of 1999, Atlantique Incident, and
Revolt of the Admiral
From 1981 until 1999, Nawaz enjoyed extremely cordial relations with the Pakistan
Armed Forces, and was the only senior civilian leader to have friendly relations
with the military establishment during that period.[14] However, when Chief of Army
Staff General Jehangir Karamat advocated for a National Security Council, Nawaz
interpreted this as a conspiracy to return the military to an active political
role.[14][clarification needed]

In October 1998, three months before the end of his term, Karamat was forced to
resign.[14] This was controversial even within Nawaz's cabinet[67] and was seen as
the least-popular moment of Nawaz's administration.[68] Military lawyers and
civilian law experts saw this as unconstitutional and a violation of military
justice code.[68] However, Media Minister Syed Mushahid Hussain felt that Pakistan
was "finally becoming a normal democratic society", not beholden to its military.
[69]

Nawaz promoted General Pervez Musharraf to replace Karamat,[14] also making

Musharraf Chairman of the Joint Chiefs despite his lack of seniority.[14] Admiral
Fasih Bokhari resigned as Chief of Naval Staff in protest.[14] Bokhari lodged a
protest against the Kargil debacle and called for the court-martial of Musharraf,
[66][70] who Nawaz said acted alone.[71][further explanation needed]

In August, India shot down a Pakistan Navy reconnaissance aircraft in the

Atlantique Incident, killing 16 naval officers,[citation needed][72] the greatest
number of combat casualties for the navy since the Indo-Pakistani Naval War of
1971.[72] Nawaz failed to gain foreign support against India for the incident,
which newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza viewed as a
lack of support for the navy in wartime.[72] Nawaz further lost the confidence of
the Marines for failing to defend the navy at the International Court of Justice
(ICJ) in September.[72] Relations with the Air Force likewise deteriorated, when
Chief of Air Staff General Parvaiz Mehdi Qureshi accused the prime minister of not
consulting the air force in matters critical to national security.[73][72]

Two months later, after steadily worsening relations with the Armed Forces, Nawaz
was deposed by Musharraf and martial law was established throughout the country.
[72]

Coup, trial and exile

Further information: 1999 Pakistani coup d'état
The simultaneous conflicts in the Kargil war with India and Afghanistan's civil
war, along with economical turmoil, turned public opinion against Nawaz and his
policies. On 12 October 1999, Nawaz attempted to remove Musharraf for military
failures and replace him with General Ziauddin Butt. Nawaz's mindset was to remove
the Chairman Joint Chiefs and the Chief of Army Staff first, then depose the other
armed forces chiefs who had destroyed his credibility. Musharraf, who was in Sri
Lanka, attempted to return on a PIA commercial flight.

Nawaz ordered the Sindh Police Force to arrest Musharraf. Fearing a coup d'état, he
further ordered the Jinnah Terminal to be sealed to prevent the landing of the
airliner. The A300 aircraft was ordered to land at Nawabshah Airport (now Shaheed
Benazirabad Airport). There, Musharraf contacted top Pakistan Army generals who
took over the country and ousted Nawaz's administration. Nawaz was taken to Adiala
Jail for trial by a military judge.[74] Musharraf later assumed control of the
government as chief executive. A single protest was held by Sardar Mohsin Abbasi in
front of the Supreme Court on 17 October on the first hearing of Nawaz.

Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, Sir Anjam Khan, Zafer Ali Shah and Sardar Mohsin Abbasi were the
only supporters left after the first six months. Many of Nawaz's cabinet ministers
and his constituents were divided during the court proceedings and remained
neutral. Dissidents such as Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain remained quiet and later
formed Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML-Q), splitting Nawaz's party into small
factions. The military police initiated massive arrests of the PML workers and
party leaders, who were held in Sindh and Punjab police prisons.[74]

The military placed Nawaz on trial for "kidnapping, attempted murder, hijacking and
terrorism and corruption".[75][76] In a speedy trial, the military court convicted
Nawaz and gave him a life sentence.[76] Reports surfaced that Nawaz had nearly been
sentenced to execution.[75][77] His leading defence lawyer, Iqbal Raad, was gunned
down in Karachi in mid-March.[78] Nawaz's defence team blamed the military for
providing inadequate protection.[78] The military court proceedings were widely
accused of being a show trial.[79][80][81]

Nawaz was also tried for tax evasion on the purchase of a helicopter worth US$1
million. The Lahore High Court agreed to acquit him if he could prove his
innocence, but Nawaz was unable to cite any substantial evidence. He was ordered to
pay a fine of US$400,000 on grounds of tax evasion, and he was sentenced to 14
years of imprisonment.[82]

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, under Nawaz and King Fahd, had enjoyed extremely close
business and cultural relations that is sometimes attributed as a special
relationship.[77] Saudi Arabia was shocked at the news of the coup.[77] Amid
pressure by Fahd and US President Bill Clinton, the military court avoided a death
sentence for Sharif.[77] Fahd had expressed concern that the death sentence would
provoke intense ethnic violence in Pakistan as had happened in the 1980s[77]
following the execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.[75] Under an agreement facilitated
by Saudi Arabia, Nawaz was placed in exile for the next 10 years,[77] and agreed
not to take part in politics in Pakistan for 21 years. He also forfeited property
worth US$8.3 million (£5.7 million) and paid a fine of US$500,000.[83] Musharraf
wrote in his memoirs that, without the intervention of Fahd, Sharif would have been
executed.[84] Nawaz travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he was taken to a
residence managed and controlled by the Saudi government,[77] and provided a Saudi
loan to establish a steel mill.[77]

Return to Pakistan
Failed attempt in Islamabad
The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled on 23 August 2007 that Nawaz and his brother,
Shehbaz Sharif, were free to return to Pakistan. Both vowed to return soon.[85][86]
On 8 September, Lebanese politician Saad Hariri and Saudi intelligence chief Prince
Muqrin bin Abdul-Aziz held an unprecedented joint press conference at Army
Combatant Generals Headquarters (GHQ) to discuss how Nawaz's return would affect
relations. Muqrin expressed hope that Nawaz would continue with the agreement to
not return for 10 years, but said "these little things do not affect relations".
[87]

Two days later, Nawaz returned from exile in London[87] to Islamabad. He was
prevented from leaving the aeroplane and he was deported to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
within hours.[88] His political career appeared to be over.[42]

Successful return in Lahore

Musharraf went to Saudi Arabia on 20 November 2007, the first time he left Pakistan
since implementing the emergency rule.[89][contradictory] He attempted to convince
Saudi Arabia to prevent Nawaz from returning until after the January 2008
elections.[89] Nawaz had become more politically relevant after the return to
Pakistan of Benazir Bhutto, who had also been exiled.[89] Saudi Arabia suggested
that if Pakistan had allowed a democratic-socialist woman leader, Bhutto, to return
to the country, then the conservative Nawaz should be permitted to return as well.
[89]
Nawaz returned to Pakistan five days later. Thousands of supporters whistled and
cheered as they hoisted Nawaz and his brother on their shoulders.[90] After an 11-
hour procession from the airport, he reached a mosque where he offered prayers as
well as criticism against Musharraf.[91] His return to Pakistan allowed only one
day to register for elections, setting the stage for an overnight shift of the
political scene.[90]

2008 General elections

See also: 2008 Pakistani general election and Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
Nawaz called for the boycott of the January 2008 elections because he believed the
poll would not be fair, given a state of emergency imposed by Musharraf. Nawaz and
the PML-N decided to participate in the parliamentary elections after 33 opposition
groups, including Bhutto's PPP, met in Lahore but failed to reach a joint position.
[92] He campaigned for the restoration of the independent judges removed by
emergency government decree and Musharraf's departure.[93][94]

