Complete List of Prime Minister of Pakistan: 1947 to 2024

December 12, 2024
list of prime minister of pakistan
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • The Prime Minister of Pakistan is the head of government and plays a central role in the country’s political system.
  • Since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, several individuals have held the position, with Liaquat Ali Khan being the first, and notable leaders like Zulfikar Ali BhuttoBenazir BhuttoNawaz Sharif, and Imran Khan serving at various times.
  • The role involves overseeing government functions, implementing policies, and representing Pakistan on international platforms. The President appoints the Prime Minister and usually leads the majority party in Pakistan’s National Assembly.

Table of Contents

Pakistan has witnessed several prime ministers since 1947, and together, they formed the political environment of this nation. We’ll look into Pakistan’s political history and the list of Prime Minister of Pakistan, with these diligent Prime Ministers of Pakistan who have taken charge of the country.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan is central to governance and democracy. They appoint and lead the Cabinet, which runs government operations and implements laws and policies. The Prime Minister of Pakistan also selects provincial Governors and influences relations with foreign nations. While the President remains head of state and the military holds significant power, the role of the Prime Minister of Pakistan in domestic programs and objectives is unmatched. Pakistan’s hopes rest heavily on having an effective, public-minded prime minister.

In this article, we will grasp what roles these Prime Ministers of Pakistan played that make them so important in their unique way.

Who was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan?

list of prime minister of pakistan

Muhammad Ali Jinnah served as Pakistan’s first Prime Minister after the partition of India granted independence in 1947. Jinnah spent the final year of his life establishing Pakistan’s structures and guidelines as a moderate Islamic republic. His charismatic leadership united citizens during the turbulent birth of the young nation. He set initial precedents followed by subsequent list of Prime Minister of Pakistan, making him revered in Pakistan as the founder and Father of the Nation.

Present Leadership: Pakistan prime minister 2024

list of prime minister of pakistan

The list of Prime Minister of Pakistan at the moment is Shehbaz Sharif, a politician from Pakistan. On April 11, 2022, Shehbaz, the former Leader of the Opposition in the Pakistan National Assembly, took the oath of office as Prime Minister of Pakistan following the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a motion of no confidence.

After graduating, Shehbaz joined his family’s business, Ittefaq Group, and became the president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry in 1985. In the middle of the 1980s, he and his older brother Nawaz entered politics. Nawaz became chief minister of Punjab and won a seat in the Punjab Assembly In 1988.

In 2018, Shehbaz became the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, the same year that Imran Khan, a former cricket player turned politician, became the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Following Imran Khan’s removal in a motion of no confidence, Shehbaz was appointed Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Sharif, aged 72, took the oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan for the second time on March 4, 2024. He assumed leadership of the financially challenged nation nearly a month after an election marred by allegations of vote rigging remained unresolved.

Also Read:-

List of Prime Ministers of India: From 1947 to 2023

The Indo-Pak War 1965: Overview, Causes, and Outcomes

Powers and Functions of Prime Minister: Types, Council of Minister.

Pakistan Prime Minister List 1947 to 2024

list of prime minister of pakistan

Here, we’ll outline the list of Prime Minister of Pakistan from its inception in 1947 until 2024, individuals who have played roles in shaping the destiny of this beloved nation.

1947–1958: Early Years and Political Instability

  1. Liaquat Ali Khan (1947–1951):Pakistan’s first Prime Minister. Played a crucial role in the formation of the state. Assassinated in 1951.
  2. Khawaja Nazimuddin (1951–1953):Took over after Liaquat’s death. Faced challenges like food shortages and riots.
  3. Mohammad Ali Bogra (1953–1955):Introduced the “Bogra Formula” to resolve the constitutional crisis.
  4. Chaudhry Mohammad Ali (1955–1956):Played a pivotal role in drafting Pakistan’s first constitution in 1956.
  5. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (1956–1957):Advocated for stronger ties between East and West Pakistan.
  6. Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar (1957):Served for a brief period of two months.
  7. Feroz Khan Noon (1957–1958)

1958–1971: Military Rule and Transition

During this period, there were no prime ministers as Pakistan was under military rule led by President Ayub Khan and then Yahya Khan.

1971–1977: Democratic Resurgence

  1. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1973–1977):Pakistan’s first elected Prime Minister. Introduced significant reforms, but ousted by a military coup.

