Nawaz Sharif’s politics … A tale of political pranks
Once a blue eyed boy of military dictator, General Zia ul Haq, three time prime minister, two time chief minister Punjab, tug of war with establishment, fight with apex court, tiffs with military generals, legal brawls, resignation, military coup, period of exiles, detention, Panama Case, God Father, disqualification, Vote ko Izzat Do, deal with establishment and finally comeback … These are the highlights of roller coaster journey of Nawaz Sharif.
Contesting elections from his stronghold in NA-130 Lahore, Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has returned to Pakistan ahead of the elections after nearly seven years since his ousting from the premiership. With his arch rival Imran Khan currently in prison and his party stripped of its electoral symbol, Nawaz Sharif is considered one of the leading contenders.
Let’s delve into his political history.
Nawaz Sharif, born on 25th December, 1949, in Lahore, is a prominent figure in Pakistani politics. He held the position of Chief Minister of Punjab in the Mid-eighties and later served as prime minister in 1990, 1997 and in 2013.
Despite so many ups and down, Nawaz Sharif is the longest serving prime minister of Pakistan, having served a total of more than 9 years across his three tenures though each term has concluded in his ousting.
Regardless his achievements in in economic reforms and infrastructure development his terms were marked by allegations of corruption, nepotism and controversies with judiciary and military, leading to resignation in 1993,coup in 1999 and disqualification by court in 2017. His complex political journey reflects the dynamic nature of Pakistani politics.
This time Nawaz Sharif’s come back is the result of deal as establishment is worried with Imran Khan and it is said that an enemy of enemy is a friend so both establishment and Nawaz Sharif are tied with the knot despite their obvious dislike for each other.
Will this arrangement with the establishment prove advantageous for both parties?
Will his party clinch victory on February 8th?
Will he reconsider his authoritarian approach to governance?
How he will be able to tackle Imran Khan and his vibrant vote bank?
Keep your popcorn ready as it’s bound to be a riveting show.