Bhutto's assassination led to the postponement of the elections to 18 February

2008.[95] Nawaz condemned Bhutto's assassination and called it the "gloomiest day
in Pakistan's history".[96] As the elections approached, the country faced a rise
in attacks by militants.[97] Nawaz accused Musharraf of ordering anti-terror
operations that had left the country "drowned in blood".[97] Pakistan's government
urged opposition leaders to refrain from holding rallies ahead of the elections,
citing an escalating terrorist threat.[97] The PML-N rejected this, accusing
officials of campaign interference.[97]

On 25 January, Musharraf attempted British mediation to reconcile with the Nawaz

brothers but failed.[98] The elections were dominated[clarification needed] by the
PPP, boosted by the death of Bhutto, and PML-N. In the 342-seat National Assembly,
PPP received 86 seats; the PML-N, 66; and the PML-Q, which backed Musharraf, 40.
[99]

In opposition (2008–2013)
Nawaz's party had joined a coalition with the PPP, led by its new leader Asif Ali
Zardari, but the alliance was strained by differences.[100] Nawaz won much public
support for his uncompromising stand,[100] and the coalition successfully forced
Musharraf's resignation from the presidency. After the coalition's collapse, Nawaz
pressured Zardari to reinstate the judges Musharraf removed during emergency rule.
This led to the courts absolving Nawaz's criminal record so that he could re-enter
parliament.[101]

By-elections
In the June 2008 by-elections, Nawaz's party won 91 National Assembly seats and 180
provincial assembly seats in the Punjab.[102] Election for the Lahore seat was
postponed due to questions of Nawaz's eligibility to contest.[100][103]

Musharraf impeachment
Main article: Movement to impeach Pervez Musharraf
The coalition government agreed on 7 August 2008 to impeach Musharraf. Zardari and
Nawaz sent a formal request for him to step down. A charge sheet had been drafted
and was to be presented to parliament.[104] It included Musharraf's first seizure
of power in 1999 and his second in November 2007, when he declared an emergency as
a means of being re-elected president.[105] The charge-sheet also listed some of
Musharraf's contributions to the "war on terror".[105]

The National Assembly was summoned four days later to discuss impeachment
proceedings.[106] On 18 August, Musharraf resigned as President of Pakistan due to
mounting political pressure. On 19 August, Musharraf defended his nine-year rule in
an hour-long speech.[107]
Nawaz claimed that Musharraf was responsible for the crisis in the nation.
"Musharraf pushed the country's economy 20 years back after imposing martial law in
the country and ousting the democratic government".[108]

Lawyers movement
Main article: Suspension of Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry
Musharraf had dismissed 60 judges and Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry under the
state of emergency in March 2007, in a failed bid to remain in power.[105] Sharif
had championed the cause of the judges since their dismissal, and he and Zardari
had supported the reinstatement of judges in their campaigns.[25] However, the new
coalition government had failed to restore the judges, leading to its collapse in
late 2008.[25] Zardari feared that Chaudhry would undo all edicts instated by
Musharraf including an amnesty that Zardari had received from corruption charges.
[25]

Long March led by Sharif moving through Ferozepur Road, Lahore.

On 25 February 2009, the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif and his brother
Shehbaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, from holding public office. Zardari
attempted to place Nawaz under house arrest,[25] but the Punjab police left his
residence after an angry crowd gathered outside. The police decision to lift his
confinement was very likely in response to an army command.[25][according to whom?]
Nawaz, with a large contingent of SUVs, began leading a march to Islamabad but
ended the march in Gujranwala.[25] In a televised speech on 16 March, Prime
Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani promised to reinstate Chaudhry after receiving pressure
from Pakistan's army, American and British envoys, and internal protests. PPP made
a secret agreement to restore the PML government in the Punjab. Nawaz then called
off the "long march".[25]

The PPP-led government continued to survive. A senior PML-N leader said "95% of the
members of the PML(N) were against becoming part of the lawyers' movement, but
after the [Supreme Court] verdict, the PML(N) had no other choice".[109]

Removal of bar on third term

The 18th Amendment passed in Parliament on 8 April 2010, removing the bar which
allowed prime ministers to serve a maximum of two terms in office. This made Nawaz
eligible to again become prime minister,[110] which he did in 2013.

2013 Pakistan general election

Main article: 2013 Pakistani general election
Further information: Sharif III Government
Khan–Sharif rivalry
Between 2011 and 2013, Nawaz and Imran Khan began to engage each other in a bitter
feud. The rivalry between the two leaders grew in late 2011 when Khan addressed a
large crowd at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore. The two began to blame each other for
many political reasons.[111][112]

From 26 April 2013, in the run up to the 2013 elections, both the PML-N and the
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vehemently criticised each other. Khan was accused
of personally attacking Nawaz and was given notice by the Election Commission of
Pakistan, though Khan denied it.[113][114]

Policies
It is only through your vote that you can bring change for prosperity, to
strengthen the country's borders, end terrorism, improve education, and get land
reforms and put Sindh and Pakistan on a path to progress.

— Nawaz Sharif
Nawaz campaigned on a promise to end loadshedding, construct motorways and
Peshawar–Karachi high-speed rail.[115] He also promised to construct a third port
in Keti Bandar on the southern coast of Thatta District.[116] Just prior to the
election, Nawaz confirmed he had a long telephone conversation with Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh, suggesting a desire to improve diplomatic relations.[117]

Results

Sharif addressing a rally at Sangla Hill.

The Election Commission of Pakistan announced that the PML-N had won 124 seats in
Parliament. Needing 13 additional seats to form a majority, Sharif held talks with
elected independent candidates to form a coalition.[118] Eight days later, 18
independent candidates joined the party, allowing PML-N to form the government
without the agreement of another political party.[119] Nawaz stated that he wanted
to take his oath as prime minister on 28 May, the fifteenth anniversary of the
Chagai-I nuclear tests.[120][needs update]

On 27 June 2014, Khan announced that PTI would march on 14 August in protest of the
government, alleging that the 2013 elections had been rigged.[121] On 6 August
2014, Khan demanded the assemblies be dissolved and the resignations of the
election commission and prime minister, claiming that the march would be the
"biggest political protest in the history of the country."[122] PTI began their
march from Lahore on 14 August and reached Islamabad on 16 August.[123] Khan
accused Nawaz of plundering the national wealth, and called on the public to
withhold taxes and payment of utility bills to force the government to resign.[124]
In protest of alleged election rigging, the PTI's lawmakers announced their
resignation from the National Assembly, and the Punjab and Sindh assemblies.[125]
PML-N attempted to negotiate a settlement with Khan and his party's backers to
break the political deadlock.[126] On 22 August 2014, Khan and his fellow 33 PTI
lawmakers resigned from the National Assembly. He called for a caretaker government
to be formed of non-politicians, and for fresh elections.[127]

Third term as prime minister (2013–2017)

Main article: Sharif III Government
Nawaz was sworn in for an unprecedented third term as prime minister on 7 June
2013. He faced numerous challenges, including bringing an end to US drone strikes
and Taliban attacks while also tackling a crippled economy. Speculation was rife
that the new government would need a bailout from the International Monetary Fund
to restore economic stability.[128]

Social policy
See also: Protection of Women Against Violence Bill 2015
Nawaz's third term moved from social conservatism to social centrism.[129][130]
[131] In 2016, he called the future of Pakistan as one underpinned as an "educated,
progressive, forward looking and an enterprising nation".[132] In January 2016 he
backed the Punjab government policy of banning Tablighi Jamaat from preaching in
educational institutions and in February he enacted a law to provide a helpline for
women to report domestic abuse, despite the criticism of conservative religious
parties.[133]

