First Nawaz Sharif government

Nawaz Sharif’s government was elected as the on 1 November 1990, With Nawaz Sharif chosen as the 12th Prime Minister. The President, Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolved his government in April 1993, which was later on reinstated by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Sharif survived a serious constitutional crisis when President Khan attempted to dismiss him under article 58-2b, in April 1993, but he successfully challenged the decision in the Supreme Court. Sharif resigned from the post negotiating a settlement that resulted in the removal of President as well, in July 1993.

Cabinet

Sharif's 18-member cabinet was one of the smallest in the country's history, especially compared to the record 58-member cabinet of his ousted predecessor Benazir Bhutto. Sharif insisted on bringing nearly a dozen politicians with links to Gen Zia-ul-Haq.

Amongst the 18 members initially selected for the cabinet, nine were from Punjab, two from the Islamabad Capital Territory, six from Sindh and one from Balochistan. The cabinet was later expanded to include representation from the North-West Frontier Province Although being a member of the IJI alliance, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) members declined to participate in Nawaz Sharif’s cabinet.

Changes

• 9 March 1991 – Chaudhry Amir Hussain is appointed as the state minister for the Ministry of Law for the second time.
• April 1991 – Akram Zaki is made the acting federal minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• 10 September 1991
  • Syed Ghous Ali Shah is appointed as the federal minister for the Ministry of Defence.
  • The prime minister retains the authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and appoints Siddiq Khan Kanju as the state minister for the ministry.
  • *Chaudhary Abdul Ghafoor is appointed as the federal minister for the Ministry of Law.