What Happened to Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif?

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has been a central figure in Pakistani politics for over four decades, serving three non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister, a record in the country's history. His political journey began in 1981 as the Finance Minister of Punjab, quickly rising to become Chief Minister of the province in 1985. He first assumed the premiership in 1990, followed by terms in 1997 and 2013, each tenure marked by significant policy initiatives but also political turmoil, often involving conflicts with the powerful military establishment.

Sharif's third term as Prime Minister ended abruptly in July 2017 when he was disqualified by the Supreme Court in connection with the Panama Papers scandal, which revealed his family's undeclared assets. This disqualification was followed by convictions in corruption cases, including a 10-year sentence in the Avenfield properties case and a 7-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case in 2018. Citing health reasons, Sharif departed for London in November 2019 for medical treatment, commencing a four-year period of self-imposed exile.

His highly anticipated return to Pakistan occurred on October 21, 2023, amidst significant political and economic instability in the country. This comeback was facilitated by a series of legal developments. In November 2023, the Islamabad High Court acquitted him in the Avenfield case, overturning his 10-year sentence. This was followed by another acquittal in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills case by a federal court in December 2023, effectively clearing him of all major corruption convictions and paving the way for his active participation in politics.

In the lead-up to the February 2024 general elections, Nawaz Sharif was a prominent figure, though his brother Shehbaz Sharif ultimately became the Prime Minister, leading a coalition government after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured 75 general seats initially, later increasing its strength in the National Assembly. Nawaz Sharif himself became a member of the National Assembly on February 29, 2024, and resumed the presidency of the PML-N on May 28, 2024. His sons, Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, were also acquitted in related corruption cases in March 2024.

As of August 2026, Nawaz Sharif remains a powerful force within Pakistani politics. He continues to serve as the President of the PML-N, actively engaging in party leadership and strategy. The PML-N recently demonstrated its political strength by securing a commanding lead in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly elections in late July and early August 2026, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulating Nawaz Sharif on the party's success. Discussions about his potential future role and political comeback continue to be a significant topic in Pakistani media.