Nawaz's government hanged Mumtaz Qadri on 29 February 2016. Qadri had fatally shot
Salman Taseer over his opposition to blasphemy laws.[134] According to BBC News,
the move to hang Qadri was an indication of the government's growing confidence in
taming the street power of religious groups.[135] To the disliking of religious
conservatives, Nawaz promised that the perpetrators of honour killings would be
'punished very severely'.[136] In March 2016, The Washington Post reported that
Nawaz was defying Pakistan's powerful clergy by unblocking access to YouTube,
pushing to end child marriage, enacting a landmark domestic violence bill, and
overseeing the execution of Qadri.[137][138] Sunni Tehreek led protests of nearly
2,000 Islamic fundamentist on 28 March 2016, staging a three-day sit-in at the D-
Chowk in Islamabad, demanding that Nawaz implement Shariah and declare Qadri a
martyr.[139] In response, Nawaz addressed the nation, stating that those "fanning
the fire of hatred" would be dealt with under the law.[140]

Nation's future lies in democratic, liberal Pakistan where the private sector
thrives and no one is left behind

— Nawaz Sharif[141]
Nawaz's government declared that the Hindu festivals Diwali and Holi, and the
Christian festival of Easter, were officially public holidays. Time Magazine called
this a "significant step for the country's beleaguered religious minorities."[142]
On 6 December 2016, Nawaz approved the renaming of Quaid-i-Azam University's (QAU)
physics centre to the Professor Abdus Salam Center for Physics. Nawaz also
established the Professor Abdus Salam Fellowship to fully fund five Pakistani
doctoral students in Physics.[143] In response, the Council of Islamic Ideology
criticised Nawaz's move claiming that "changing the department's name would not set
the right precedent."[144][further explanation needed]

Nawaz stressed the need for operation Zarb-e-Qalam to fight societal extremism and
intolerance through the power of "writers, poets and intellectuals".[145]
Addressing the Pakistan Academy of Literature, Nawaz said that "in a society where
flowers of poetry and literature bloom, the diseases of extremism, intolerance,
disunity and sectarianism are not born". Nawaz also announced a PRs. 500 million
endowment fund for the promotion of art and literary activities in Pakistan.[146]
On 9 January 2017, the government denied visas for international preachers for the
Tablighi Jamaat conference in Lahore. Jamia Binoria criticised the government's
decisions.[147]

Nawaz, in a March 2017 address at Jamia Naeemia, urged Islamic scholars to spread
the true teachings of Islam and take a firm stand against those who are causing
disunity among Muslims. Nawaz called for a "progressive and prosperous Muslim
world", and asked the "religious scholars to [...] take the war against these
terrorists to its logical end."[148]

Economic policy
See also: Economy of Pakistan

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Fiscal Year GDP growth Inflation rate
2013–14[149] Increase 4.14%[150] 10 8.5%[151]
2014–15 Increase 4.24% 10 4.8%[152]
2015–16 Increase 4.5%[153] 10 5.1%[152]
2016–17 Increase 5.2%[154]
The country's economy faced many challenges including energy shortages,
hyperinflation, mild economic growth, high debt and a large budget deficit. Shortly
after taking power in 2013, Nawaz received a US$6.6 billion loan from the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avoid a balance-of-payments crisis. Lower oil
prices, higher remittances and increased consumer spending pushed growth toward a
seven-year high of 4.3 percent in FY2014–15.[155]

Asian Development Bank attributed gradual growth in economy to the continued low
prices for oil and other commodities, the expected pick-up in growth in the
advanced economies, and some alleviation of power shortages.[156] However, the
sovereign debt of Pakistan increased dramatically, with total debts and liabilities
swelled to PRs. 22.5 trillion (or US$73 billion) by August 2016.[157] Nawaz's
administration issued a five-year $500-million Eurobond in 2015 at 8.25% interest
and in September 2016, it also raised $1 billion by floating Sukuk (Islamic bonds)
at 5.5%.[158]

The Sharif administration negotiated free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand trade
liberalisation, notably with Turkey, South Korea, Iran,[159] and Thailand, and an
expansion of the FTA with Malaysia.

Sharif along with his cabinet members Barjees Tahir and Saira Afzal Tarar.
According to the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency
(PILDAT), the quality of governance had 'marginally improved' during Nawaz's first
year in power within an overall score of 44%. It scored highest in disaster-
preparedness, merit-based recruitment, and foreign policy management, while it
received the lowest scores on poverty alleviation and transparency.[160]

On 4 July 2013, the IMF and Pakistan reached a provisional agreement on a US$5.3
billion bailout package to bolster Pakistan's flagging economy and its perilously
low foreign exchange reserves, which was contrary to an election promise not to
take any more loans.[161] On 4 September, IMF approved another $6.7 billion loan
package over a three-year period. IMF demanded Pakistan conduct economic reforms,
including privatising 31 state-owned companies.[162]

Business confidence in Pakistan reached a three-year high in May 2014 backed by

increasing foreign reserves which crossed US$15 billion by mid-2014. In May 2014,
IMF stated that inflation had dropped to 13% (compared to 25% in 2008), foreign
reserves were in a better position and that the current account deficit had come
down to 3% of GDP.[163] Standard & Poor's and Moody's Corporation changed
Pakistan's long-term rating to 'stable outlook'.[164][165][166] The World Bank
stated on 9 April 2014 that Pakistan's economy was at a turning point, with
projected GDP growth approaching 4%, driven by manufacturing and service sectors,
better energy availability, and early revival of investor confidence.[167]

In FY2015, industrial growth slowed due to power shortages,[156] as Sharif's

administration failed to make adequate reforms in energy, taxation, and public
sector enterprises.[168] On 3 May, The Economist gave Sharif's administration
partial credit for the economy's new stability, having upheld its agreements with
the IMF. Standard & Poor revised Pakistan's credit rating from 'stable' to
'positive', noting the government's efforts towards fiscal consolidation,
improvement in external financing conditions, and stronger capital inflows.[169]

Nawaz at a trilateral meeting with Joe Biden during the World Economic Forum in
Switzerland.
During a trip to Pakistan on 10 February 2016, World Bank Group's president Jim
Yong Kim applauded the economic policies of Nawaz's government. He claimed that
Pakistan's economic outlook had become more stable.[170] On 19 March, Nawaz
approved tax incentives in an attempt to attract new automotive manufacturing
plants to the country.[171] In November 2016, the government announced that Renault
was expected to start assembling cars in Pakistan by 2018.[172][173]

On 8 April 2016, following lobbying by international development groups, the

government changed its methodology for measuring poverty. The poverty line was
moved from PRs. 2,350 to PRs. 3,030 per adult per month, which increased the
poverty ratio from 9.3% to 29.5%.[174] A PILDAT survey claimed that the quality of
governance had improved, though it was still weak for transparency.[175] Fred
Hochberg, head of the Export–Import Bank of the United States visited Pakistan on
14 April and said that he "sees a lot of opportunities to expand its exposure to
Pakistan."[176]

On 9 May, the World Bank's Pakistan Development Report stated that the current
account was in a healthy position, but that Pakistan's export competitiveness has
diminished due to protectionist policies, poor infrastructure, and high transaction
costs for trade. Consequently, Pakistan's exports-to-GDP ratio had been declining
for the last two decades.[177]

On 15 December 2016, Pakistan became a signatory of the Organisation for Economic

Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Convention on Mutual Administrative
Assistance in Tax Matters, aimed at curbing tax evasion.[178] In his 2016 book, The
Rise and Fall of Nations, Ruchir Sharma stated that Pakistan's economy was at a
'take-off' stage and the future outlook to 2020 was 'very good'.[179]

On 24 October 2016, months after the Sharif government concluded a US$6.4 billion
three-year programmes, IMF managing director Christine Lagarde visited Pakistan,
during which she maintained Pakistan was "out of the economic crisis". She added
that continued efforts were needed to bring more people under taxation and to
ensure that all paid their fair share.[180] The 2017 Ease of doing business index
recognised Pakistan as one of the ten countries making the biggest improvements to
business regulations.[181]

On 1 November 2016, Pakistan and China began trade under the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor project.[182]
Hundreds of Chinese trucks loaded with goods rolled into the Sost dry port in
Gilgit-Baltistan on 1 November as the first shipment of the China–Pakistan Economic
Corridor.[183][relevant?]

