Shehbaz Sharif Is Known To Have Married Thrice. Then Why Is He Called The ‘Man With 5 Marriages’?

Last Updated:May 16, 2025, 14:12 IST

Shehbaz Sharif's personal life has frequently caused unease within the Sharif family, reportedly leading to internal tensions and disagreements on several occasions

Shehbaz Sharif’s marriage to Tehmina Durrani was met with strong opposition from his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif. (News18 Hindi)

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continues to draw attention not just for his political manoeuvres but also for his eventful personal life. Officially married three times, Shehbaz has long been the subject of speculation in Pakistani media, with reports linking him to several women, fuelling a popular perception that he has had up to five marriages.

Shehbaz Sharif’s marital history stands in stark contrast to that of his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif, who has remained with one partner throughout. This stark difference has often sparked discussion both within political circles and among the public.

First Marriage With Nusrat Butt

Shehbaz’s first marriage was to his cousin, Nusrat Butt, in 1973, when he was 22. They had four children together – two sons and twin daughters. Nusrat now lives separately from Shehbaz, and their divorce was reportedly finalised in 1993. Two years ago, when Shehbaz was implicated in a case of financial irregularities and money laundering, Nusrat was also involved and had to appear in court.

Second Marriage With Pakistani Model Aaliya Honey

Shehbaz’s second marriage in 1993 was to Pakistani model Aaliya Honey, which did not sit well with his father, Mian Sharif. At the time, Shehbaz was 43 years old and Aaliya was an up-and-coming young and beautiful model. Their romance began after their paths crossed, leading to a secret marriage.

According to reports, a bridge known as the ‘Honey Bridge’ in Lahore is named after Aaliya and was constructed during Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province. The cavalry bridge, was allegedly built to facilitate his travel to his wife’s residence. Others claim it was intended to ensure his second wife would not be late returning home from work.

This marriage ended when the couple went into self-exile in Saudi Arabia following the 1999 military coup. Aaliya later passed away under mysterious circumstances.

Third Marriage In Secret

In 1993, the same year as his second marriage, Shehbaz Sharif reportedly married Nargis Khosa, the sister of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency Director General Tariq Khosa. The Sharif family disapproved of this union, and the marriage ended discreetly.

Fourth Marriage With Tehmina Durrani

Shehbaz Sharif’s fourth marriage was to Tehmina Durrani in 2003, a discreet union that caught many by surprise. Tehmina, a prominent author best known for her book My Feudal Lord, had a tumultuous past and had been married twice before.

It is said that her relationship with Shehbaz spanned nearly eight years before they decided to marry. The marriage was kept so private that neither Shehbaz’s family nor his party leaders were aware of it. When he later hosted a grand celebration in Dubai, even senior party members were reportedly stunned, admitting they knew little about Shehbaz’s closely guarded personal life.

Tehmina Durrani is still married to Shehbaz Sharif. Her life story is as intriguing as it is complex. Born into a prominent feudal family, Tehmina is the daughter of Shahkur Ullah Durrani, who served as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and later as the head of Pakistan Airlines. Raised in luxury and privilege, she grew up surrounded by wealth and influence, deeply rooted in Pakistan’s elite circles.

Tehmina Had Married Twice Earlier

At the age of 17, Tehmina Durrani reportedly fell in love with a young man named Anees Khan and married him despite strong opposition from her family. The couple had a daughter, but the marriage ended in divorce after a few years.

Tehmina later married prominent Punjab politician Ghulam Mustafa Khar, who had already been married multiple times. They had four children together. The marriage lasted 14 years, but in her autobiography My Feudal Lord, Tehmina revealed the abuse she endured during this period, alleging that Mustafa Khar subjected her to physical and emotional torture. She also accused him of maintaining relationships with other women during their marriage.

Ghulam Mustafa Khar was a close associate of then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, which helped him rise politically, first as Chief Minister of Punjab, and later as Governor.

Tehmina’s Book Created A Stir In Pakistan

By writing her autobiography My Feudal Lord, Tehmina Durrani exposed the dark side of Pakistan’s feudal political elite, revealing the abusive behavior and extramarital affairs of top politicians from powerful landlord families.

Published in 1991, My Feudal Lord was translated into eight languages and created a major stir. It was initially banned in Pakistan, though the ban has since been lifted. The book’s explosive revelations enraged Tehmina’s own family, leading them to sever ties with her.

The Five Years That Changed Tehmina

After divorcing Ghulam Mustafa Khar, Tehmina Durrani faced a challenging 13-year period, during which she had to rebuild her life while caring for her five children. During this time, she became associated with Abdul Sattar Edhi, Pakistan’s renowned humanitarian and founder of the world’s largest volunteer ambulance service. Tehmina worked alongside Edhi for five years, dedicating herself to serving patients and supporting his charitable initiatives, which also include hospitals and shelters.

Beyond her social work, Tehmina is also known for her creative pursuits. She is a writer, painter, and poet, with a deep commitment to both artistic expression and humanitarian causes.

Those five years working with Abdul Sattar Edhi had a profound impact on Tehmina Durrani. During this period, she penned Edhi’s official biography and went on to author two more books.

Known for her grace, Tehmina has long moved in Pakistan’s elite social circles. She once resided in a grand bungalow in Lahore’s upscale Gulberg Colony, but now lives at the Sharif family’s Raiwind Palace.

Nawaz Sharif Refuses To Acknowledge Shehbaz’s Marriage To Tehmina

However, Shehbaz Sharif’s marriage to Tehmina Durrani was met with strong opposition from his elder brother, Nawaz Sharif. Reportedly, Nawaz disapproved of the union and barred Tehmina from participating in family gatherings or public appearances with the Sharif clan. He is said to have instructed that Tehmina remain confined to the family’s residence in Lahore. In return, Tehmina has not hesitated to criticise Nawaz Sharif publicly on several occasions.

Yet, fate took a remarkable turn. After a life marked by upheaval and resilience, Tehmina became the wife of Pakistan’s Prime Minister. It also appears that her relationship with Nawaz Sharif has softened over time, suggesting a gradual thaw in earlier tensions.

Fifth Marriage Ended In Hasty Divorce

Shehbaz Sharif’s fifth marriage was to a government officer named Kulsum in 2012, but the union reportedly ended in a swift divorce.

Over the years, rumours and discussions about Shehbaz’s alleged relationships have continued to surface in Pakistan. His personal life has often been a source of discomfort within the Sharif family, reportedly causing internal tensions on multiple occasions.

Pakistan

News world Shehbaz Sharif Is Known To Have Married Thrice. Then Why Is He Called The ‘Man With 5 Marriages’?