Shehbaz Sharif

Shehbaz Sharif
13th, 14th and 16th Chief Minister of Punjab
Assumed office
8 June 2013
President Mamnoon Hussain
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Governor Mohammad Sarwar
Preceded by Najam Sethi
Majority Pakistan Muslim League (N)
In office
8 June 2008  26 March 2013
President Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani
Raja Parvez Ashraf
Mir Hazar Khan Khoso
Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood
Latif Khosa
Salmaan Taseer
Preceded by Dost Muhammad Khosa
Succeeded by Najam Sethi
In office
20 February 1997  12 October 1999
President Muhammad Rafiq Tarar
Farooq Leghari
Wasim Sajjad
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
Governor Shahid Hamid
Zulfiqar Ali Khosa
Preceded by Mian Muhammad Afzal Hayat
Succeeded by Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi
President of Pakistan Muslim League (N)
In office
30 September 2009  27 July 2010
Vice President Ghaus Ali Shah
Preceded by Chaudhry Nisar
Succeeded by Nawaz Sharif
Personal details
Born (1951-09-23) 23 September 1951
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Nationality Pakistani
Political party Pakistan Muslim League (N)
Spouse(s) Begum Nusrat (1973–1993)
Aaliya Honey (1993–1994)
Tehmina Durrani (m. 2003)
Children 6 (including Hamza Sharif)
Parents Sharif and Shamim
Relatives See Sharif family
Profession Politician

Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (Punjabi, pronounced [miˈɑ̃ː mʊˈɦəm.məd̪ ʃɛhˈbɑːz ʃəˈriːf]; born 23 September 1951) is a Pakistani politician and the third and current Chief Minister of Punjab since 8 June 2013.

Part of the politically prominent Sharif family, he is the son of Ittefaq Group founder Muhammad Sharif, and the brother of current Prime Minister of Pakistan and President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Nawaz Sharif. Sharif was elected to the Punjab Provincial Assembly in 1988, and to the National Assembly in 1990. He was again elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1993 and named Leader of the Opposition. Elected a third time in 1997, Sharif was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Punjab on 20 February 1997, while his brother took charge as Prime Minister.

After a military coup deposed the government in 1999, Sharif spent years of self-exile in Saudi Arabia, returning to Pakistan in 2007. Sharif was appointed Chief Minister for a second term after the PML-N's victory in the province in the 2008 general elections, but was deposed in 2009 after President Asif Zardari imposed governor's rule under Salmaan Taseer, following the Sharif brothers' electoral disqualification by the Supreme Court.[1] The Sharifs were acquitted after the prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani restored the judiciary due to Long March, and governor's rule was lifted. Sharif's second term focused on development in infrastructure, and successfully combating an outbreak of dengue fever in 2011.[2]

First term as Chief Minister

In 1999 he was put in exile in London with his brother as a result of some untold problems with Musharraf.[3]

President of Pakistan Muslim League (N)

Sharif was elected President of PML (N) on 3 August 2002 while in exile in Saudi Arabia. He was re-elected President of PML(N) for a second term on 2 August 2006.

Return to Pakistan

In August 2007, the Supreme Court of Pakistan gave its verdict which allowed Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan.

On 7 September 2007, judge Shabbir Hussain Chatha ordered police to arrest Sharif and produce him before the court, after the hearing in Lahore. The court ruled that "Sharif should be arrested (at) whichever airport he lands at." Nawaz Sharif too faces detention on the pair's planned return from exile to Pakistan on 10 September 2007, to challenge President Pervez Musharraf's 8-year military rule.

Sharif changed return plans at the last minute.

Second term as Chief Minister

On 8 June 2008, Sharif was elected as Chief Minister of Punjab, receiving 265 votes from the members of the 371-seat provincial assembly. He was the only candidate, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PMLN-Q) boycotted the vote. Speaking after his election, he called on Musharraf to resign.[4] He won a vote of confidence on 9 June, receiving 266 votes.[5]

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif congratulating Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir on the landslide victory in Gilgit Baltistan

His second term as Chief Minister lasted until 25 February 2009, when a three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, headed by Justice Moosa K. Leghari, declared him ineligible to contest elections, took away his seat in the Punjab Assembly, and thereby removed him from office.[6] On 31 March 2009, a five-member larger bench of the Supreme Court overturned[7] an earlier decision of the apex court, in which Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif were disqualified from holding public office. As a result, Shehbaz returned to office as Chief Minister.