The government announced plans to restructure PIA, which sought to become more
competitive by leasing newer and more efficient aircraft. PIA was split into two
companies: a holding group would retain some PRs. 250 billion in debt and excess
personnel, and a "new" PIA would hold the lucrative landing rights and new
aircraft. The government planned to sell a 26% stake in the new PIA to a strategic
partner. In February 2016, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) is to
be converted into a public limited company as Pakistan International Airlines
Company Limited (PIACL) to make way for privatisation, however, this trigged an
eight-day union strike.[184][needs update] On 23 December 2016, a Chinese
consortium won the bid for a 40% stake in the PSX with an offer of US$85.5 million.
[185]

Communications and development

Further information: Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, New
Islamabad International Airport, and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Upon assuming office, Nawaz launched the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)
which constructed major projects to stimulate the economy. This included Diamer-
Bhasha Dam, Dasu Dam, Faisalabad-Khanewal M-4 Motorway, Rawalpindi-Islamabad
Metrobus Service and Lahore-Karachi Motorway.[186] Nawaz also approved feasibility
studies for numerous other projects.[187] During FY2014–15, Nawaz's government
announced additional PSDP funding from PRs. 425 to PRs. 525 billion.[188][189] The
government allocated PRs. 73 billion of PSDP funds for the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor, including the Lahore-Karachi Motorway.[190]

On 24 April 2014, mobile companies Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone and Zong won auctions
for 3G and 4G mobile spectrum licenses, raising US$1.112 billion. Nawaz stated that
PRs. 260 billion will be collected in annual revenue from the licenses, while the
technology would create millions of jobs in the service sector.[191] Nawaz also
launched the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, providing a PRs. 20 billion fund for
interest-free loans, skills development and provision of laptop computers.
Pakistan Vision 2025
In August 2014, the Sharif administration unveiled an ambitious programme to
enhance exports to US$150 billion by 2025.[192] According to the Daily Times, the
Vision 2025 is based on seven pillars: putting people first; developing human and
social capital; achieving sustained, indigenous and inclusive growth; governance,
institutional reform and modernisation of the public sector; energy, water and food
security; private-sector-led growth and entrepreneurship, developing a competitive
knowledge economy through value addition and modernisation of transportation
infrastructure and greater regional connectivity.[193][clarification needed]

Considering the existing political challenges faced by Sharif and shaky democratic
process in the country, ownership of the rather flawed Vision 2025 is another major
concern. The question is will future political setups continue to work on this plan
to make it a reality, in case of any change of guard at the center? Each successive
government in Pakistan has historically made a U-turn from its predecessor's
policies. If this trend prevails, then the Vision 2025 will fail to translate into
action.

— Arab News, 18 August 2014[194]

Nuclear power policy

On 4 March 2017, Sharif's administration approved the merger of FATA (red) with
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[195]
In November 2013, Nawaz broke ground on a US$9.59 billion nuclear power complex in
Karachi, designed to produce 2200 MW of electricity.[196] During the groundbreaking
ceremony, Nawaz stated that Pakistan would construct six nuclear power plants
during his term in office.[197] He went on to say that Pakistan has plans to
construct a total of 32 nuclear power plants by 2050, which will generate more than
40,000 MW.[198] In February 2014, Nawaz confirmed to the IAEA that all future
civilian nuclear power plants and research reactors will voluntarily be put under
IAEA safeguards.[199]

Nawaz attended the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit, and stated that Pakistan was
giving nuclear security the highest importance.[200]

FATA reform
On 3 March 2017, Nawaz's cabinet approved a set of steps to be taken for the
proposed merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, along with a 10-year PRs. 110 billion development-reform package.
Under the reform project, the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the Peshawar
High Court will be extended to the FATA region.[201]

National security and defence policy

Main articles: C2NS and Civil military operations
Further information: 2014 Peshawar school massacre, Pakistan Day Parade 2015, and
National Action Plan (Pakistan)
On 9 September 2013, Nawaz proposed a civil-military partnership,[202] and
immediately reestablished the National Security Council with Sartaj Aziz as his
National Security Advisor (NSA).[203] Nawaz also reconstituted the Cabinet
Committee on National Security (C2NS), with military representation in the
political body.[204] According to political scientist and civic-military relations
expert Aqil Shah, Nawaz finally did exactly what former chairman joint chiefs
Jehangir Karamat had called for in 1998.[204]

In September 2013, Nawaz announced that Pakistan would open unconditional talks
with the Taliban, declaring them stakeholders rather than terrorists. The PML-N's
conservative hardliners also chose to blame the US and NATO for causing terrorism
in Pakistan. However, Pakistani Taliban's Supreme Council demanded a cease-fire, to
also include the release of all imprisoned militants and the withdrawal of the
Pakistani military from all tribal regions. Former and current government officials
criticised Nawaz for not providing clear leadership on how to handle the more than
40 militant groups, many of them comprising violent Islamic extremists.[205]

On 15 September, just six days after Nawaz's proposal for talks with the Taliban, a
roadside bomb killed Major-General Sanaullah Khan, a lieutenant colonel and another
soldier in the Upper Dir district near the Afghanistan border. Taliban spokesman
Shahidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the bombing. On the same day, seven
more soldiers were killed in four separate attacks.[206] In a press release,
Chairman joint chiefs General Khalid Shameem Wynne and chief of army staff General
Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who had earlier warned Nawaz not to adopt a surrender
strategy, publicly warned the government that the military would not allow the
Taliban to set conditions for peace. General Kayani stated: "No-one should have any
misgivings that we would let terrorists coerce us into accepting their terms."[207]
[208]

Pakistan desires peace and tranquility both within and outside its borders so that
the much needed socio-economic development goals are achieved. We cannot afford to
be distracted in fulfilling our national objectives. At the same [time] Pakistan
will never compromise on its sovereignty and independence.

