Shehbaz Sharif Sworn in as Pakistan’s 24th Prime Minister

Islamabad: Shehbaz Sharif, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the younger brother of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, was sworn in as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan on Sunday. The oath-taking ceremony was conducted by President Arif Alvi at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.

The event was attended by notable figures including Nawaz Sharif, former president Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and the chief ministers of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was also present at the ceremony, as reported by the Dawn newspaper.

On Monday, the 72-year-old leader officially assumed office for the second time after a delay caused by an uncertain national election nearly four weeks ago. Shehbaz Sharif took the oath at a ceremony held at the presidential office in Islamabad, a day after being elected prime minister by parliament despite objections from lawmakers aligned with jailed former premier Imran Khan.

Although candidates backed by Khan secured the most seats, the PML-N and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) agreed to form a coalition government. While Shehbaz’s elder brother, Nawaz Sharif, heads the PML-N, he opted not to assume the prime ministerial position.

Shehbaz Sharif returns to the role he previously held until August when parliament was dissolved ahead of the election. The February 8 election was marred by controversies including a mobile internet shutdown, arrests, and violence during its buildup. Delayed results led to accusations of electoral rigging.

Economists, investors, and foreign observers will now closely monitor Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement regarding the cabinet, particularly the crucial finance portfolio. The incoming finance minister will face immediate challenges in negotiating with the International Monetary Fund for a new multi-billion dollar funding agreement, as the current one is set to expire in April.