Shehbaz Sharif Govt. Initiatives

Some of the major projects initiated by Sharif include

CM's Special Monitoring Unit

Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) is an initiative of Mr Shehbaz Sharif. CM's Special Monitoring Unit (SMU) Law and Order is an entity of the Government of Punjab and an essential part of the Chief Minister's Office. The unit is responsible for monitoring and implementation of various projects across Punjab. The unit is directly accountable to the CM and the citizens of the province of Punjab.

Since its inception in August 2014, SMU has already introduced ground breaking reforms in Law & Order wing that are currently in implementation stage. These include but are not limited to: Violence Against Women Centres (VAWC) – Provision of all facilities under one roof (including First Aid, FIR lodging, Prosecutor, Medical Examination, Forensics, Post Trauma Rehabilitation, Psychologist Consulting, Dar-ul-Amaans and Placement into Society)[17] Dealer Vehicle Registration System (D.V.R.S) – Citizen convenience by vehicle registration and license plate issuance at dealerships.[18] Token Tax Identification Stickers – to eliminate inconvenient checkpoint stops [19] Specialty plates – Customized license plates in different colours and with options for different images (relating to Culture, Disability, Personalities, Punjab Landmarks and in support of causes such as Breast Cancer, Terror Victims etc.)[20] • Introduction of camera integrated traffic fines with zero discrimination towards violators. Vehicle owners are traced by the registration plate data and warnings are sent to the owner’s house. Model Graveyards to facilitate grieving citizens [21][22][23] • Traffic Reforms including engineering, education and enforcement [24][25][26] • Restaurant Grading System which will give citizens the decision making power to choose restaurants based on quality and hygiene as opposed to the ambiance.[27][28]

Shahbaz Sharif is acknowledged even by his opponents as an outstanding administrator for his role in making Punjab a model of good governance.[29]

Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act 2015

The Punjab Assembly passed a long-awaited and landmark Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2015. This bill has 31 clauses and provides a complete system for complaint registration along with penalties for offenders. This act contains remedies for victims of violence. It also criminalise all forms of violence against women along with providing special centers providing services and protection to women against violence and abuse. Centers are being established for reconciliation and resolution of disputes. In addition, shelter homes will be built for protecting aggrieved women providing lodging and boarding facilities to the victim and children.[30]

Punjab Agriculture Conference 2016

Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a package of Rs 100 billion for the development of agriculture sector. It was announced at the Punjab Agriculture Conference 2016. Representatives of farmers, agriculture experts and government gathered at one platform to make deliberations in working groups for the formulation of concrete recommendations and proposals. Through this conference, a solid policy for agriculture will be formulated. The Rs 100 billion budget will be spent on the prosperity of agriculture and farmers during the next two years. A major chunk of this budget will be allocated to research and development departments for the improvement of agriculture. In adittion, Kissan Commission will also be set up to resolve problems or farmers, developing agriculture and increasing per acre yield.[31]

Prohibition of Child Labour in Brick Kilns Ordinance 2016

Punjab government under the supervision of Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif passed Prohibition of Child Labor in Brick Kilns Ordinance 2016 to eliminate child labor throughout the province of Punjab.[32] Government of the Punjab launched a mega campaign to eliminate child labour and the ordinance offers the following package to children currently working at brick kilns in Punjab:

• Monthly scholarship of Rs. 1000/- to every child going to school. • Government of Punjab to bear all educational expenses. • Free uniform, textbooks and stationery. • Transport facility to be extended to the children of far flung areas. • Sum of two thousand rupees to be given to the parents of such children going to school.