— Nawaz Sharif, addressing the Pakistan Naval War College[209]

Seven members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan conducted a terrorist attack on a
public school in the city of Peshawar on 16 December, killing over 130 children in
Pakistan's deadliest terrorist attack. In response to the attack, Nawaz – with
consultation from all political parties – devised a 20-point National Action Plan
which included continued execution of convicted terrorists, establishment of
special military courts for two years and regulation of madrasas.[210]

Based on the National Action Plan, the government made 32,347 arrests in 28,826
operations conducted across the country from 24 December 2014 to 25 March 2015.
During the same period, Pakistan deported 18,855 Afghan refugees while the Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA) registered 64 cases for money transfer through Hawala,
arrested 83 people and recovered PRs. 101.7 million. In total, 351 actionable calls
were received on the anti-terror helpline and National Database and Registration
Authority verified 59.47 million SIMs.[211] On 28 March 2016, a suicide attack by
the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar at a park in Lahore killed 70 people on the evening of Easter
Sunday.[212] Analysts believed that Nawaz's desire to maintain stability in Punjab
led him to turn a blind eye towards groups operating there. Following the attack,
Pakistan detained more than 5,000 suspects and made 216 arrests.[213]

Karachi operation
The Sharif government launched a ranger-led operation on 5 September 2013 in
Karachi, aimed at removing crime and terrorism from the metropolis. During the
first phase, which lasted until 10 August 2015, rangers reported to have conducted
5,795 raids during which they had apprehended 10,353 suspects and recovered 7,312
weapons. Prominent among the raids were the 11 March raid on the Muttahida Qaumi
Movement (MQM) headquarters Nine Zero[214] and the offices of Sindh Building
Control Authority (SBCA). The first phase also saw a total of 826 terrorists, 334
target killers, and 296 extortionists arrested. The Rangers expanded their mandate
to kidnappers, and arrested 82 abductors and secured the release of 49 captives.
The report stated that targeted killing in the city had dropped by over 80%.[215]
[216][217] On 23 August 2016, officials claimed that they had arrested 654 target
killers affiliated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) armed wing since 4
September 2013.[218]

Karachi will be made a crime-free city and the operation will continue to achieve
the objective. We are going ahead without being deterred by the incidents happening
there. The crime rate of extortion and kidnapping is falling down in the city.

— Nawaz Sharif[214]
Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Main articles: Counter-retaliation and Operation Zarb-e-Azb

Sharif at the conference on Afghanistan in London

Negotiations with the Taliban collapsed after the execution of 23 Frontier Corps by
the Taliban on 17 February 2014, and relations worsened with the Taliban's 2014
Jinnah International Airport attack.[219] Operation Zarb-e-Azb was formally
launched on 15 June 2014 after the Sharif administration prepared for a three-front
offensive:[220] isolating targeted militant groups, obtaining support from the
political parties, and protecting civilians from reprisals.[220] The 2014 Wagah
border suicide attack has been the deadliest retaliation against the operation so
far.[221]

Foreign policy
Neighbouring countries
Nawaz launched 'peaceful neighbourhood' initiative to improve Pakistan's ties with
India, Afghanistan, Iran and China.[222] On 12 May 2014, Nawaz met Iranian
President Hassan Rouhani amid tensions over the February kidnapping of five Iranian
soldiers by extremists who took them into Pakistan.[223]

The cultural affinity among our peoples is a huge asset. Shared geography and
history have culminated in a unique synthesis of cultures and traditions. We must
therefore, place our people at the centre of the SAARC processes. SAARC must
capture the imagination of our peoples and contribute to creating strong and
mutually beneficial bonds.

— Nawaz Sharif, addressing the 18th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation
summit[224]
On 27 October 2016, Nawaz hosted the 15th ministerial meeting of Central Asia
Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC), and proposed an Open Skies Agreement
between the countries.[225]

China

Xi Jinping was welcomed by eight JF-17s upon entering Pakistani airspace, 2015.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was the first world leader to visit Pakistan and
congratulate Nawaz on his 2013 electoral victory.[226] Upon return to Beijing, Li
announced investment of US$31.5 billion in Pakistan, mainly in energy,
infrastructure and a port expansion for Gwadar, the terminus of the China–Pakistan
Economic Corridor. According to The Express Tribune, Sharif's government had
charged the army with providing fool-proof security to Chinese officials in
Balochistan to address Beijing's concerns regarding investment in the province,
which was to receive 38% of the funds.[227]

On 8 November 2014, Nawaz led a delegation to Beijing and signed agreements for
Chinese investment reportedly worth about $46 billion.[228] Nawaz also announced
Pakistan would aid China it its fight against the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.
[229] On 24 June 2015 and again on 1 April 2016 China blocked India's move in the
UN to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar; the Chinese action was in
"consultation" with Pakistan.[230][231][further explanation needed] On 25 June
2016, Pakistan became a full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.[232] On 4
September 2016, Pakistan's cabinet was given approval to negotiate a long-term
defence agreement with China.[233]

India
Further information: First swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi
Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi received by PM Nawaz Sharif during former's
unprecedented surprise visit to Lahore in 2015.
Nawaz launched talks with India to liberalize their trade relationship,[234] and
gained and an agreement of Non-Discriminatory Market Access on Reciprocal Basis
(NDMARB) status for the two countries on 26 March 2014. However, The Times of India
reported that Pakistan's military pressured Nawaz to stop trade liberalisation with
India.[235] Nawaz attended the 26 May 2014 inauguration of Narendra Modi as prime
minister, the first time that a prime minister from one state attended the
inauguration of their counterpart. They agreed to further cooperate on trade.[236]
[237]

In October 2014, 20 civilians were killed and thousands forced to flee their homes
when Pakistani and Indian security forces began shelling in Kashmir, each side
blaming the other for the incident.[238] The following month, Nawaz blamed India
for an inflexible approach towards resolving the Kashmir dispute.[239] According to
Barkha Dutt during the 2015 SAARC Summit, Nawaz and Modi held a secret meeting.
[240]

On 10 December 2015, during the Heart of Asia conference, Pakistan and India
announced that they were resuming dialogue on outstanding issues, ending a two-year
stalemate.[241] On 1 April 2015, Modi made his first visit to Pakistan in a
surprise stopover in Lahore to meet Nawaz on his birthday.[242] Modi and Nawaz held
a brief meeting at Raiwind Palace. Modi also attended the wedding ceremony of
Nawaz's granddaughter.[243][244]

Balochistan's Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced on 25 March 2016 that they had
arrested an Indian naval intelligence officer working for Research and Analysis
Wing (RAW).[245] Kulbushan Yadav was allegedly involved in financially supporting
terrorists and also confessed to his involvement in unrest in Karachi.[246] The
same day, India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that Yadav had had no
involvement with the government since his early retirement from the Indian Navy.
[247] India also demanded consular access for him.[248][249] On 29 March 2016,
Sharif's government released a six-minute video of Jadhav apparently confessing to
the RAW's involvement in the country.[250][251] On 1 April, Pakistan confirmed that
security agencies had arrested several suspects believed to be working for RAW.
[252][relevant?]

A screenshot of 2016 Kashmir unrest.

Relations between India and Pakistan escalated with the killing of Burhan
Wani[who?] by Indian security forces on 8 July 2016.[253] Anti-Indian protests
started in all 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley. Protesters defied curfew with
attacks on security forces and public properties.[20][21][attribution needed] The
unrest led to a standstill in bilateral relations. Indian Home Minister Rajnath
Singh accused Pakistan of backing unrest in Kashmir.[254] Tensions reached a
boiling point when militants attacked an army base in the Indian-controlled side of
Kashmir and killed 18 soldiers.[255] Indian army military operations head
Lieutenant-General Ranbir Singh claimed that there was evidence the attackers were
members of an Islamist militant group in Pakistan.[256][257]

Addressing the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2016, Nawaz demanded an

independent inquiry and a UN fact-finding mission to investigate extrajudicial
killing and human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir.[258][259]
We demand immediate release of all Kashmiri political prisoners; an end to the
curfew; freedom for the Kashmiris to demonstrate peacefully; urgent medical help
for the injured; and abrogation of India's draconian laws

— Nawaz Sharif
[260] India's junior foreign minister M. J. Akbar criticised Nawaz for glorifying
Wani.[261][262] Tensions further escalated with reports suggesting moblisation of
military equipment by both sides.[263][264][needs update]

