Shehbaz Sharif was re-elected as Pakistan’s Prime Minister on March 3, 2024, leading a coalition government after securing a majority vote in the newly-elected Parliament. At 72, Sharif, the joint candidate from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), garnered 201 votes in the 336-member assembly. His main competitor, Omar Ayub Khan from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, received 92 votes amidst a session marked by disturbances and protests from PTI supporters.

The oath-taking ceremony for Mr. Sharif is scheduled for March 4 at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Presidential mansion. This marks Mr. Sharif’s second term as the head of a coalition government, following his initial tenure from April 2022 to August 2023, which concluded with the dissolution of Parliament for general elections.

In his victory speech, Sharif extended his gratitude towards his brother, Nawaz Sharif, and coalition partners for their support. He reminisced about the developmental work under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership and emphasized unity and dedication to overcome challenges and elevate Pakistan’s stature globally. Despite the political rivalry, Sharif highlighted the importance of moving beyond vendettas for the nation’s progress.

The re-election of Shehbaz Sharif comes at a time when Pakistan faces daunting economic challenges. In his address, Sharif pledged to revive the economy, aiming for G20 membership by 2030, and highlighted the necessity of systemic reforms to navigate the fiscal crisis. With a commitment to agricultural development and investment in energy and infrastructure, Sharif’s vision for Pakistan is one of resurgence and stability, aimed at fostering growth and prosperity.