Fight against Dengue

In 2011 there was a Dengue fever outbreak in Punjab. The total number of reported patients was 17,352, with loss of 252 lives in district Lahore only. The Punjab government under Chief Minister Sharif took radical and drastic measures to bring this menace completely under control. In 2012 only 182 confirmed cases were reported in district Lahore with zero mortality. The achievement was recognised and appreciated by Sri Lankan and other foreign experts.[2]

Special Investment Initiatives

In November 2015, Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif decided to sharpen the investment pitch for Punjab by organizing a successful two-day International Seminar for Investment Opportunities in Punjab. The basic purpose of this seminar was to give assurance to the investors about the sanctity of the information and facilitation for investors in order to help them make up their minds when entering a new emerging market. This seminar facilitated investors in pointing out their expectations and highlighting possible gaps. Punjab honed its investment promotion skills through this seminar and invited some of the most trusted business partners, chiefly Chinese and Turks. The Chief Minister of Punjab personally attended the investment delegates from China and Turkey and proposed the investment opportunities available in 48 different sectors in Punjab. It was a successful event which resulted in signing of over 150 MoUs and agreements with the investors [33]

Shehbaz Sharif went on a five-day tour to the United Kingdom in November 2015 to enhance cooperation in health, education, skill development and other sectors in Punjab. At this occasion, he met British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond and UK Home Minister Ms. Theresa. He also addressed Chatham House, a think tank of international repute under the aegis of Royal Institute of International Affairs in London. He addressed a large number of professors, intellectuals, politicians and experts at this occasion. It must be mentioned that addressing intellectual sessions at Chatham House is a prestigious tradition as Chatham House is about 100 years' old and only prominent personalities or politicians with international repute are invited for address.

Third term as Chief Minister

On 6 June 2013, Sharif was elected Chief Minister of Punjab for a third term with more than two-thirds majority. He secured 300 votes while his opponent Mahmoodur Rashid of PTI got 34 votes.[34]

Punjab Budget 2016-2017

Punjab budget 2016-17 was presented on June 13 by Punjab Finance Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha. An accumulate budget of Rs. 1,681 billion was presented in the budget. The budget allocation for agriculture has been increased by 47%, for law and order by 48%, for health by 62%, for education by 47%, for potable water by 88%, for school education by 71% and for other developmental projects an increase by 37.5%. This budget is primarily focused on social development rather than infrastructure. From providing education to each and every kid in Punjab to women empowerment, it is a socially directed budget with unique initiatives. Some of the highlights of this budget include:

A total of Rs. 256 billion has been allocated to education in Punjab budget 2016-2017. A total pf Rs. 43.83 billion has been allocated to health in Punjab budget 2016-17. Major part of this budget will be spent on revamping DHQ and THQ hospitals throughout Punjab. Punjab government has already announced a historic package of Rs. 100 billion for agriculture. Out of this package, Rs. 50 billion will be allocated to agriculture in 2016-17. Women Development & Empowerment has been given a substantial share of the budget including initiatives such as Help Desk in police stations, 40% quota for women in self employment scheme and establishment of Women Protection Center in Multan. For empowering and supporting youth through different initiatives, Punjab government has allocated Rs. 23.3 billion in 2016-17 budget. For establishing law and order throughout the province, the Punjab government has allocated Rs. 145 billion.

China's Investment Tour

Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif went on an elaborate tour to China from July 24–29. The tour not only was focused on bringing in more investment to Punjab by presenting favorable side of the province but also to celebrate 67 years of Pak-China friendship. Chief Minister traveled from Beijing to Jimo and met higher authorities of all the developmental sectors including health, energy and infrastructure. The term Punjab Speed is used in China with regard to rapid execution of projects, said the Chairman of EXIM bank in a meeting with Shehbaz Sharif. In his six days tour visiting four cities, Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese authorities successfully signed 20 agreements and 25 memorandum of understandings for health, energy, infrastructure and other sectors. In addition, the chief minister told the Chinese authorities that work has been started on implementation of a $46 billion investment package by China. Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the top management of Huawei company. In the meeting, it was decided that Huawei will incorporate its healthcare solution in one of the DHQs in Punjab free of cost. If the incorporation brings desired results, this solution will be expanded in all 36 districts of Punjab. The Chief Minister visited Beijing Friendship hospital and met the top management. In a fruitful meeting, a proposition was made to Friendship hospital that their team of experts will visit Pakistan Kidney & Liver Institute to assess the training needs and train the Pakistani doctors accordingly. At a business seminar in Shandong where 60 key companies of China were present, Vice Governor Shandong said that Shehbaz Sharif has furthered Pak-China relationship in a real sense. The chief minister ensured that best facilities will be provided to the Chinese investors and their team in Punjab.