Afghanistan
Nawaz greeted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on 15 November 2014 and pledged his
support to the Afghan president over his attempt to bring the Taliban to the
negotiating table. Al Jazeera reported that "the leaders also pledged to begin a
new era of economic co-operation, with Ghani saying three days of talks had ended
13 years of testy relations".[265] The two countries also signed a trade deal aimed
at doubling trade between the Kabul and Islamabad to US$5 billion by 2017, while
also pledging to work together on a power import project and Trans-Afghanistan
Pipeline.[266] During the visit Nawaz and Ghani also watched a cricket match
between the two countries.[267][relevant?] During June 2016, cross-border shootings
between Afghan and Pakistani forces left three people dead after tensions escalated
over Pakistan's construction of fences across the Durand Line.[268] On 20 June,
Pakistan completed the construction of a 1,100-kilometre-long (680 mi) trench along
the border in Balochistan.[269]

United States

President Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan in 2014

Nawaz paid an official visit to Washington, D.C. from 20 to 23 October 2013. He and
Barack Obama committed to strengthening relations and advancing shared interests
for a prosperous Pakistan. Voice of America reported that the US released more than
US$1.6 billion in military and economic aid that was suspended when relations
suffered over the covert raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.[270]

On Pakistan's request the United States temporarily stopped drone strikes in north-
western Pakistan.[271] In March 2016, as one of his[who?] foreign policy successes,
the United States Senate blocked a bid to derail the sale of F-16 Falcons to
Pakistan by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, who continued
to vow to block the use of US funds to finance the deal.[272][273]

We will extend every help to Pakistan so that it can eliminate terror from its
soil.

— President Barack Obama, following the 2016 Lahore suicide bombing[274]

US Senator John McCain travelled to Pakistan on 26 July 2016 to discuss
counterterrorism efforts in the region. In the Financial Times, McCain called upon
the US and Pakistani leaders not to "allow ambivalence and suspicion to fester",
adding that "common interests in counterterrorism, nuclear security and regional
stability are too important and too urgent". He also called upon the Obama
administration to "make clear its enduring commitment to Pakistan's stability and
economic growth."[275] McCain also visited Miramshah in North Waziristan.[276]
[relevant?]

Republican Congressmen Ted Poe and Dana Rohrabacher moved a bill in the US Congress
on 21 September to designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.[277] McCain
assured former Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari that the bill would not pass,
and that its sponsors represented a small minority.[278][relevant?]

Nawaz called president-elect Donald Trump on 1 December 2016 to congratulate him.

The statement released by Nawaz's office quoted Trump calling Nawaz a "terrific
guy", adding that Pakistan is a "fantastic country, fantastic place".[279] Trump
Tower put out a statement saying that they "had a productive conversation about how
the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the
future."[280] On 3 December, Dawn reported that a US National Defence Authorisation
Act was set to be approved by the US Congress which would recognise Pakistan as a
key strategic partner and pledge more than US$900 million in economic and other
assistance to the country; half of that would be dependent on Pakistan's commitment
to fighting all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani network.[281]

Europe

British Foreign Secretary William Hague with Nawaz in London

Nawaz with Vladimir Putin

Nawaz visited London on 30 April 2014 and met David Cameron and other officials,
and delivered a keynote address at the Pakistan Investment Conference. According to
Cameron's staff, the leaders agreed to work together to support critical economic
reforms for Pakistan, particularly to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio towards 15%,
and welcomed the developing relationship between the Federal Board of Revenue and
HM Revenue and Customs to support this.[282] On 11 November 2014, Nawaz visited
Berlin where he met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. According to Deutsche
Welle, during the meeting Nawaz argued for more German investment, particularly in
the energy sector, but Merkel expressed wariness over the security situation in
Pakistan.[283]

In 2014, during the visit of Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu, Pakistan and
Russia signed an agreement on military cooperation. Shoygu held in-depth talks with
Nawaz, who promised to promote multi-dimensional relations with Russia.[284] The
meeting came months after Russia had lifted an embargo on supplying weapons and
military hardware to Pakistan, starting with Mil Mi-24 helicopters.[citation
needed] As a sign of improving ties, Russian forces arrived in Pakistan on 23
September 2016 to participate in joint military exercises.[285]

Muslim world

Sharif met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Saadabad Palace.

Nawaz is said to enjoy exceptionally close ties with senior members of the Saudi
royal family. Pakistan Today reported on 2 April 2014 that Pakistan will sell JF-17
Thunder jets to Saudi Arabia, after the kingdom had given a grant of US$1.5 billion
to Pakistan in early 2014.[286][287] Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Salman bin
Abdulaziz al-Saud arrived in Pakistan on 15 February to meet Nawaz and vowed to
enhance work between the two countries.[288] Sharif travelled to Saudi Arabia for
the last 10 days of Ramadan. King Abdullah said on 26 July that Saudi Arabia would
always stand by Pakistan, its leadership and people, after an hour-long meeting
with Nawaz at his Riyadh. Nawaz also met Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, while Salman
bin Abdulaziz Al Saud referred to Pakistan as his second home.[289]

Al-Monitor reported on 15 March 2015 that the Salman of Saudi Arabia wanted firm
assurances from Nawaz that Pakistan would align itself with Saudi Arabia and its
Sunni Arab allies against Iran, especially in the proxy war underway in Yemen.
Salman specifically wanted a Pakistani military contingent to deploy to the kingdom
to defend the borders. Nawaz promised closer counter-terrorism and military co-
operation but no troops for the immediate future.[290] On 11 January 2016, Time
stated that a high-level Iranian delegation including Adel al-Jubeir and Mohammad
bin Salman Al Saud had travelled to Islamabad to seek Pakistan's inclusion in the
34-country "Islamic military alliance". However, Nawaz struck a more conciliatory
tone, suggesting that Islamabad would mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran.[291]
On 19 January 2016, Nawaz and Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif embarked on a peace
mission to Riyadh and Tehran to reduce tensions which had escalated with the
execution of Sheikh Nimr.[292] On 16 March 2016, Zee News claimed that Saudi Arabia
was creating a military alliance of Islamic countries along the lines of the NATO,
and wished Pakistan to lead it.[293][294]

Nawaz supported the Saudi-led intervention in Bahrain and in his visit to Saudi
Arabia he reassured that he would "help devise a new battle plan for Saudi
intervention in the country."[295]

Personal life
Nawaz married Kulsoom Nawaz, who was also of Kashmiri descent, in April 1971.[296]
[297] His brother Shehbaz Sharif served as Chief Minister of Punjab province four
times and served as prime minister of Pakistan from 2022 to 2023, while his nephew
Hamza Shahbaz Sharif is currently Leader of the Opposition in the Provincial
Assembly of the Punjab.[298] Nawaz's daughter Maryam Nawaz is the current Central
Vice President of PML-N.[299] Maryam is married to politician Muhammad Safdar Awan.
[300] His other daughter, Asma Nawaz, is married to Ali Dar, son of Ishaq Dar, the
former finance minister of Pakistan.[15][301]

The personal residence of the Sharif family, Raiwind Palace, is located in Jati
Umra, Raiwind, on the outskirts of Lahore.[302] He also has a residence in Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia, known as the Sharif Villa, where he lived during his years in exile.
[303] His elder son, Hussain Nawaz, is a businessman based in Saudi Arabia and
currently resides in Jeddah.[304] His younger son, Hassan Nawaz, is also a
businessman and lives in London.[305]

Nawaz underwent open heart surgery in May 2016 in London. It was his second open-
heart operation.[306][307] His deteriorating health forced him to undergo an open
heart surgery only three days before the presentation of the country's annual
budget. Many opposition leaders and the legal fraternity, including former Chief
Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, raised questions about a possible
constitutional crisis in Pakistan. Chaudhry called for electing a new interim prime
minister to avoid the crisis.[308]

