Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), served as Prime Minister in three terms (1990–93, 1997–99, and 2013–17). Across these periods, he introduced a range of economic reforms, focusing on liberalization, privatization, infrastructure development, and foreign investment.

During his first term (1990–93), Nawaz Sharif launched market-oriented reforms, aiming to reduce government control over the economy. The privatization of banks, industries, and telecom services began, and efforts were made to curb fiscal deficits.

In his second term (1997–99), the focus intensified on:

• Privatizing state-owned enterprises (SOEs)

• Reforming the tax system

• Introducing foreign exchange liberalization

• Expanding highway and transport networks, including the Motorway Project (M-2)

In the third term (2013–17), Nawaz’s government pursued:

• The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for infrastructure and energy

• Stabilization of foreign reserves

• Reduction in load-shedding

• Large-scale development projects (metro buses, roads, energy plants)

Critics, however, argue that his policies favored elite interests, increased debt, and lacked transparency. Nonetheless, Nawaz Sharif is credited with transforming Pakistan’s economic outlook and laying foundations for long-term growth, especially through infrastructure investment and economic liberalization.