When Shehbaz Sharif became Pakistan’s Prime Minister in April 2022, he stepped into a role that was anything but easy. The political landscape was tense, with Imran Khan’s removal through a no-confidence vote marking a historic first for the country. Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), formed a coalition government with several other parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and smaller groups. The goal was clear: to bring stability after months of political turmoil. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Imran Khan’s PTI party cried foul, claiming foreign interference played a role in the change of power—a claim the coalition firmly denied. This contentious start set the tone for a tenure marked by political friction and public scrutiny.
If running a country’s economy is like driving a car, Shehbaz Sharif inherited one with a sputtering engine, flat tires, and an empty gas tank. Inflation was through the roof, the Pakistani rupee was losing value fast, and foreign reserves were drying up. So, what did the government do? One of the first moves was to restart negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package. Think of the IMF as a financial mechanic. The government called them in to fix the economic engine, but the repairs came with a price—cutting subsidies and raising taxes. While these steps were necessary, they didn’t exactly win the government any popularity contests, as ordinary people felt the pinch of rising prices.
The government also tried to attract foreign investors, setting up initiatives like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to focus on sectors like agriculture, mining, and IT. It’s interesting to note that while the intent was good, the results were mixed, given the global economic climate. And then there was the energy crisis. Pakistan’s chronic power shortages remained a significant hurdle. The government introduced reforms to restructure the power sector and explore alternative energy sources, but progress was slow, and power outages continued to disrupt daily life. Despite these efforts, the economy remained shaky, and many wondered if the government could turn things around.
Managing a diverse coalition with differing priorities often slowed decision-making and policy implementation, highlighting the complexities of coalition governance
Shehbaz Sharif has always been known for his hands-on approach to governance, and his time as Prime Minister was no different. The government rolled out several e-governance projects to make public services more efficient and transparent. Imagine trying to get a driver’s license or a birth certificate in a system bogged down by red tape. These initiatives showed promise, but their impact varied across regions. Drawing from his experience as Chief Minister of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif also prioritised infrastructure projects, from roads to public transport. These efforts were generally well-received, though some critics argued they didn’t go far enough. And then there was the promise to crack down on corruption. Let’s be honest—this is a tough nut to crack in Pakistan, and progress here was slow. These reforms aimed to create a more efficient and accountable government, but their long-term impact remains to be seen.
On the global stage, the Shehbaz Sharif government sought to rebuild Pakistan’s international image and strengthen diplomatic ties. The government made a conscious effort to mend fences with the U.S. and the European Union, which had cooled off during Imran Khan’s tenure. At the same time, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remained a top priority, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to the project. Efforts were also made to improve relations with neighbors like India and Afghanistan. However, as one might expect, progress was limited given the complex history and ongoing tensions. These diplomatic efforts aimed to position Pakistan as a stable and reliable partner in the global community.
No government is without its challenges, and Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure was no exception. Imran Khan’s PTI remained a vocal and active opposition, organising large-scale protests and questioning the government’s legitimacy. This constant political pressure made governance increasingly difficult. Rising inflation and unemployment fueled widespread frustration among citizens. Many blamed the government for its economic hardships, despite its efforts to stabilise the economy. Managing a diverse coalition with differing priorities often slowed decision-making and policy implementation, highlighting the complexities of coalition governance. These challenges underscored the delicate balance the government had to maintain between addressing immediate crises and pursuing long-term reforms.
Despite the obstacles, the Shehbaz Sharif government achieved several notable successes. While the economy remained fragile, the government’s efforts to secure IMF funding and implement reforms helped avert a potential default. The devastating floods of 2022 affected millions, and the government mobilised resources for relief and rehabilitation. Though some argued more could have been done, these efforts provided critical support to affected communities. Initiatives to improve access to education and healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, were a step in the right direction. These achievements, though modest, demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing some of Pakistan’s most pressing issues.
The Shehbaz Sharif-led government navigated a complex and challenging period in Pakistan’s history. While it made strides in stabilising the economy, improving governance, and strengthening international relations, it also faced significant obstacles, including political opposition, public discontent, and coalition management issues. The government’s tenure highlighted the delicate balance between implementing necessary reforms and addressing the immediate needs of the population. As Pakistan moves forward, the lessons learned from this period will be crucial in shaping its future political and economic trajectory. Whether you agree with its policies or not, one thing is clear: it was a time of significant change for Pakistan.