Public image
Jon Boone wrote in The Guardian in 2013, that following his attempts to enact
Sharia Law in the late 1990s, Nawaz had adopted a more centrist position by seeking
diplomatic and trade relations with India which encouraged support from left-
leaning Pakistanis.[309] In another column, The Guardian described Nawaz's first
two terms in the 1990s as authoritarian and clouded by allegations of corruption,
but that "old foes and longstanding friends say Nawaz is a changed man" from when
he originally entered politics "to defend family [business] interests".[310]

Tim Craig, writing in March 2016 for The Washington Post, described Nawaz's move
away from social conservatism as "traced to Sharif's ambitious economic agenda, the
influence his 42-year-old daughter has over him, and his awareness that Pakistan
remains the butt of jokes".[311] Afrasiab Khattak summarized the shift by stating
"[Nawaz] knows extremism is not good for business".[311] Nawaz's advisor Miftah
Ismail described him as "a very religious guy", adding however "he is perfectly
okay with other people not being religious".[311] Writing for The Express Tribune
in 2016, Fahd Hussain stated that Nawaz will likely will face "blowback from its
natural allies among the clergy", adding that with "the bulk of the Punjab
conservative voter[s] [remaining] in the Nawaz camp", that Nawaz is eyeing the
"liberal, progressive, left-of-centre voters".[312]

Leftist Senator Raza Rabbani claimed that Nawaz "has always had these rightwing
leanings", adding that "the temptation was there in the past to appease his
rightwing Islamist constituency".[310] Mushahid Hussain Syed, a former member of
Nawaz's cabinet, described Nawaz's religious leanings: "he is quite a good Muslim
in terms of belief and basic rituals like prayer and going to Mecca" adding
however, "in cultural terms he is quite relaxed. He likes music and movies and has
a good sense of humour. He is not your average type of serious, sulking
fundo."[310] Mohammed Hanif, writing in 2013, claimed that "if Nawaz weren't from
the dominant province Punjab, where most of the army elite comes from, if he didn't
represent the trading and business classes of Punjab, he would still be begging
forgiveness for his sins in Saudi".[313]

Author Edward A. Gargan, writing in November 1991, described Nawaz's government as

"bedeviled by gossip, barraged by accusations of venality, castigated by the
opposition and threatened by a final rupture of cordiality with the United States".
[314] The same year Najam Sethi described Nawaz's government as "corrupt,
absolutely, astronomically corrupt, including the prime minister".[314] In 2009,
The New York Times wrote that "Bhutto and her Pakistan Peoples Party were
considered more amenable allies for Washington" adding that "more nationalistic and
religiously oriented, [Nawaz] and his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-N, have
traditionally found common cause with the religious parties".[315] Pervez Hoodbhoy
described Nawaz as "a reflection of Pakistani society" adding that "he is silent on
what matters most: the insurgency. What we need is a leader."[315] Celia W. Dugger,
writing in 1999, described Sharif's Raiwind Palace as "walls paneled in silken
fabrics and rococo chairs laden with so much gold leaf they looked like they
belonged in the court of Louis XIV or a bordello", drawing comparison between
Nawaz's lifestyle and that of the "Mughals".[316]

Criticism

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After his return to power in 2013, a protest movement led by Imran Khan, Tahir-ul-
Qadri and supported by rival factions of the Muslim League, such as the Pakistan
Muslim League-Q (PLM-Q) and Awami Muslim League (AML), mounted pressure on the
Sharif government. Khan demanded Nawaz's resignation over allegations that the 2013
general election was rigged.[317] Nawaz claimed to have support from the majority
of the parties in Parliament. PML-N claimed that the elections had been the most
free and fair in the country's history. Nawaz was also criticised by his opponents
for running a system of patronage in which relatives were appointed to key state
positions such as his brother as Chief Minister, and other relatives[who?] as
cabinet ministers.[318][319]

Voice of America reports on opposition protests against Nawaz Sharif in late 2014.
The Express Tribune claimed on 20 April 2015 that Sharif's administration misled
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the tax charged on the issuance of bonus
shares, as what should have been the largest source of income tax stood at a mere
PRs. 1 billion. The government had told the IMF that it levied a 10% tax, which
would generate revenue equal to 0.1% of GDP or PRs. 29 billion.[320][relevant?]

Human rights activist Sabeen Mahmud was shot dead on 24 April 2015 in Karachi
minutes after she attended a talk she had organised on Human rights violations in
Balochistan. Activists and investigators alleged that she was killed for her
activism and for being outspoken on various contentious topics, from extremism to
state-sponsored abuses. The talk that Mahmud organised that night was to have been
held at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, but the university cancelled
it the day before under alleged pressure from government authorities.[321] Nawaz
officially condemned the killing but Dawn noted that there was a little chance her
murderers would be brought to justice given the recent history of impunity among
those who target the country's marginalised liberals.[relevant?]

Around 2,000 far-right protesters led by Sunni Tehreek staged a sit-in at D-Chowk
in front of the parliament in Islamabad on 27 March 2016, causing a partial
shutdown of the capital. The protestors demanded the implementation of Sharia in
the country and declaring Mumtaz Qadri a martyr. The protestors burned cars and a
public transit station and injured journalists and bystanders.[322] The government
called in the army to enforce order.[323] By 29 March the crowd had shrunk to 700
protestors,[324] and the protest ended on 30 March after the government promised
not to amend the blasphemy laws.[325][relevant?]

On 7 April 2016, The Express Tribune claimed that Nawaz's multibillion-rupee health
insurance plan seemed to be failing because of poor planning, claiming that the
basic health infrastructure doesn't allow for such a plan.[326][327][relevant?]

Imran Khan began mobilising workers on 29 October 2016 to lockdown Islamabad,

demanding Nawaz's resignation and a corruption inquiry. In response, the Sharif
government placed a citywide ban on gatherings and arrested hundreds of opposition
activists. The government also arrested scores of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers
and closed the motorway leading from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On 1 November, Khan ceased
protests after the Supreme Court said it would form a judicial commission to probe
allegations stemming from the "Panama Papers" leaks about the Sharif family's
offshore wealth.[328] In the first week of January, four Pakistani activists known
on social media for their secular leftist views went missing.[329][relevant?]

The Economist, writing in January 2017, criticised Nawaz's spending on

infrastructure, explaining that it sat unused as "the economic boom it was meant to
trigger has never arrived." Regarding the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, the
magazine wrote that "critics fear the country will struggle to pay back the debt,
especially if foreign-exchange earnings from exports continue to dwindle" further
adding that "It may not concern Mr. Sharif unduly if the next generation of roads
is as deserted as the last."[330]

Wealth and conglomerates

The growth of Pakistan's industry, which occurred under President Ayub Khan during
the 1960s,[331] was destroyed by the nationalisation program instituted by Prime
Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, to halt capital flight from the country to Eastern
Europe.[331] This program included nationalisation of Ittefaq Group and many other
large enterprises.[332][relevant?]

Although the steel mill was returned to the Sharif family in 1980, havoc had
already wrought.[331] In 2011, Nawaz's assets were worth Rs 166 million, which
increased to Rs 1.82 billion by 2013.[333] In 2012 his net income was Rs. 12.4
million ($1.24 million).[334] He was one of five billionaires elected to Pakistan's
National Assembly in 2013.[335] In 2015, his declared assets slightly decreased to
PRs. 1.75 billion ($17.5 Million).[336] As of 2017 his net worth is over PRs. 1
billion.[337][relevant?]