1977–1988: Martial Law and Controlled Democracy

No prime ministers during General Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law (1977–1985). After 1985:

  1. Mohammad Khan Junejo (1985–1988):Reintroduced parliamentary democracy but dismissed by Zia.

1988–1999: Democratic Era

  1. Benazir Bhutto (1988–1990):Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister. Focused on social reforms.
  2. Nawaz Sharif (1990–1993):Advocated for privatization and economic reforms.
  3. Benazir Bhutto (1993–1996):Returned to power but faced corruption allegations.
  4. Nawaz Sharif (1997–1999):Initiated nuclear tests in response to India but was overthrown in a military coup.

1999–2008: Military-Led Governance

General Pervez Musharraf ruled as President; however, civilian prime ministers were appointed

  1. Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali (2002–2004):First Prime Minister under Musharraf.
  2. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain (2004):Served briefly for a few months.
  3. Shaukat Aziz (2004–2007):Focused on economic growth and reforms.

2008–2018: Democratic Restoration

  1. Yousaf Raza Gillani (2008–2012):Longest-serving Prime Minister in Pakistan’s history until disqualified by the Supreme Court.
  2. Raja Pervez Ashraf (2012–2013):Focused on addressing energy crises.
  3. Nawaz Sharif (2013–2017):Returned to power but was disqualified by the Supreme Court.
  4. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (2017–2018):Took over after Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification.

2018–2024: Recent Era

  1. Imran Khan (2018–2022):Focused on anti-corruption and economic reforms. Removed via a no-confidence vote.
  2. Shehbaz Sharif (2022–2023):Prioritized flood relief and economic stabilization.
  3. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar (2023–2024):Caretaker Prime Minister tasked with overseeing elections.

Honoring the Legacy of Pakistan’s Prime Ministers

The full list of Prime Minister of Pakistan provides insight into Pakistan’s complex political history. Just one figure has ever completed a full term, pointing to ongoing instability. Yet progress has occurred nonetheless through periods of growth under stable leadership. The prime minister plays a central role in setting Pakistan’s path, even with other centers of hard power. Achieving the country’s potential relies heavily on having a strong, reform-minded prime minister able to steer steady progress.

The Foundational Years: Building a New Nation

  • Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, laid the groundwork for governance and diplomacy, setting the country on its initial path of nation-building. His leadership remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s early history.
  • Successors like Khawaja Nazimuddin and Mohammad Ali Bogra navigated critical challenges, including constitutional crises and regional conflicts, solidifying the young state’s governance framework.

Democratic Evolution and Challenges

The democratic process saw highs and lows, with leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto introducing landmark reforms that empowered the masses and redefined Pakistan’s socio-economic structure. His legacy of the 1973 Constitution remains a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

The Era of Women Leadership

Benazir Bhutto made history as the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world. Her focus on social reforms and women’s rights opened new avenues for progress and inclusivity in Pakistan’s political landscape.

Modernization and Global Standing

Leaders like Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption measures. Their efforts to modernize Pakistan and bolster its global standing have left lasting impacts, particularly through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and reforms in governance.

Caretakers of Stability

Interim Prime Ministers, including recent caretaker leaders like Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, have played crucial roles in maintaining stability and ensuring smooth transitions during politically turbulent times.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who was the first prime minister of Pakistan?

The first prime minister of Pakistan was Liaquat Ali Khan. He assumed office on August 15, 1947 when Pakistan achieved independence. He continued serving as prime minister until his assassination in 1951.

Who is the current Prime Minister of Pakistan?

Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is the current Prime Minister of Pakistan. He is Pakistan’s newly named caretaker prime minister.

What is the tenure of a Prime Minister of Pakistan?

The Prime Minister of Pakistan does not have a fixed term. According to the constitution, the PM stays in office as long as they maintain the confidence of majority members in the National Assembly. If they lose the confidence, they must step down or call for new elections.

Who are some influential former Prime Ministers of Pakistan?

Some of the most influential former PMs include Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, Muhammad Khan Junejo, Nawaz Sharif and Shaukat Aziz. Each implemented key domestic and foreign policies shaping the nation.

How many PM are there in Pakistan?

Shehbaz Sharif was chosen to serve as Pakistan’s 23rd prime minister on April 11, 2022. There are a total of 23 people serving as Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Who is Pakistan’s 1st female PM?

Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister was Benazir Bhutto. She served two terms, from 1988 to 1990 and 1993 to 1996, becoming the first woman to lead a democratic government in a majority-Muslim country.

Got a question on this topic?