US President Joe Biden has written a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and expressed his best wishes for the newly elected government of Pakistan. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: US President Joe Biden writes letter to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif

Will legendary late Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar's ancestral home in Peshawar finally be restored and converted into a museum? In 2014, then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif designated the house as a national heritage monument. 10 years on, the property is crumbling.

Gravitas: Will Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif govt restore Dilip Kumar's ancestral home?

The 31-year-old, Aseefa Bhutto, is the youngest daughter of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's first female prime minister, and Asif Ali Zardari, the country's only two-term president. Aseefa, a regular face close to President Zardari for the past decade, has progressively ascended the political ladder in the influential Bhutto-Zardari family.

Pakistan elections 2024: Asefa Bhutto to become Pakistan's first lady

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidY7wl7qhl8vYG" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath to a 19-member federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 11), Pakistani media reported. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the President's House in Islamabad. Prime Minister Sharif had sent a summary to President Zardari to appoint the cabinet, comprising 18 federal ministers and a minister of state, a report by Dawn said.</p>

<p>Some of the cabinet members are veteran politicians, while others would oversee a key federal ministry for the first time. The federal ministers are - Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudry, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, Jam Kamal Khan, Amir Muqam, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Musadik Masood Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Mohsin Naqvi.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cabinet announced ! Brief and politically experienced ! Shahbaz Shareef has launched his team to fight the most crucial battle of Pakistan’s economic survival ! <a href="https://t.co/uEfhNC52ER">pic.twitter.com/uEfhNC52ER</a></p>
— Kamran Shahid (@FrontlineKamran) <a href="https://twitter.com/FrontlineKamran/status/1767080981234643040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shaza Fatima Khawaja has been appointed as a minister of state, the Dawn report added.</p>

<h2><strong>Who's who in the cabinet?</strong></h2>

<p>Citing a list, a report by Geo News gave details about the portfolios allotted to each minister. Khawaja Muhammad Asif has been given the defence portfolio, Mohammad Ishaq Dar will take care of foreign affairs, and Rana Tanveer Hussain has been allotted the industries and production portfolio.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of the office to the members of Federal Cabinet at Aiwan-e-Sadr. <a href="https://t.co/ioQzxwHstD">pic.twitter.com/ioQzxwHstD</a></p>
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1767176191822221546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Muhammad Aurangzeb will be the finance minister, while Attaullah Tarar will be the information and broadcasting minister. Musadik Masood Malik is the petroleum minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to keep his cabinet small; however, more ministers will be inducted in the second phase, Geo News reported. Shehbaz took the oath of office as the 24th premier of the country, while President Zardari was sworn in as the head of state a day ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath to a 19-member federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 11), Pakistani media reported.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath to a 19-member federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday (Mar 11), Pakistani media reported. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the President's House in Islamabad. Prime Minister Sharif had sent a summary to President Zardari to appoint the cabinet, comprising 18 federal ministers and a minister of state, a report by Dawn said. Some of the cabinet members are veteran politicians, while others would oversee a key federal ministry for the first time. The federal ministers are - Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudry, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, Jam Kamal Khan, Amir Muqam, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Musadik Masood Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Mohsin Naqvi. Cabinet announced ! Brief and politically experienced ! Shahbaz Shareef has launched his team to fight the most crucial battle of Pakistan’s economic survival ! pic.twitter.com/uEfhNC52ER — Kamran Shahid (@FrontlineKamran) March 11, 2024 × Shaza Fatima Khawaja has been appointed as a minister of state, the Dawn report added. Who's who in the cabinet? Citing a list, a report by Geo News gave details about the portfolios allotted to each minister. Khawaja Muhammad Asif has been given the defence portfolio, Mohammad Ishaq Dar will take care of foreign affairs, and Rana Tanveer Hussain has been allotted the industries and production portfolio. President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of the office to the members of Federal Cabinet at Aiwan-e-Sadr. pic.twitter.com/ioQzxwHstD — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 11, 2024 × Muhammad Aurangzeb will be the finance minister, while Attaullah Tarar will be the information and broadcasting minister. Musadik Masood Malik is the petroleum minister. Initially, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to keep his cabinet small; however, more ministers will be inducted in the second phase, Geo News reported. Shehbaz took the oath of office as the 24th premier of the country, while President Zardari was sworn in as the head of state a day ago. (With inputs from agencies)

19-member federal cabinet of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif takes oath

As Pakistan Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif kicks off with a visit to rain- and flood-ravaged Balochistan, assuring people there of all measures for their relief amid calamity. Beyond natural calamity, Pakistan's big economic troubles - soaring inflation and debt, and IMF demands - pose a huge challenge.

Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif returns as Pak PM for second term, big challenges ahead

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Pakistan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has directed authorities to expedite negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the country's existing $3 billion bailout program approaches its conclusion in April. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">According to Bloomberg, Sharif's directive to fast-track talks for a new loan comes amid mounting financial challenges faced by Pakistan, including heavy external debt obligations and the need for immediate financial support.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">"Sharif's return as Prime Minister Increases Pakistan’s chances of securing a new IMF aid package," remarked Bloomberg Economics, highlighting the optimism surrounding Sharif's leadership and his administration's track record in implementing reforms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The urgency to secure fresh funds stems from Pakistan's looming external debt payments, which amount to $25 billion in the upcoming fiscal year, posing a burden on the nation's foreign exchange reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">While Pakistan had initially planned to seek a new loan of at least $6 billion from the IMF, the final decision on the loan amount remains pending. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Sharif's administration is keen on securing financial assistance to navigate the country through its fiscal challenges and implement necessary reforms aligned with IMF targets.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Aisha Ghaus Pasha, a former junior finance minister and economist, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span>said that securing aid would provide the country with essential fiscal space to undertake crucial reforms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Pasha underscored the inevitability of tough reforms as part of any IMF program, highlighting the need for Pakistan to demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal discipline and economic stability during negotiation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Sharif has yet to appoint a new finance minister to lead the IMF negotiations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Habib Bank Ltd President Muhammad Aurangzeb, considered a potential candidate for the finance minister post, attended a recent meeting chaired by Sharif to discuss the IMF talks, indicating ongoing deliberations within the government regarding key appointments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Securing a new IMF aid package is not only crucial for Pakistan's economic stability but also for maintaining support from creditor nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Additionally, a successful negotiation with the IMF could strengthen investor confidence in Pakistan's dollar bonds, potentially stabilising financial markets and fostering economic growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>


Pakistan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has directed authorities to expedite negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the country's existing $3 billion bailout program approaches its conclusion in April.

