Shehbaz Sharif Becomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan

Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister of Pakistan in a parliamentary vote on Monday, inheriting a highly polarised political situation and a deteriorating economy.

70-year-old Sharif has taken his first shot at the top post a few years later as a junior political partner to his brother Nawaz Sharif, a three-time prime minister who is considered a charismatic leader. Shehbaz Sharif, considered a competent administrator, led the state of Punjab under his brother's previous administration.

Mr Sharif's term as prime minister is unlikely to last long as his party and his allies have stated that they will probably hold elections later this year after overturning some changes in the election law passed by Mr Khan's government.

Opposition parties will want to hold elections relatively quickly so that they are not responsible for an economy that is run by double-digit inflation. Recent polls have found that inflation is the main reason for Khan's recent decline in popularity.

Foreign relations with the United States, in particular, were also damaged under Mr Khan, who claimed that Washington was colluding with opponents who expelled him. The United States and the opposition have denied cooperating with Mr Khan.