Turkey Visit

Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif went on a three day tour to Turkey from July 25–27. The most prominent highlight of this tour includes Shehbaz Sharif's meeting with Turkish Health Minister Dr. Recep Akdag. In this meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed as per which Turkey will extend its cooperation to uplift healthcare system in Punjab. The cooperation will include safe dispoal of hospital waste and disinfection and infection control in health facilities. Shehbaz Sharif also attended the opening ceremony of Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge on personal invitation of Turkish President Erdogan. Shehbaz Sharif was among the leading leadership of the world on this inauguration. Later, the chief minister also had one-on-one meeting with president Erdogan.

Shahbaz Sharif elected PML-N Punjab President unopposed

Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif was elected unopposed as the president of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Punjab in the recently held [2016] intra-party elections. Senior party leaders congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on being elected the president and said that it signifies people's confidence in Shehbaz Sharif's vision. On this occasion, chief minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif said that democracy is the only way towards making Pakistan successful. He said that PMLN believes in the politics of serving people. He also said that intra-party elections will help in maintaining democratic culture which is necessary for future transition of power.[35]

Model Town Massacre

Main article: 2014 Lahore clash

Model Town tragedy was unintentional clash between police and PAT workers. Police claimed that they were attacked by people inside the PAT secretariat, a claim that is denied by party chief Qadri. Qadri strongly condemned the attack and called it the worst form of state terrorism. Qadri vowed to avenge the deaths of his political workers by bringing about a revolution that would hasten the end of the rule of prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shehbaz Sharif.[36][37]

Government of Punjab and Punjab Police refused to register an FIR by Pakistan Awami Tehreek against Shehbaz Sharif and then Law Minister Rana Sanaullah. PAT filed an application to Session Court of Lahore for registration of FIR and court ruled, on 16 August 2014, to register an FIR against Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, his brother Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, then Law Minister Punjab Rana Sanaullah and 18 others.[38] Lahore High Court upheld the decision of Sessions Court on 26 August 2014 to register the FIR against Shehbaz Sharif and 20 other accused.[39] Sharif in an earlier statement offered to register FIR, but refused to resign from his post as Chief Minister of Punjab.[40] In 2014, Judicial Commission which was formed to investigate actual cause concluded that Punjab Govt was involved in the incident.[41][42][43]

Kasur child sexual abuse scandal

In August 2015, various Pakistani media organisations uncovered the biggest child abuse case according to which 280 to 300 children were victims of sexual abuse in Hussain Khanwala village in Kasur, after the discovery of hundreds of video clips showing children performing forced sex acts.[44] The scandal caused nationwide outrage,[2] among allegations that the Punjab police and Malik Ahmed Saeed, Kasur's Member of the Provincial Assembly, were involved in an attempted cover-up of the abuse.On 9 August 2015, Sharif ordered the Punjab Home Department to request Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Manzoor Ahmed Malik to constitute a judicial inquiry to look into the matter.[45] The Chief Justice rejected the request, on the grounds that such an inquiry was constituted for fact-finding missions, and that the police had already begun making arrests in this instance. Kasur's DSP and three high-ranking officials of the Special Branch deputed in the region for their negligence in the case.[46]

Life and marriages

See also: Sharif family

Sharif was born on September 23, 1951, into a Muslim family of Arain caste in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. His father, Muhammad Sharif, was an Industrialist, who founded Ittefaq Group, while, his mother was, Shamim Akhtar. His father was from Amritsar, who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India. He has two brothers, Abbas, and Nawaz. Nawaz is the president of Pakistan Muslim League (N), and a three-time elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. His sister-in-law, Kalsoom Butt, is the First Lady of Pakistan, a three time non-consecutive term. One of his niece, Maryam Nawaz, is also involved in politics.

Sharif married three times, first to his cousin, Nusrat Shehbaz. The couple married in 1973, and had two sons, Salman and Hamza, and three daughters. Hamza is also a politician, and a member of National Assembly of Pakistan. Nusrat died of illness in 1993. That same year, he married, Aliya Honey. They have aa child together, a daughter, Khadija. The couple's marriage ended in divorce, the following year, when he was in exile in Saudi Arabia. Since 2003, Sharif is married to Tehmina Durrani, the author of My Feudal Lord.[47] He lives at his ancestral home in Lahore, Raiwind Palace, with his family.