Pakistan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has directed authorities to expedite negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the country's existing $3 billion bailout program approaches its conclusion in April. According to Bloomberg, Sharif's directive to fast-track talks for a new loan comes amid mounting financial challenges faced by Pakistan, including heavy external debt obligations and the need for immediate financial support. "Sharif's return as Prime Minister Increases Pakistan’s chances of securing a new IMF aid package," remarked Bloomberg Economics, highlighting the optimism surrounding Sharif's leadership and his administration's track record in implementing reforms. The urgency to secure fresh funds stems from Pakistan's looming external debt payments, which amount to $25 billion in the upcoming fiscal year, posing a burden on the nation's foreign exchange reserves. While Pakistan had initially planned to seek a new loan of at least $6 billion from the IMF, the final decision on the loan amount remains pending. Sharif's administration is keen on securing financial assistance to navigate the country through its fiscal challenges and implement necessary reforms aligned with IMF targets. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, a former junior finance minister and economist, said that securing aid would provide the country with essential fiscal space to undertake crucial reforms. Pasha underscored the inevitability of tough reforms as part of any IMF program, highlighting the need for Pakistan to demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal discipline and economic stability during negotiation. Sharif has yet to appoint a new finance minister to lead the IMF negotiations. Habib Bank Ltd President Muhammad Aurangzeb, considered a potential candidate for the finance minister post, attended a recent meeting chaired by Sharif to discuss the IMF talks, indicating ongoing deliberations within the government regarding key appointments. Securing a new IMF aid package is not only crucial for Pakistan's economic stability but also for maintaining support from creditor nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, a successful negotiation with the IMF could strengthen investor confidence in Pakistan's dollar bonds, potentially stabilising financial markets and fostering economic growth. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

Pakistan's prime minister initiates talks with IMF for crucial loan renewal

With Pakistan's $3 billion bailout programme about to expire in April, new prime minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to expedite talks with the International Monetary Fund. The decision was made by Sharif following a briefing by Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal following his oath of office as leader of Pakistan on Monday.

Pakistan faces $25 billion debt payments

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Mar 5) congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming Pakistan's new prime minister.</p>

<p>Shehbaz, the candidate of a six-party coalition led by his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), took oath as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister&nbsp;on Monday (Mar 4).</p>

<p>"Congratulations to&nbsp;@CMShehbaz&nbsp;on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan," Modi wrote on social media platform X.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMShehbaz</a> on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1764867447411343442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shehbaz Sharif assumed office in the swearing-in ceremony held at the presidential office in Islamabad, the capital of the nation. This followed his election as prime minister by parliament, despite protests from lawmakers aligned with imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p>Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly-appointed PM convened the first meeting with his finance team. He instructed them to initiate discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding an extended funding facility, with the current agreement set to expire in April, according to Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4h-brvNyEAxUh1zQHHcPRABEQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-announces-aim-to-join-g20-calls-for-freedom-of-kashmir-after-being-elected-pm-top-points-696200" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-announces-aim-to-join-g20-calls-for-freedom-of-kashmir-after-being-elected-pm-top-points-696200&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4h-brvNyEAxUh1zQHHcPRABEQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Shehbaz Sharif announces aim to join G20, rakes up Kashmir after being `elected` Pakistan PM: Top points</a></strong></p>

<p>In his victory speech delivered in the National Assembly, shortly after being elected as the 24th prime minister for the second time since 2022, the 72-year-old expressed profound gratitude. He thanked his elder brother and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, along with allies, for allowing him to lead the coalition government. This decision came after last month's election resulted in a hung Parliament.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Shehbaz sharif takes oath as Pakistan's next prime minister</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shehbaz-sharif-takes-oath-as-pakistans-next-prime-minister-696551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Sharif said his government would not allow the nation to&nbsp;become part of some "great game" and would maintain cordial relations with neighbours based on the principles of equality.</p>

<p>"We will keep ties with neighbours based on equality," Shehbaz said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>General elections took place in Pakistan on&nbsp;February 8 but were&nbsp;marred by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests, and violence in its build-up, and the unusually delayed results triggered accusations that the vote was rigged.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Mar 5) congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming Pakistan's new prime minister. Shehbaz, the candidate of a six-party coalition led by his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), took oath as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister on Monday (Mar 4).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Mar 5) congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming Pakistan's new prime minister. Shehbaz, the candidate of a six-party coalition led by his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), took oath as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister on Monday (Mar 4). "Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan," Modi wrote on social media platform X. Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 5, 2024 × Shehbaz Sharif assumed office in the swearing-in ceremony held at the presidential office in Islamabad, the capital of the nation. This followed his election as prime minister by parliament, despite protests from lawmakers aligned with imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan. Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly-appointed PM convened the first meeting with his finance team. He instructed them to initiate discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding an extended funding facility, with the current agreement set to expire in April, according to Reuters. Also read: Shehbaz Sharif announces aim to join G20, rakes up Kashmir after being `elected` Pakistan PM: Top points In his victory speech delivered in the National Assembly, shortly after being elected as the 24th prime minister for the second time since 2022, the 72-year-old expressed profound gratitude. He thanked his elder brother and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, along with allies, for allowing him to lead the coalition government. This decision came after last month's election resulted in a hung Parliament. Watch: Shehbaz sharif takes oath as Pakistan's next prime minister × Sharif said his government would not allow the nation to become part of some "great game" and would maintain cordial relations with neighbours based on the principles of equality. "We will keep ties with neighbours based on equality," Shehbaz said. General elections took place in Pakistan on February 8 but were marred by a mobile internet shutdown, arrests, and violence in its build-up, and the unusually delayed results triggered accusations that the vote was rigged.

