New Delhi: Prime Minister-elect Shehbaz Sharif is poised to take the oath of office on Monday, marking his return to the helm of Pakistans government. Despite his partys inability to secure a clear majority in the recent elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) remains the largest party with 75 seats out of the 265 contested.Oath-taking ceremonyIn a ceremony scheduled for 3 pm at the Presidents House in Islamabad, President Arif Alvi will administer the oath of office to Shehbaz Sharif. The event is expected to be attended by notable dignitaries, including Army Chief General Asim Munir, caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Chief Ministers, and governors from all provinces.Election victory, building coalition Shehbaz emerged victorious in the newly-elected Parliament with 201 votes, securing a clear majority amidst spirited opposition. Backed by a coalition between the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Shehbazs bid for leadership prevailed over his challenger, Omar Ayub Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).Despite PML-Ns failure to clinch a definitive majority in the February 8 polls, Shehbazs strategic negotiations with like-minded parties, including the PPP, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P), and others, paved the way for a coalition government.Leadership, reformsRegarded as a shrewd politician and adept administrator, Shehbaz Sharif assumes leadership at a crucial juncture, tasked with steering Pakistan through economic challenges and fostering regional stability. His tenure as chief minister of Punjab witnessed notable infrastructural developments, including the introduction of underpasses, overhead bridges, and mass transit systems.Born in September 1951 into a Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri family in Lahore, Shehbazs academic journey began at the Government College University, Lahore. Hailing from a lineage that migrated from Anantnag, Kashmir, Shehbazs family settled in the village of Jati Umra in Amritsar district, Punjab, before relocating to Pakistan in the early 20th century.Future prospectsAs Shehbaz Sharif embarks on his second term as Prime Minister, the onus lies on him to navigate Pakistan towards economic revitalization, administrative reform, and diplomatic engagement for regional peace and prosperity. With a legacy of infrastructure development and administrative acumen behind him, Shehbazs leadership holds promise for Pakistans socio-economic advancement and global engagement.
