He is the younger brother of ex-prime minister of Pakistan Mian Mohammed Nawaz Sharif. As a keen businessman he played a vital role in the success of Ittefaq Group of Companies, which was founded by his father and uncles. He came into politics to follow the footsteps of his brother and "Quaid" of Pakistan Muslim League.

He remained Chief Minister of Pakistan's biggest province, Punjab from 20 Feb 1997 to 12 Oct 1999. During his government, development and progress of the province was appreciated by national and global media. Ghost schools were eliminated and IT sector and foreign investment was given warm welcome.  Due to his good policies Microsoft and Oracle made a huge investment in Pakistan.

Shahbaz Sharif is considered a strong and disciplined character in the politics of Pakistan. His administration was considered the best in the history of Punjab, as he controlled the beauracracy and cut the red tape.

He was elected as the president of Pakistan Muslim League on 3rd august 2002 while he was on exile in Saudi Arabia. In the meeting of central executive committee he was elected unopposed. The move to pass on the party leadership to Shahbaz Sharif suggests that the PML (N) still believes it is the charisma of the Sharif name which may win them votes in the elections.

He was forced to leave the country along with his family by the Military Government. He spent two years in Saudi Arabia and 6 years in London. He returned to Pakistan but was not allowed to come out of the airport and deported to Saudi Arabia. He traveled to London again and lived there until his return to Pakistan.

Mian Shahbaz Sharif was re-elected President of PML(N) for the second term on 2nd August 2006.

After winning the majority in Punjab province in 2008 elections, he is elected as the leader of the house. He is expected to take part in the by election and take the position of the Chief Minister of Punjab.