Nawaz Sharif

Sharif, Nawaz (1949– ),primeministerof Pakistan(1990–93 and 1997– ), president of the Islamic Democratic Alliance (IDA), a right-wing Pakistani coalition. He has shown special interest in accelerating Pakistan's economy while at the same time reducing the country's dependence on foreign aid. He served as Punjab's finance minister under former President Zia ul-Haq (1981). In February 1997 he was elected president for the second time.