See also

References

  1. Shaikh, Shakil. "Governor's rule imposed in Punjab as Sharif brothers disqualified". The News (26 February 2009). Retrieved 11 June 2010.
  2. 1 2 Dengue under control: Health department The News International (18 October 2012)
  3. Shahzad, Syed Saleem (26 January 2008). "Sharif picked to tame Pakistan's militancy". Asia Times. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  4. "Former Pak PM's brother elected provincial chief executive". People's Daily Online. Xinhua. 9 June 2008. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
  5. "CM Shehbaz Sharif gets Vote of Confidence", Pakistan Times, 10 June 2008.
  6. Pakistan faces instability as Sharif disqualified. The China Post (26 February 2009). Retrieved on 7 April 2012.
  7. Court clears the way for Nawaz Sharif to return to power The Telegraph (31 March 2009)
  8. , Punjab Model for Proactive Governance: New anti-corruption drive makes waves, The Express Tribune (19 February 2012).
  9. http://www.dawn.com/news/1190301/protection-of-women-against-violence-bill-reservations-of-women-mpas-civil-society-addressed
  10. http://www.dawn.com/news/1189623
  11. http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-5-326658-Token-tax-identification-stickers-launched
  12. http://www.dawn.com/news/1191562
  13. http://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/2015/06/150623_lahore_graveyard_hk
  14. http://nation.com.pk/lahore/15-Jul-2015/ground-breaking-of-shehr-e-khamoshaan
  15. http://jang.com.pk/jang/jun2015-daily/27-06-2015/col4.htm
  16. http://www.dawn.com/news/1193543/govt-plans-integrated-traffic-system
  17. http://tribune.com.pk/story/839025/smooth-drive-govt-working-on-plan-to-address-traffic-problems/
  18. http://tribune.com.pk/story/830445/psychological-woes-poor-mental-health-affecting-police-morale/
  19. http://www.dawn.com/news/1198702/more-eateries-bear-pfa-closure-seal
  20. http://www.dawn.com/news/1193757/fresh-efforts-for-providing-healthy-hygienic-food-to-people
  21. Shehbaz Deserves Better The Nation (3 November 2012)
  22. , Shehbaz Sworn in as CM Punjab for Third Time, Dawn.com
  23. "State Terrorism will not be tolerated: Qadri". The News International. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  24. "Qadri vows to take revenge by revolution". The Nation. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  25. "Model Town tragedy: Court rules case be registered against Nawaz, Shahbaz and 19 others". DAWN. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  26. Ghumman, Tauqir (26 August 2014). "Model Town violence: LHC upholds decision to file FIR against PM, 20 others". DAWN. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  27. Haider, Mateen (25 August 2014). "Shahbaz agrees to Model Town FIR registration, refuses to resign: sources". DAWN. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  28. http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/234154-Punjab-govt-responsible-for-Model-Town-bloodbath
  29. http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/08/26/national/judicial-commission-holds-punjab-govt-responsible-for-model-town-bloodbath/
  30. http://www.dawn.com/news/1128042
  31. Javed, Ashraf (8 August 2015). "Country's biggest child abuse scandal jolts Punjab". The Nation. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  32. "Shahbaz promises judicial inquiry into Kasur incident". The News International. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  33. "Shehbaz confirms marriage to Tehmina". Daily Times (Pakistan). 24 February 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
Political offices
Preceded by
Mian Muhammad Afzal Hayat
Chief Minister of Punjab
1997–1999
Succeeded by
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi
Preceded by
Dost Muhammad Khosa
2nd term
2008–2009
Succeeded by
Salmaan Taseer (Governor's Rule)
Preceded by
Salmaan Taseer
(Restored)
2009–2013
Succeeded by
Najam Sethi
Preceded by
Najam Sethi
3rd term
2013–present
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by
Nawaz Sharif
President of the Pakistan Muslim League
2002–2011
Succeeded by
Nawaz Sharif
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