PM Modi congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on being sworn in as Pakistan prime minister

<p>Pakistan's capital Islamabad has re-entered the times of a Sharif in power. For the second time in about two years, Shehbaz Sharif won the maximum number of votes in the National Assembly by lawmakers elected through disputed elections. On Sunday (March 3), the former Punjab chief minister and the younger brother of three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif won 202 votes of support against 92 polled in support of Umar Ayub Khan, the grandson of military ruler Ayub Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sharifs first rose to power due to political patronage by the military dictator Zia ul-Haq in the 1980s, who attempted to clothe his authoritarian regime in democracy's fatigues, and Nawaz Sharif emerged as his 'blue-eyed' boy of choice to beat wildly popular Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-elected-pakistan-pm-weeks-after-disputed-elections-696118">Shehbaz Sharif 'elected' Pakistan PM weeks after disputed polls</a></strong></p>

<p>This time around, to win Pakistan's top job for the second time around, Shehbaz Sharif's party buried differences with the powerful military in the face of their common rival, jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who was at odds with top generals over key policy differences.</p>

<h2><strong>What made Shehbaz Sharif military's preferred choice to be Pakistan PM?</strong></h2>

<p>At 72, Shehbaz has been elected prime minister despite his elder brother Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the National Assembly and being favourite to be sworn in again.</p>

<p>A common feature that makes him a military favourite is his allegiance to support separatism in India's&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir. This puts him in the league of his Pakistan Peoples' Party allies whose leaders in the past have called for a 'thousand-year war' over Kashmir despite severe losses in all wars fought&nbsp;over the Indian Union territory since 1947.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shehbaz Sharif makes no direct mention of ties with India, Afghanistan during his first address after being elected to bcm Pakistan PM even as he substantially raked Kashmir. He gave a detailed account on ties with China, role for CPEC, ties with US, Europe, Saudi, UAE etx <a href="https://t.co/cyX5F66UMD">https://t.co/cyX5F66UMD</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1764236479197536305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>When Imran Khan was ousted from power in April 2022 following a no-trust vote, Shehbaz succeeded as the country's premier. He managed to secure a desperately needed International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout and kept the nation barely afloat almost until August 2023 when he gave up the premiership to caretaker PM Anwar-ul Haq Kakar.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif elected Pakistan PM for second term</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-shehbaz-sharif-elected-pakistan-pm-for-second-term-696133/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>At the time, Nawaz Sharif was in self-imposed exile in London and disqualified from holding public office over the Panama Papers scandal. He returned to Pakistan in October to lead the election campaign ahead of the February 8 polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his inaugural stint as prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif was known more as an administrator than a politician. He has served as CM thrice in the country's largest province, Punjab.</p>

<p>As prime minister, Shehbaz emerged as a peacemaker between coalition parties who have often been at odds with one another over key policies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's capital Islamabad has re-entered the times of a Sharif in power. For the second time in about two years, Shehbaz Sharif won the maximum number of votes in the National Assembly by lawmakers elected through disputed elections.

Pakistan's capital Islamabad has re-entered the times of a Sharif in power. For the second time in about two years, Shehbaz Sharif won the maximum number of votes in the National Assembly by lawmakers elected through disputed elections. On Sunday (March 3), the former Punjab chief minister and the younger brother of three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif won 202 votes of support against 92 polled in support of Umar Ayub Khan, the grandson of military ruler Ayub Khan. The Sharifs first rose to power due to political patronage by the military dictator Zia ul-Haq in the 1980s, who attempted to clothe his authoritarian regime in democracy's fatigues, and Nawaz Sharif emerged as his 'blue-eyed' boy of choice to beat wildly popular Benazir Bhutto. Also read | Shehbaz Sharif 'elected' Pakistan PM weeks after disputed polls This time around, to win Pakistan's top job for the second time around, Shehbaz Sharif's party buried differences with the powerful military in the face of their common rival, jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, who was at odds with top generals over key policy differences. What made Shehbaz Sharif military's preferred choice to be Pakistan PM? At 72, Shehbaz has been elected prime minister despite his elder brother Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the National Assembly and being favourite to be sworn in again. A common feature that makes him a military favourite is his allegiance to support separatism in India's Jammu and Kashmir. This puts him in the league of his Pakistan Peoples' Party allies whose leaders in the past have called for a 'thousand-year war' over Kashmir despite severe losses in all wars fought over the Indian Union territory since 1947. Shehbaz Sharif makes no direct mention of ties with India, Afghanistan during his first address after being elected to bcm Pakistan PM even as he substantially raked Kashmir. He gave a detailed account on ties with China, role for CPEC, ties with US, Europe, Saudi, UAE etx https://t.co/cyX5F66UMD — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 3, 2024 × When Imran Khan was ousted from power in April 2022 following a no-trust vote, Shehbaz succeeded as the country's premier. He managed to secure a desperately needed International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout and kept the nation barely afloat almost until August 2023 when he gave up the premiership to caretaker PM Anwar-ul Haq Kakar. Also watch | Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif elected Pakistan PM for second term × At the time, Nawaz Sharif was in self-imposed exile in London and disqualified from holding public office over the Panama Papers scandal. He returned to Pakistan in October to lead the election campaign ahead of the February 8 polls. Before his inaugural stint as prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif was known more as an administrator than a politician. He has served as CM thrice in the country's largest province, Punjab. As prime minister, Shehbaz emerged as a peacemaker between coalition parties who have often been at odds with one another over key policies. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, military's new favourite to run crisis-ridden nation

Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as Pakistan's Prime Minister for a second time on Monday, following weeks of delays in forming a coalition government. People on the streets of Pakistan have expressed their concerns about the high cost of living in the country and are pessimistic about the newly elected Prime Minister's ability to improve the situation.

Gravitas | Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as Prime Minister

More than four weeks after Pakistan held elections, the country finally has a new Prime ministerial face amid protests and poll rigging accusations Nawaz Sharif's younger brother Shehbaz Sharif secured a majority vote in Parliament but an uphill task on reviving Pakistan's economy awaits the incoming leader. Watch to know more!

Pakistan elections: Shehbaz Sharif secures 201 of 336 votes in National Assembly

PML-N leader and younger brother Shehbaz Sharif inherits a mountain of economic crisis and years-long political instability, as he took oath as the prime minister earlier today. Will Sharif be Pakistan's first prime minister to serve a full term?

Shehbaz sharif takes oath as Pakistan's next prime minister

Shehbaz Sharif was on Monday sworn in as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister, taking over the reins of the cash-strapped country for a second time since 2022, amidst staggering economic and security challenges.

Shehbaz Sharif takes oath as Pakistan's 24th Prime Minister

Pakistan Elections: PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif elected Pakistan PM for second term with 201 votes

More than four weeks after Pakistan held elections, the country finally has a new Prime ministerial face amid protests and poll rigging accusations Nawaz Sharif's younger brother Shehbaz Sharif secured a majority vote in Parliament but an uphill task on reviving Pakistan's economy awaits the incoming leader.

Pakistan Elections: Amid poll rigging claims, Shehbaz Sharif inherits cash-strapped economy

Shehbaz Sharif, a top leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is set to become the 33rd prime minister of Pakistan in a coalition government with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Pakistan: PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM for second time

After weeks of twists and turns PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif has been elected by the country's Parliament to be Pakistan's next prime minister. Sharif will lead a coalition government in Alliance with Pakistan People's Party and this will be his second term as the country's Prime Minister. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif elected as Pakistan's new Prime Minister

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidJO4pH4PvssDJ" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, who sits in jail on a bevvy of criminal convictions, announced that he would like to see Omar Ayub Khan as the country's next leader. However, lawmakers in Pakistan's National Assembly on Sunday elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country's new prime minister for the second time. Sharif secured 201 votes, defeating Omar Ayub of the Sunni Ittehad Council who got 92 votes.</p>

<p>Here's all you need to know about Omar Ayub Khan, who could've been Pakistan's next prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Omar Ayub Khan's Family History, Political History And Education</strong></h2>

<p>Omar Ayub Khan pursued his bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from George Washington University in Washington DC in 1993 and 1996.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Omar Ayub Khan's late grandfather was Muhammad Ayub Khan, a former military officer who ruled Pakistan with an iron fist from 1958 to 1969 as a self-appointed president under martial law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ayub's father, Gohar Ayub Khan, who died in November, was also a significant leader in Pakistan's political history. He was a retired army officer and politician. In the 1990s, he held several posts, like the National Assembly speaker, foreign affairs minister, and minister for water and power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Omar Ayub Khan's political career started in 2002 when he became a member of the Nation Assembly as a representative of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q). He served as the state finance minister between 2004 to 2007. However, he lost his seat in the National Assembly in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2014, Omar Ayub Khan was re-elected to the National Assembly. But he left his seat in 2015 after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of a petition by his rival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan was once again elected to the National Assembly in 2018. However, he was a PTI candidate this time and joined Imran Khan's cabinet as the energy minister. Later, he took on the additional role of petroleum minister in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2021, there was a cabinet reshuffle, and Ayub became the finance minister. However, a year later, he resigned from the post amid mass resignations of lawmakers loyal to an expelled Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Omar Ayub Khan is also facing several criminal charges. There are 21 cases filed against him, including some linked to massive protests that broke out after Imran Khan's arrest in May 2023, reported local media outlets.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, who sits in jail on a bevvy of criminal convictions, announced that he would like to see Omar Ayub Khan as the country's next leader.

The former prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, who sits in jail on a bevvy of criminal convictions, announced that he would like to see Omar Ayub Khan as the country's next leader. However, lawmakers in Pakistan's National Assembly on Sunday elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country's new prime minister for the second time. Sharif secured 201 votes, defeating Omar Ayub of the Sunni Ittehad Council who got 92 votes. Here's all you need to know about Omar Ayub Khan, who could've been Pakistan's next prime minister. Omar Ayub Khan's Family History, Political History And Education Omar Ayub Khan pursued his bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from George Washington University in Washington DC in 1993 and 1996. Omar Ayub Khan's late grandfather was Muhammad Ayub Khan, a former military officer who ruled Pakistan with an iron fist from 1958 to 1969 as a self-appointed president under martial law. Ayub's father, Gohar Ayub Khan, who died in November, was also a significant leader in Pakistan's political history. He was a retired army officer and politician. In the 1990s, he held several posts, like the National Assembly speaker, foreign affairs minister, and minister for water and power. Omar Ayub Khan's political career started in 2002 when he became a member of the Nation Assembly as a representative of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q). He served as the state finance minister between 2004 to 2007. However, he lost his seat in the National Assembly in 2008. In 2014, Omar Ayub Khan was re-elected to the National Assembly. But he left his seat in 2015 after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of a petition by his rival. Khan was once again elected to the National Assembly in 2018. However, he was a PTI candidate this time and joined Imran Khan's cabinet as the energy minister. Later, he took on the additional role of petroleum minister in 2019. In 2021, there was a cabinet reshuffle, and Ayub became the finance minister. However, a year later, he resigned from the post amid mass resignations of lawmakers loyal to an expelled Khan. Omar Ayub Khan is also facing several criminal charges. There are 21 cases filed against him, including some linked to massive protests that broke out after Imran Khan's arrest in May 2023, reported local media outlets. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Omar Ayub Khan? Pakistan’s PM candidate who lost to Shehbaz Sharif

<p>Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader and brother of the three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, managed to win enough votes in the National Assembly to be the country's 25th prime minister weeks after the February 8 elections were held in the backdrop of violence, snapped internet and widespread accusations of rigging.</p>

<p>The vote in the National Assembly was held amid widespread uproar and sloganeering by the PTI-backed lawmakers who have accused that their 'mandate' has been stolen to prevent Imran Khan from returning to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PTI-backed candidates put up Omar Ayub Khan, the grandson of former Pakistani military ruler Ayub Khan, as the prime ministerial candidate.</p>

<p>Shehbaz Sharif got 201 votes in his favour while Omar Ayub Khan won 92 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharif&nbsp;regained the top job after his party buried the differences with the powerful military.</p>

<p>At the time, Nawaz Sharif was in self-imposed exile in London and disqualified from holding public office. He returned to Pakistan in October.</p>

<p>Before his stint as prime minister, the younger Sharif was known more as an administrator than a politician, having served as chief minister thrice in the country's largest province, Punjab.</p>

<p>The elections concluded after imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was stripped of its election symbol 'bat', following which the PTI candidates went to polls as independents.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-angels-prevail-in-islamabad-but-after-historic-blow-to-pakistan-army-689286">The Capitals: 'Angels' prevail in Islamabad but after historic blow to Pakistan Army</a></strong></p>

<p>Still, the Khan-backed bloc of the&nbsp;candidates together comprised 93 of 264 seats. This was followed by 80 seats won by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and 54&nbsp;by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Shehbaz Sharif elected PM for second term, to lead coalition govt in Pakistan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shehbaz-sharif-elected-pm-for-second-term-to-lead-coalition-govt-in-pakistan-696137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Shehbaz Sharif was earlier named Pakistan's prime minister after Imran Khan was ousted from power following a parliamentary no-trust-vote in April 2022. He served as PM until August 2023 when the caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar took over. Sharif is the joint prime ministerial candidate of the PML(N) and the PPP.&nbsp;</p>


Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader and brother of the three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, managed to win enough votes in the National Assembly to be the country's 25th prime minister weeks after the February 8 elections were held in the backdrop of violence, snapped internet and widespread accusations of rigging.

Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader and brother of the three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, managed to win enough votes in the National Assembly to be the country's 25th prime minister weeks after the February 8 elections were held in the backdrop of violence, snapped internet and widespread accusations of rigging. The vote in the National Assembly was held amid widespread uproar and sloganeering by the PTI-backed lawmakers who have accused that their 'mandate' has been stolen to prevent Imran Khan from returning to power. The PTI-backed candidates put up Omar Ayub Khan, the grandson of former Pakistani military ruler Ayub Khan, as the prime ministerial candidate. Shehbaz Sharif got 201 votes in his favour while Omar Ayub Khan won 92 votes. Sharif regained the top job after his party buried the differences with the powerful military. At the time, Nawaz Sharif was in self-imposed exile in London and disqualified from holding public office. He returned to Pakistan in October. Before his stint as prime minister, the younger Sharif was known more as an administrator than a politician, having served as chief minister thrice in the country's largest province, Punjab. The elections concluded after imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was stripped of its election symbol 'bat', following which the PTI candidates went to polls as independents. Also read | The Capitals: 'Angels' prevail in Islamabad but after historic blow to Pakistan Army Still, the Khan-backed bloc of the candidates together comprised 93 of 264 seats. This was followed by 80 seats won by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and 54 by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Also watch | Shehbaz Sharif elected PM for second term, to lead coalition govt in Pakistan × Shehbaz Sharif was earlier named Pakistan's prime minister after Imran Khan was ousted from power following a parliamentary no-trust-vote in April 2022. He served as PM until August 2023 when the caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar took over. Sharif is the joint prime ministerial candidate of the PML(N) and the PPP.

Shehbaz Sharif 'elected' Pakistan PM weeks after disputed polls

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuido3qgwiMOVYDR" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. The&nbsp;developments comes as the convening session, which is required to be held on the 21st day after the elections, was surrounded by uncertainty after President Arif Alvi stressed the allocation of reserved seats before the session, a report by Geo News said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Alvi had convened the inaugural session at 10 am Thursday. "The President has convened the National Assembly session expecting that the reserved seats would be allocated to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) according to their strength in the House," an official statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-party-asks-imf-to-consider-nations-instability-in-further-bailout-talks-694896">Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks</a></strong></p>

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has allocated reserved seats to political parties, Geo News reported. However, it has not awarded reserved quota to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates joined the party.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the top updates:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> All 284 members of the assembly&nbsp;signed the role of member register on Thursday after taking oath.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Thursday's inaugural session started after an hour's delay with the recitation of the Quran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;According to a report by the Dawn, slogans were raised in the assembly by PTI and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) lawmakers. The report said that PML-N leaders raised slogans of “Ghari-chor” (wristwatch thief) in a reference to the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan while PTI leaders said "Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan...Imran Khan."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">نواز شریف اور شہباز شریف دستخط کرنے آئے تو ایوان میں ” چور چور “ کے نعرے لگ گئے<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86%DA%88%DB%8C%D9%B9_%DA%86%D9%88%D8%B1_%D8%A8%DB%92%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%85_%D9%84%D9%88%DA%AF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#مینڈیٹ_چور_بےشرم_لوگ</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/IcuQKxoopQ">pic.twitter.com/IcuQKxoopQ</a></p>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1763098171821969615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;PML-M supremo Nawaz Sharif and the party's prime ministerial nominee Shehbaz Sharif entered the assembly and were greeted with slogans supporting and opposing them. Both the Sharif brothers took oath.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PPP and PML-N agree to form coalition government in Pakistan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/historic-agreement-ppp-and-pml-n-agree-to-form-coalition-government-in-pakistan-694998/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Before the inaugural session began, members of the US Congress called on the Joe Biden administration to withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until an investigation determined that the February 8 general elections were not rigged.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;In a post on X, Congressman Greg Casar shared a letter signed by him and 30 other lawmakers. The letter urged Pakistani authorities to release anyone who had been detained for engaging in political speech and activity and tasked the US State Department officials in Pakistan with gathering information about such cases and advocating for their release.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The letter also said that it should be made clear to Islamabad that American law "provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption, including the potential for military and other cooperation to be halted."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. The developments comes as the convening session, which is required to be held on the 21st day after the elections, was surrounded by uncertainty after President Arif Alvi stressed the allocation of reserved seats before the session, a report by Geo News said. President Alvi had convened the inaugural session at 10 am Thursday. "The President has convened the National Assembly session expecting that the reserved seats would be allocated to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) according to their strength in the House," an official statement said. Also read | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has allocated reserved seats to political parties, Geo News reported. However, it has not awarded reserved quota to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates joined the party. Here's a look at the top updates: > All 284 members of the assembly signed the role of member register on Thursday after taking oath. > Thursday's inaugural session started after an hour's delay with the recitation of the Quran. > According to a report by the Dawn, slogans were raised in the assembly by PTI and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) lawmakers. The report said that PML-N leaders raised slogans of “Ghari-chor” (wristwatch thief) in a reference to the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan while PTI leaders said "Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan...Imran Khan." نواز شریف اور شہباز شریف دستخط کرنے آئے تو ایوان میں ” چور چور “ کے نعرے لگ گئے#مینڈیٹ_چور_بےشرم_لوگ pic.twitter.com/IcuQKxoopQ — PTI (@PTIofficial) February 29, 2024 × > PML-M supremo Nawaz Sharif and the party's prime ministerial nominee Shehbaz Sharif entered the assembly and were greeted with slogans supporting and opposing them. Both the Sharif brothers took oath. Also watch | PPP and PML-N agree to form coalition government in Pakistan × > Before the inaugural session began, members of the US Congress called on the Joe Biden administration to withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until an investigation determined that the February 8 general elections were not rigged. > In a post on X, Congressman Greg Casar shared a letter signed by him and 30 other lawmakers. The letter urged Pakistani authorities to release anyone who had been detained for engaging in political speech and activity and tasked the US State Department officials in Pakistan with gathering information about such cases and advocating for their release. > The letter also said that it should be made clear to Islamabad that American law "provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption, including the potential for military and other cooperation to be halted." (With inputs from agencies)

16th Pakistan National Assembly comes into effect, new lawmakers sworn in

Shehbaz Sharif is all set for his second term as Pakistan's Prime Minister and Asif Ali Zardari will be the next President. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz #PMLN and the Pakistan Peoples Party #PPP reached a power-sharing agreement after days of stalemate but can they together bring stability to the country? Sharif's last innings was marred by mismanagement of the country's economy. Can he pull Pakistan now out of the economic crisis?

Shehbaz Sharif returns to power

After days of negotiations, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have come to an agreement to establish a new coalition government in Pakistan.

Pakistan: PPP Chairman announces coalition government with PML-N

Pakistan: PML-N & PPP to form coalition government; Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM

PPP and PML-N strike deal to form coalition government in Pakistan

Pakistan: PML-N & PPP strike deal to form government, Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM

Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will likely take on the top job in Pakistan once again as coalition led by PML-N is set to form the next government.

Gravitas: New Pakistan govt takes shape | Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM of coalition govt

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid5IQJJMZquou4" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-nominates-shehbaz-sharif-for-pm-post-690014">President Shehbaz Sharif </a></strong>is the coalition candidate for the next prime minister of Pakistan, the&nbsp;party announced on Tuesday (Feb 13). Sharif, 72, was named by the PML-N and its coalition allies to head the country despite his elder brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the assembly (in the recently concluded general elections) and being favourite to be sworn in for a fourth term.</p>

<p>Sharif first became PM in April 2022 and served in the position till Aug 2023 when the Pakistani parliament was dissolved ahead of the general elections on Feb 8. Some of the challenges that the 72-year-old would face as PM include combating the country's intensifying economic crisis, maintaining ties with the military and improving relations&nbsp;with neighbouring countries, including India.</p>

<p><strong>As Sharif is hoping to return&nbsp;to power for a second time, here are a few things to know about him:</strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Shehbaz Sharif was born in Lahore on Sept 23, 1951. He is the younger brother of former three-time PM Nawaz Sharif.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>After graduating from Government College University, Lahore, Sharif joined the family business and later ventured into politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khan-gets-bail-in-12-cases-related-to-may-9-violence-to-remain-in-jail-688942">Pakistan: Ex-PM Imran Khan gets bail in 12 cases related to May 9 violence, to remain in jail</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;He began his political career in the late 1980s. He was elected to the provincial assembly of Punjab in the 1988 general elections. He became Punjab's chief minister in 1997 and served in the top position for a second term in 2008 and then for a third term in 2013.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Sharif has been the longest serving CM of Punjab. As chief minister, Sharif planned and executed many ambitious infrastructure mega-projects, including Pakistan's first modern mass transport system in Lahore.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | Gravitas: Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM of coalition govt in Pak</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-pakistan-govt-takes-shape-shehbaz-sharif-set-to-become-pm-of-coalition-govt-690350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Sharif's cabinet members and bureaucrats who have worked closely with him call him a workaholic.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;He entered national-level politics when his elder brother Nawaz Sharif was found guilty in 2017 on charges of concealing assets related to the Panama Papers. Shehbaz was the president of the PML-N.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;The 72-year-old has been married twice. He has two sons and two daughters from his first marriage but none from the second. One of the sons is in politics but the others are not in public life.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;During his first tenure as PM, Sharif's biggest achievement in his short stint&nbsp;was clinching a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with Pakistan on the brink of a debt default.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Despite clinching the bailout deal, Pakistan under his government saw its inflation touch&nbsp;a high of 38 per cent with record depreciation of the rupee currency. Sharif blamed the economic crisis on his predecessor Imran Khan's government which he says broke an agreement with IMF just before he was ousted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif is the coalition candidate for the next prime minister of Pakistan, the party announced on Tuesday (Feb 13).

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif is the coalition candidate for the next prime minister of Pakistan, the party announced on Tuesday (Feb 13). Sharif, 72, was named by the PML-N and its coalition allies to head the country despite his elder brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the assembly (in the recently concluded general elections) and being favourite to be sworn in for a fourth term. Sharif first became PM in April 2022 and served in the position till Aug 2023 when the Pakistani parliament was dissolved ahead of the general elections on Feb 8. Some of the challenges that the 72-year-old would face as PM include combating the country's intensifying economic crisis, maintaining ties with the military and improving relations with neighbouring countries, including India. As Sharif is hoping to return to power for a second time, here are a few things to know about him: > Shehbaz Sharif was born in Lahore on Sept 23, 1951. He is the younger brother of former three-time PM Nawaz Sharif. > After graduating from Government College University, Lahore, Sharif joined the family business and later ventured into politics. Also read | Pakistan: Ex-PM Imran Khan gets bail in 12 cases related to May 9 violence, to remain in jail > He began his political career in the late 1980s. He was elected to the provincial assembly of Punjab in the 1988 general elections. He became Punjab's chief minister in 1997 and served in the top position for a second term in 2008 and then for a third term in 2013. > Sharif has been the longest serving CM of Punjab. As chief minister, Sharif planned and executed many ambitious infrastructure mega-projects, including Pakistan's first modern mass transport system in Lahore. Also Read | Gravitas: Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM of coalition govt in Pak × > According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Sharif's cabinet members and bureaucrats who have worked closely with him call him a workaholic. > He entered national-level politics when his elder brother Nawaz Sharif was found guilty in 2017 on charges of concealing assets related to the Panama Papers. Shehbaz was the president of the PML-N. > The 72-year-old has been married twice. He has two sons and two daughters from his first marriage but none from the second. One of the sons is in politics but the others are not in public life. > During his first tenure as PM, Sharif's biggest achievement in his short stint was clinching a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with Pakistan on the brink of a debt default. > Despite clinching the bailout deal, Pakistan under his government saw its inflation touch a high of 38 per cent with record depreciation of the rupee currency. Sharif blamed the economic crisis on his predecessor Imran Khan's government which he says broke an agreement with IMF just before he was ousted. (With inputs from agencies)

Shehbaz Sharif is coalition candidate for next PM of Pakistan. Who is he?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid5IQJJMZquou4" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid5IQJJMZquou4" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Former jailed Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday (Feb 15) nominated party general secretary Omar Ayub as its candidate for prime minister, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The announcement was made by former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser who held a meeting with Imran Khan at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.</p>

<p>Qaiser hoped that the country's new prime minister would be from the PTI, and pointed out that the party's mandate was stolen in last week's general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Omar Ayub?</strong></h2>

<p>Omar Ayub was born on Jan 26, 1968. He is the grandson of former Pakistan president Field Marshal Ayub Khan. Ayub had served as the federal minister of economic affairs under Imran Khan's leadership. He was also the federal minister of energy under Khan's leadership.</p>

<p>Ayub was first elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) in the 2002 general elections. He joined Nawaz Sharif's PML-N in 2012 and then joined the PTI in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shehbaz Sharif is the coalition's PM candidate&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement of PTI naming Omar Ayub as PM candidate came after the&nbsp;Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) announced that Shehbaz Sharif would be its PM candidate. On Tuesday (Feb 13), Sharif was named by the PML-N and coalition allies to head the country despite his elder brother and three-time PM Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the assembly and being the favourite to be sworn in for a fourth term.</p>

<p>Shehbaz Sharif first served as PM from April 2022 until August 2023 when parliament dissolved ahead of the Feb 8 general elections. Sharif, 72, played a key role in keeping together a coalition of disparate parties after Imran Khan was ousted from the prime minister's post in April 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-election-ppps-asif-ali-zardari-expected-to-become-president-690330">PPP's Asif Ali Zardari likely to become president, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>He became PM as the PML-N buried differences with the Pakistani military in the face of their common rival - Khan. Before becoming the PM, Sharif served as Punjab province's chief minister thrice, making him the longest-serving CM of the province.</p>

<h2><strong>Maryam Nawaz nominated as Punjab CM</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz has been nominated as the chief minister of Punjab, the PML-N announced on Tuesday. Maryam entered politics in 2012 and was put in charge of the PML-N's campaign during the 2013 general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Race To Power: Bilawal Bhutto says, 'PPP aims to take Pak out of the current crisis'</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-race-to-power-bilawal-bhutto-says-ppp-aims-to-take-pak-out-of-the-current-crisis-690404/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A few days back, Maryam said in a post on X that her father did not want to run a minority coalition government (in Pakistan) having had clear majorities in his three previous stints as premier.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Re-polling underway in three constituencies</strong></h2>

<p>Repolling is currently underway in the polling stations of Khushab (NA-88), Kohat (PK-90) and Ghotki (PS-18). The polling in these three constituencies was halted on election day (Feb 8) due to violence and vandalisation of the polling material, a report by Geo News said.</p>

<p>The re-polling started at 8 am and would go on till 5 pm.&nbsp;</p>


Former jailed Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday (Feb 15) nominated party general secretary Omar Ayub as its candidate for prime minister, a report by the news agency Reuters said.

Former jailed Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday (Feb 15) nominated party general secretary Omar Ayub as its candidate for prime minister, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The announcement was made by former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser who held a meeting with Imran Khan at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. Qaiser hoped that the country's new prime minister would be from the PTI, and pointed out that the party's mandate was stolen in last week's general elections. Who is Omar Ayub? Omar Ayub was born on Jan 26, 1968. He is the grandson of former Pakistan president Field Marshal Ayub Khan. Ayub had served as the federal minister of economic affairs under Imran Khan's leadership. He was also the federal minister of energy under Khan's leadership. Ayub was first elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) in the 2002 general elections. He joined Nawaz Sharif's PML-N in 2012 and then joined the PTI in 2018. Shehbaz Sharif is the coalition's PM candidate The announcement of PTI naming Omar Ayub as PM candidate came after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) announced that Shehbaz Sharif would be its PM candidate. On Tuesday (Feb 13), Sharif was named by the PML-N and coalition allies to head the country despite his elder brother and three-time PM Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the assembly and being the favourite to be sworn in for a fourth term. Shehbaz Sharif first served as PM from April 2022 until August 2023 when parliament dissolved ahead of the Feb 8 general elections. Sharif, 72, played a key role in keeping together a coalition of disparate parties after Imran Khan was ousted from the prime minister's post in April 2022. Also read | PPP's Asif Ali Zardari likely to become president, says report He became PM as the PML-N buried differences with the Pakistani military in the face of their common rival - Khan. Before becoming the PM, Sharif served as Punjab province's chief minister thrice, making him the longest-serving CM of the province. Maryam Nawaz nominated as Punjab CM Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz has been nominated as the chief minister of Punjab, the PML-N announced on Tuesday. Maryam entered politics in 2012 and was put in charge of the PML-N's campaign during the 2013 general elections. Also watch | Race To Power: Bilawal Bhutto says, 'PPP aims to take Pak out of the current crisis' × A few days back, Maryam said in a post on X that her father did not want to run a minority coalition government (in Pakistan) having had clear majorities in his three previous stints as premier. Re-polling underway in three constituencies Repolling is currently underway in the polling stations of Khushab (NA-88), Kohat (PK-90) and Ghotki (PS-18). The polling in these three constituencies was halted on election day (Feb 8) due to violence and vandalisation of the polling material, a report by Geo News said. The re-polling started at 8 am and would go on till 5 pm.

