Who is the Prime Minister of Pakistan?
The current Prime Minister of Pakistan is Shehbaz Sharif, who has held the office since March 4, 2024. This is his second term as Prime Minister. He leads the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and formed a coalition government after the February 8, 2024 general elections, in which no single party won an outright majority.
Shehbaz Sharif — Current Prime Minister (March 2024 – Present)
Born on September 23, 1951 in Lahore, Shehbaz Sharif is the younger brother of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He served as Chief Minister of Punjab on three separate occasions (1997–1999, 2008–2013, 2013–2018), making him one of Pakistan’s most experienced administrators.
Shehbaz first became Prime Minister on April 11, 2022, after Imran Khan was removed via a no-confidence vote — the first time in Pakistan’s history that a sitting prime minister was ousted through such a vote. His first government lasted until August 2023, when elections were called. After a caretaker period, he returned to power in March 2024 following disputed general elections.
His government has navigated severe economic challenges, including a bailout programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), rising inflation, and energy shortages. Relations with the military establishment remain a central determinant of his government’s stability.
Pakistan’s Not Free Status — Freedom House 2026
Freedom House rated Pakistan Not Free in its Freedom in the World 2026 report, with a score of 34 out of 100. Key concerns include: the military’s pervasive influence over civilian governance; the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the suppression of his PTI party; restrictions on press freedom and the judiciary; and documented enforced disappearances of political opponents and dissidents by security services.
Timeline of Pakistan’s Prime Ministers
- Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (August 2017 – May 2018) — PML-N; interim PM after Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification by the Supreme Court
- Nasirul Mulk (June 2018 – August 2018) — Caretaker Prime Minister ahead of 2018 elections
- Imran Khan (August 18, 2018 – April 10, 2022) — PTI; removed by no-confidence vote; later imprisoned on multiple charges widely viewed as politically motivated
- Shehbaz Sharif (April 11, 2022 – August 13, 2023) — PML-N; first term; formed coalition after Imran Khan’s ouster
- Anwaarul Haq Kakar (August 14, 2023 – March 3, 2024) — Caretaker Prime Minister during election period
- Shehbaz Sharif (March 4, 2024 – present) — PML-N; second term; coalition government
The Military’s Role
Pakistan’s military — led by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir — has historically wielded decisive influence over civilian governments. The 2024 elections were widely criticised by international observers and domestic groups as neither free nor fair: PTI’s election symbol was stripped by the Election Commission, Imran Khan was barred from running while in prison, and vote-counting irregularities were reported across the country. Despite winning the most seats as independents, PTI candidates were blocked from forming a government.