2016 Panama Papers leak

See also: Panama Papers case
According to the Panama Papers, documents leaked in 2016 from law firm Mossack
Fonseca, Nawaz's family holds millions of dollars worth of property and companies
in the UK and around the world.[338] Although they do not name Nawaz Sharif or his
younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, they link in-laws of Shehbaz Sharif and children of
Nawaz Sharif to numerous offshore companies.[339][340]

On 15 April 2016, the government announced an investigation by an inquiry

commission of all Pakistanis named in the documents. Opposition politicians said a
judge, not a retired judge, should investigate. Various judges recused themselves.
In addition, on 19 April, army chief General Raheel Sharif warned that across-the-
board accountability was needed.[341]

The court announced its decision on 28 July 2017 and disqualified Nawaz from
holding public office, stating that he had been dishonest in not disclosing his
employment in the Dubai-based Capital FZE company in his nomination papers.[342]
The court also ordered National Accountability Bureau to file a reference against
Nawaz and his family on corruption charges.[343][344][345][346]
In 2018, the Pakistani Supreme Court ruled in Sami Ullah Baloch v. Abdul Karim
Nousherwani that Nawaz would be disqualified from holding public office for life
due to his involvement in the Panama Papers case of 2017.[5][6] On 6 July 2018, the
Federal Judicial Complex of Pakistan sentenced Nawaz to ten years in prison.
Nawaz's daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband Safdar Awan were given prison
sentences of seven years and one year, respectively. The two were subsequently
arrested on their arrival in Lahore on 13 July and imprisoned in the Adiala Jail.
[7] Nawaz and Maryam were also fined £2 million and £8 million, respectively.[347]

Reports claimed that Nawaz suffered four angina attacks and his family complained
that the Imran Khan government was not allowing him time for medical treatment. The
Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted him bail on humanitarian grounds in October
2019, and Nawaz went to London for medical treatment.[8] Later in March, he was
granted bail for a period of six weeks by the Supreme Court to continue pursuing
his health treatment.[348] After failing to return to Pakistan when his bail
expired, the IHC declared him an absconder.[8] He currently faces non-bailable
arrest warrants for the Al-Azizia corruption case.[349] However, soon after his
brother Shehbaz Sharif came to power as prime minister after a vote of no
confidence was brought against former premier Imran Khan, there were changes in the
senior leadership of the National Accountability Bureau, and Nawaz Sharif was
acquitted in some 40-year old cases and declared a "political victim" in others.
[350][351]

Books
Nawaz has published the following books:[352]

Model Town Ka Beta [The Son of Model Town], Model Town Publications, 2000, 298 p.
Autobiography
Ghaddar Kaun? Nawaz Sharif Ki Kahani Un Ki Zabani [The Traitor Within: The Nawaz
Sharif Story In His Own Words], Sagar Publications, 2006, 456 p.
Eponymous entities
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering & Technology
Nawaz Sharif Medical College
See also
List of international prime ministerial trips made by Nawaz Sharif
Portals:
flag Pakistan
image Punjab
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Profile on Open Library
Further reading
Boone, Jon (17 May 2013). "Nawaz Sharif: A rightwing tycoon who has won over
leftist liberals – for now". Editorial and special report published by American
journalist Jon Boone. Islamabad: The Guardian, Pakistan Bureau. The Guardian,
Pakistan Bureau. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
"BBC: Profile of Nawaz Sharif". BBC News. 11 December 2000. Retrieved 15 September
2012.
"BBC, Timeline: Pakistan's political rivals". BBC News. 26 September 2007.
Retrieved 15 September 2012.
"Nawaz Sharif becomes Prime Minister". Story of Pakistan. Archived from the
original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
"Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz Group) Pakistan". PML-N. Archived from the original
on 8 June 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
"PML N – Nawaz Sharif's Profile". elections.com.pk. Archived from the original on
20 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
"Nawaz Sharif in 2008". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 August 2008.
Retrieved 15 September 2012.
Cooper, Helene; Mazzetti, Mark (20 July 2009). "Nawaz Sharif". The New York Times.
Retrieved 15 September 2012.
Williamson, Martin (28 November 2007). "Cricket tragics: Eleven politicians who
would have preferred to have been watching cricket instead". ESPNcricinfo.
Retrieved 15 September 2012.
External links
Nawaz Sharif
at Wikipedia's sister projects
Media from Commons
News from Wikinews
PML(N) at the Library of Congress Web Archives (archived 8 July 2011)
"Profile of Nawaz Sharif". ESPNcricinfo.
Appearances on C-SPAN
Political offices
Preceded by
Sadiq Hussain Qureshi
Chief Minister of Punjab
1985–1990 Succeeded by
Ghulam Haider Wyne
Preceded by
Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi
Acting
Prime Minister of Pakistan
1990–1993 Succeeded by
Balakh Sher Mazari
Acting
Preceded by
Balakh Sher Mazari
Acting
Prime Minister of Pakistan
1993 Succeeded by
Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi
Acting
Preceded by
Benazir Bhutto
Leader of the Opposition
1993–1996 Succeeded by
Benazir Bhutto
Preceded by
Malik Meraj Khalid
Acting
Prime Minister of Pakistan
1997–1999 Succeeded by
Pervez Musharraf
as Chief Executive of Pakistan
Preceded by
Shahid Hamid
Acting
Minister of Defence
1997–1999 Succeeded by
Pervez Musharraf
Preceded by
Sartaj Aziz
Minister of Finance
Acting
1998 Succeeded by
Ishaq Dar
Preceded by
Mir Hazar Khan Khoso
Caretaker
Prime Minister of Pakistan
2013–2017 Succeeded by
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Minister of Defence
2013 Succeeded by
Khawaja Asif
Party political offices
Preceded by
Fida Mohammad Khan
Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
1993–1999 Succeeded by
Kalsoom Nawaz Sharif
Preceded by
Shehbaz Sharif
Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
2011–2017 Succeeded by
Sardar Yaqoob
Interim
Preceded by
Sardar Yaqoob
Interim
Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
2017–2018 Succeeded by
Shehbaz Sharif
Designate
vte
Nawaz Sharif
vte
Pakistan Muslim League (N)
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Prime Ministers of Pakistan (List)
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Foreign ministers of Pakistan
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Third Sharif cabinet (2013–2017)
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Sharif family
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Presidency of General Zia-ul-Haq
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Leaders of the opposition of Pakistan
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Chief Ministers of Punjab, Pakistan
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Categories: Nawaz Sharif1949 birthsLiving peopleBusinesspeople from LahoreChief
Ministers of Punjab, PakistanDefence Ministers of PakistanExpelled members of the
National Assembly of PakistanForeign ministers of PakistanGovernment College
University, Lahore alumniHonorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael
and St GeorgeLeaders of the Opposition (Pakistan)Leaders ousted by a coupOverturned
convictions in PakistanPakistan Railways cricketersPakistani anti-
communistsPakistani cricketersPakistani democracy activistsPakistani
exilesPakistani expatriates in Saudi ArabiaPakistani expatriates in the United
KingdomPakistani industrialistsPakistani lawyersPakistani MNAs 1990–1993Pakistani
MNAs 1993–1996Pakistani MNAs 1997–1999Pakistani MNAs 2013–2018Pakistani people of
Kashmiri descentPakistani political party foundersPakistani politicians convicted
of corruptionPakistani prisoners and detaineesPakistani Sunni MuslimsPakistani
venture capitalistsPeople from JeddahPeople from RaiwindPoliticians from
LahorePresidents of the Pakistan Muslim League (N)Prime Ministers of PakistanPunjab
MPAs 1985–1988Punjab MPAs 1988–1990Punjab University Law College alumniPunjabi
peopleSt. Anthony's High School, Lahore alumniSharif familyPakistan Muslim League
(N) MNAsPakistan Muslim League (N) MPAs (Punjab)Finance Ministers of Punjab,
PakistanHeads of government who were later imprisonedPeople barred from public
officePeople from Lahore
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