Shehbaz Sharif Biography
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and businessman who has served as Prime Minister of Pakistan in two separate periods. He previously spent several terms as Chief Minister of Punjab and is a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
As of September 2026, Shehbaz Sharif remains Prime Minister of Pakistan. His recent international engagements have included economic diplomacy, including a September 2026 visit to London where he became the first Pakistani prime minister to open a trading session at the London Stock Exchange and inaugurated Pakistan’s $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond.
Early Life and Family
Shehbaz Sharif was born on 23 September 1951 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. He belongs to the influential Sharif family, which has played a major role in Pakistani business and politics.
His father, Mian Muhammad Sharif, was an industrialist and the founder of the Ittefaq Group of companies. Shehbaz’s elder brother is Nawaz Sharif, who has served multiple terms as Pakistan’s prime minister.
The Sharif family’s business background played an important role in Shehbaz’s early professional life before he entered politics.
Education
Shehbaz Sharif studied at Government College University, Lahore, where he completed his bachelor’s degree.
Before entering national politics, he was involved in the family business and developed experience in industrial management.
Business Career
Shehbaz Sharif was associated with the Ittefaq Group, the industrial enterprise established by his family.
His early professional experience in business preceded his move into public office. The transition from business to politics became particularly significant when the Sharif family became increasingly involved in Pakistan’s political affairs.
Entry Into Politics
Shehbaz Sharif entered electoral politics through the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
He was elected to the Punjab Provincial Assembly and later became a prominent figure in the provincial leadership of PML-N.
His political career expanded rapidly as he took on responsibilities at both provincial and national levels.
Chief Minister of Punjab
Shehbaz Sharif served as Chief Minister of Punjab three times, making his tenure one of the defining parts of his political career.
His first major term began in the 1990s. After a period away from office following the military takeover of 1999, he returned to provincial politics and again became Punjab chief minister in 2008.
He remained in the position through the 2013 election cycle and served until 2018.
During his Punjab administrations, his government placed considerable attention on infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare and public-service projects. His administrative style became closely associated with rapid implementation of large provincial projects.
PML-N Leadership
Shehbaz Sharif became one of the senior figures within PML-N as his brother Nawaz Sharif remained the party’s central political figure.
Following Nawaz Sharif’s removal from office and subsequent legal and political developments, Shehbaz increasingly became the principal parliamentary and organizational leader of PML-N.
He served as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly from 2018 until 2022.
First Term as Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister of Pakistan in April 2022 after Imran Khan was removed from office through a parliamentary vote of no confidence.
His first government operated as a coalition involving several opposition parties.
He remained prime minister until August 2023, when the National Assembly was dissolved ahead of general elections.
During this period, his government faced economic pressures including inflation, foreign-exchange difficulties and negotiations involving the International Monetary Fund.
Return as Prime Minister in 2024
Following Pakistan’s 2024 general election, Shehbaz Sharif returned to the prime minister’s office.
He was elected prime minister by the National Assembly in March 2024 and formed another coalition government led by PML-N.
His second government has focused heavily on economic stabilization, investment, infrastructure, energy, taxation, privatization and relations with international partners.
Shehbaz Sharif in 2026
Shehbaz Sharif remained Prime Minister in September 2026.
One of his notable international engagements came on 29 September 2026, when he became the first Pakistani prime minister to open a trading session at the London Stock Exchange. He also formally inaugurated Pakistan’s US$3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond.
During his London address, Sharif discussed Pakistan’s efforts to improve macroeconomic conditions and attract foreign investment. These statements represented the government’s position on the country’s economic direction.
Earlier in September, he also participated in diplomatic engagements surrounding the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Pakistan’s Press Information Department reported that he met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session and discussed cooperation involving development, healthcare, education, climate resilience and related areas.
Regional and Foreign Policy
As prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif has been involved in Pakistan’s relations with neighboring countries and major international partners.
His government has also placed emphasis on ties with China, Gulf states, Türkiye and other countries while seeking foreign investment and economic cooperation.
In August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, under which an armed attack against one of the three countries is treated as an attack against all three. Shehbaz Sharif was one of the three leaders who signed the agreement.
Personal Life
Shehbaz Sharif has been married more than once and has children. His family includes members of the wider Sharif political and business network.
His elder brother Nawaz Sharif has been one of the most important figures in PML-N and Pakistani politics, while his son Hamza Shehbaz has also held elected political office and served as Chief Minister of Punjab.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shehbaz Sharif
1. How old is Shehbaz Sharif?
Shehbaz Sharif was born on 23 September 1951. He is 75 years old in September 2026.
2. Who is Shehbaz Sharif’s brother?
His elder brother is Nawaz Sharif, a senior PML-N politician who has served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Pakistan.
3. How many times has Shehbaz Sharif been Prime Minister?
Shehbaz Sharif has served as Prime Minister twice. His first term ran from April 2022 to August 2023, and he returned to office in March 2024.
4. How many times was Shehbaz Sharif Chief Minister of Punjab?
Shehbaz Sharif served as Chief Minister of Punjab three times. His Punjab political career was an important part of his rise to national leadership.
5. What happened during Shehbaz Sharif’s London visit in September 2026?
On September 29, 2026, Shehbaz Sharif became the first Pakistani prime minister to open a trading session at the London Stock Exchange. He also inaugurated Pakistan’s US$3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond.