Islamabad: In the midst of political uncertainty, Shehbaz Sharif, 72, has been named Pakistan’s Prime Minister for the second time. Following the inconclusive results of the February 8 polls, Shehbaz Sharif secured the position, shutting out supporters of the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The younger brother of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif is known for his strong administrative skills and has previously served as Prime Minister in 2022, leading a broad alliance that ousted Imran Khan from power. Recognized for his hands-on work in provincial politics, Shehbaz is also noted for his appreciation of poetry.
The political landscape in Pakistan has been turbulent, with allegations of pre-poll rigging and vote tampering. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, led by the Sharif family, won the most seats but fell short of a majority. Imran Khan’s party secured the most seats but couldn’t reach the required majority, leading to a fragmented political scenario.
As Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif faces the challenge of keeping the coalition intact, dealing with Imran Khan’s opposition, and addressing the economic downturn and security concerns. The coalition includes the PML-N and its historical rival, the Pakistan Peoples Party. Sharif’s leadership will be crucial in navigating through the complex political landscape and steering the country through challenging times.