Pakistan: Iman Khan's PTI nominates Omar Ayub as PM candidate

<p>Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party has nominated former PM&nbsp;Shehbaz Sharif for the post of prime minister.&nbsp;Marriyum Aurangzeb, Secretary Information PMLN, revealed the development&nbsp;on social media platform X on Tuesday (Feb 13).</p>

<p>Aurangzeb wrote, "Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League -N, has nominated Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for the post of Prime Minister of Pakistan, while Maryam Nawaz has been nominated for the post of Chief Minister Punjab."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کے قائد جناب محمد نوازشریف نے وزیراعظم اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان کے عہدے کےلئے جناب محمد شہبازشریف کو نامزد کر دیا ہے جبکہ وزیراعلی پنجاب کے عہدے کےلئے محترمہ مریم نوازشریف کو نامزد کیا ہے۔ جناب محمد نوازشریف نے پاکستان کے عوام اور سیاسی تعاون فراہم کرنے والی…</p>
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) <a href="https://twitter.com/Marriyum_A/status/1757458433438056632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Aurangzeb also confirmed that Nawaz Sharif's daughter&nbsp;Maryam Nawaz will take on the role of Punjab CM, a post earlier filled by Shehbaz.</p>

<p>The news comes after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday dropped out of the race for prime minister and said his party would support any candidate proposed by the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan People's Party to meet again to decide on coalition | Pakistan Elections 2024</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-peoples-party-to-meet-again-to-decide-on-coalition-pakistan-elections-2024-689853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The two parties also agreed to form a coalition government&nbsp;after a consultative meeting.</p>

<p>Shehbaz Sharif said the new government would pull the cash-strapped country out of trouble.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0NftXoq7aSUJMNY06cDk6b" data-ved="2ahUKEwj51Mee96iEAxWbTGcHHc8TDJcQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-elections-i-will-not-be-putting-myself-forward-for-pm-says-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-689939" jsname="YKoRaf">Pakistan elections | I will not be putting myself forward for PM: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari</a></strong></p>

<p>"Now our war is against the country's challenges. The first challenge is the economy. We have to stabilise it which is a tall task. Nations move forward when their leadership unites and decides to end conflicts and take the nation forward to eliminate problems," he said.</p>

<p>To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw38xxXM4iRDVtDNeo1f9OT-" data-ved="2ahUKEwj51Mee96iEAxWbTGcHHc8TDJcQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/pakistan-elections-2024-army-modifies-methodology-of-selecting-pm-689879" jsname="YKoRaf">Pakistan elections 2024: Army modifies methodology of selecting PM</a></strong></p>

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced that independent candidates, a majority of them supported by the PTI secured 101 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 75 seats, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) getting 54 seats, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) bagging 17 seats.</p>

<p>Other parties got 17 seats while the result of one constituency was withheld.</p>

<p>As per media reports, the transition from the caretaker government to the elected coalition government is expected to be completed by the end of the month.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party has nominated former PM Shehbaz Sharif for the post of prime minister. Marriyum Aurangzeb, Secretary Information PMLN, revealed the development on social media platform X on Tuesday (Feb 13).

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party has nominated former PM Shehbaz Sharif for the post of prime minister. Marriyum Aurangzeb, Secretary Information PMLN, revealed the development on social media platform X on Tuesday (Feb 13). Aurangzeb wrote, "Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League -N, has nominated Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for the post of Prime Minister of Pakistan, while Maryam Nawaz has been nominated for the post of Chief Minister Punjab." پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کے قائد جناب محمد نوازشریف نے وزیراعظم اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان کے عہدے کےلئے جناب محمد شہبازشریف کو نامزد کر دیا ہے جبکہ وزیراعلی پنجاب کے عہدے کےلئے محترمہ مریم نوازشریف کو نامزد کیا ہے۔ جناب محمد نوازشریف نے پاکستان کے عوام اور سیاسی تعاون فراہم کرنے والی… — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) February 13, 2024 × Aurangzeb also confirmed that Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz will take on the role of Punjab CM, a post earlier filled by Shehbaz. The news comes after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday dropped out of the race for prime minister and said his party would support any candidate proposed by the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N. Watch: Pakistan People's Party to meet again to decide on coalition | Pakistan Elections 2024 × The two parties also agreed to form a coalition government after a consultative meeting. Shehbaz Sharif said the new government would pull the cash-strapped country out of trouble. Also read: Pakistan elections | I will not be putting myself forward for PM: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari "Now our war is against the country's challenges. The first challenge is the economy. We have to stabilise it which is a tall task. Nations move forward when their leadership unites and decides to end conflicts and take the nation forward to eliminate problems," he said. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Also read: Pakistan elections 2024: Army modifies methodology of selecting PM The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced that independent candidates, a majority of them supported by the PTI secured 101 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 75 seats, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) getting 54 seats, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) bagging 17 seats. Other parties got 17 seats while the result of one constituency was withheld. As per media reports, the transition from the caretaker government to the elected coalition government is expected to be completed by the end of the month. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif nominates Shehbaz Sharif for PM’s post

Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice-President of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), on Wednesday rebuffed the impression that party supremo and her father Nawaz Sharif has quit active politics after he nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the post of Prime Minister.

Nawaz Sharif will remain active in politics: Maryam Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has nominated his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, for the position of Pakistan Prime Minister. He has nominated Maryam Nawaz for the post of Punjab Chief Minister.

Pakistan Elections 2024: PPP agrees to form government with PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif as PM

shehbaz-sharif

Shehbaz Sharif, News on Shehbaz Sharif, stories on Shehbaz Sharif, articles on Shehbaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif stories at Wion, Shehbaz Sharif news, Shehbaz Sharif latest news

shehbaz sharif