Shehbaz Sharif as PM so Far
By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Chairman PMLN UK
Shehbaz Sharif’s rise to Pakistan’s premiership, from orchestrating the historic vote of no confidence against Imran Khan in 2022 to representing Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Conference in 2024, is a testament to his political acumen and steady leadership.
His journey reflects his ability to navigate Pakistan through a period of political upheaval, economic turmoil, and diplomatic challenges.
Shehbaz Sharif, known as “Shehbaz Speed” for his swift approach to development during his 10 years as Chief Minister of Punjab, gained a reputation for fast-tracking projects, particularly in infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare. This nickname stemmed from his hands-on management style and rapid decision-making, resulting in significant projects like the Lahore Metrobus and Orange Line train. As Prime Minister, while the pace may not be quite as rapid, his focus seems to be more on strategic vision and deliberate decision-making at the national level, aimed at addressing Pakistan’s broader economic and political challenges.
The following are few notable achievements
1. Vote of No Confidence Against Imran Khan (April 2022):
• Political Crisis: Imran Khan’s government came under increasing pressure in early 2022 due to growing public discontent over economic mismanagement, rising inflation, and deteriorating governance. The opposition, led by Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), capitalized on this discontent.
• Shehbaz Sharif’s Leadership: As leader of the opposition and head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of opposition parties, Shehbaz united diverse political forces to initiate a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan.
• Imran Khan’s Ouster: On April 10, 2022, after a tense and drawn-out parliamentary process, Imran Khan became the first prime minister in Pakistan’s history to be ousted through a vote of no confidence. Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan on April 11, 2022.
2. Challenges Facing Shehbaz Sharif’s Government:
• Economic Crisis: Upon taking office, Shehbaz Sharif faced an economy in severe distress. Pakistan was grappling with rising inflation, a devaluing currency, and a looming balance-of-payments crisis. His government had to immediately engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to negotiate a financial assistance package to stabilize the economy.
• Floods and Climate Change (2022): Pakistan was struck by devastating floods in the summer of 2022, which displaced millions and caused widespread destruction. Shehbaz’s administration mobilized national and international resources to provide relief and rebuild the affected areas. He used global platforms to highlight Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and to call for increased global cooperation on climate action.
• Political Instability: Throughout his tenure, Shehbaz faced intense opposition from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which questioned the legitimacy of his government and demanded early elections. Despite these challenges, Shehbaz remained focused on governance and diplomacy.
3. Strengthening Diplomatic and Regional Ties:
• Restoring Foreign Relations: One of Shehbaz Sharif’s top priorities was to rebuild Pakistan’s strained diplomatic relationships, especially with key international partners like the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. His government emphasized economic diplomacy, seeking investment and aid from these countries to stabilize Pakistan’s economy.
• Focus on China and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Sharif prioritized Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China, particularly the CPEC, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic development strategy. He worked to accelerate CPEC projects, particularly in infrastructure and energy, to stimulate Pakistan’s economy and generate employment.
4. Representation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Conference:
• Pakistan’s Role in the SCO: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional political, economic, and security organization, is a key platform for cooperation between Pakistan and countries like China, Russia, and Central Asian states. Pakistan, as a full member, views the SCO as an important forum for promoting regional security, connectivity, and economic cooperation.
• Shehbaz Sharif’s Leadership at the 2024 SCO Summit: At the SCO Conference held in 2024, Shehbaz Sharif represented Pakistan at a time when regional cooperation was more crucial than ever, particularly in the wake of Afghanistan’s evolving situation and shifting global geopolitics.
• Key Agenda Items: The 2024 summit focused on regional security, counterterrorism efforts, economic collaboration, and enhanced connectivity through infrastructure projects, including those related to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As a major participant in the BRI, Shehbaz Sharif advocated for deeper economic integration and infrastructural development across SCO member states.
• Advocating for Regional Stability: Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for collective action to ensure regional stability, especially with regard to counterterrorism, cross-border cooperation, and the situation in Afghanistan. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, calling for stronger security partnerships within the SCO framework.
• Economic Cooperation and Connectivity: Sharif also focused on the importance of economic cooperation among SCO members, advocating for increased trade, energy security, and technological collaboration. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to playing a key role in regional connectivity through CPEC, which links Pakistan’s Gwadar Port to China and Central Asia.
5. Shehbaz Sharif’s Vision and Legacy:
• Focus on Economic Stability: Sharif’s tenure has been marked by his efforts to stabilize Pakistan’s economy, largely through international diplomacy and economic reforms. His government focused on securing foreign investment, particularly through CPEC, and implementing measures to address inflation and unemployment.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Shehbaz Sharif has worked to re-establish Pakistan as a key player in regional and global forums. His participation in the SCO underscores his commitment to fostering regional cooperation and ensuring Pakistan’s role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of South and Central Asia.
• Constitutional amendments Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure as Prime Minister is key to reinforce parliamentary supremacy in Pakistan, particularly through constitutional amendments aimed at balancing powers and strengthening democratic governance. These amendments addressed critical areas, such as judicial independence, electoral transparency, and provincial autonomy, marking a shift toward a more empowered Parliament with greater oversight. By working towards reinforcing the constitutional framework, Shehbaz aimed to strengthen the legislative branch’s role and ensure it better represents the people’s will, further embedding parliamentary sovereignty as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s governance. This action is cited as significant strides for democracy in Pakistan.
Conclusion:
From leading the charge against Imran Khan’s government in 2022 to representing Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Conference in 2024, Shehbaz Sharif’s journey as Prime Minister reflects his ability to navigate Pakistan through turbulent times. His leadership has focused on stabilizing the economy, rebuilding diplomatic relationships, and positioning Pakistan as a key player in regional and global cooperation efforts. The 2024 SCO Conference highlighted Sharif’s vision for a more integrated, secure, and economically prosperous region, with Pakistan playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of South and Central Asia.
