Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

Abbasi was born on 27 December 1958 in Dewal village, Murree District, Punjab.{{cite news|last1=Abbasi|first1=Abid Fazil|title=Murree residents welcome Abbasi's nomination as PM|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348532|access-date=30 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=30 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730045319/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348532|archive-date=30 July 2017}} He attended Lawrence College in Murree.{{cite news|title=PML-N, allies likely to take PM slot with huge support|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/07/31/pml-n-allies-likely-to-take-pm-slot-with-huge-support/|access-date=31 July 2017|work=Pakistan Today|date=31 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731124538/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/07/31/pml-n-allies-likely-to-take-pm-slot-with-huge-support/|archive-date=31 July 2017}}{{cite news|title=Profile of PML-N nominee Shahid Khaqan Abbasi|url=https://www.app.com.pk/profile-of-pml-n-nominee-shahid-khaqan-abbasi/|access-date=30 July 2017|work=Associated Press Of Pakistan|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730125211/http://www.app.com.pk/profile-of-pml-n-nominee-shahid-khaqan-abbasi/|archive-date=30 July 2017}}{{cite news|title=Lawrence College's 150 years celebrated|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/amp/223399-lawrence-college%E2%80%99s-150-years-celebrated|access-date=23 April 2017|work=The News|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424002259/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/amp/223399-lawrence-college%E2%80%99s-150-years-celebrated|archive-date=24 April 2017}} In 1978, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.{{cite news|title=Who are Shehbaz Sharif and Khaqan Abbasi, PLM-N's replacements for Nawaz Sharif as Pakistan PM|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/story-PCWyz9kaTrFPpC6yVYAVoO.html|access-date=30 July 2017|work=Hindustan Times|last1=Kartikeya Ramanathan and Rezaul H Laskar|date=29 July 2017|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729145740/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/meet-shehbaz-sharif-and-khaqan-abbasi-pml-n-s-replacements-for-nawaz-sharif/story-PCWyz9kaTrFPpC6yVYAVoO.html|archive-date=29 July 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Al-awsat|first1=Asharq|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi … the 'Other Face' of Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif|url=https://english.aawsat.com/omar-farouk/features/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-face-pakistans-nawaz-sharif|access-date=12 August 2017|work=ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English|date=12 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812211757/https://english.aawsat.com/omar-farouk/features/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-face-pakistans-nawaz-sharif|archive-date=12 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=All you need to know about the next interim PM–Shahid Khaqan Abbasi|url=https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-next-interim-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi/|access-date=29 July 2017|publisher=Samaa TV|date=29 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731211109/https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-next-interim-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi/|archive-date=31 July 2017}} Following this, he began a career as an electrical engineer. In 1985, he attended George Washington University, where he gained a master's degree in Electrical Engineering.{{cite news|title=Profiles: Shahbaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348398/profiles-shahbaz-sharif-and-shahid-khaqan-abbasi|access-date=29 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=29 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729221133/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348398/profiles-shahbaz-sharif-and-shahid-khaqan-abbasi|archive-date=29 July 2017}}

After graduating from George Washington University, Abbasi became a professional electrical engineer. He worked in the United States during the 1980s before moving to Saudi Arabia,{{cite news |title=Profile of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi: Pakistan's interim prime minister |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/220079|access-date=30 July 2017 |work=The News |date=30 July 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730091753/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/220079-Profile-of-Shahid-Khaqan-Abbasi-Pakistans-interim-prime-minister |archive-date=30 July 2017 }} where he worked on energy projects in the oil and gas industry.

Abbasi's political career began after the death of his father Khaqan Abbasi in 1988.{{cite news|title=Cold Murree seems warming up to PML-N|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/281566|access-date=30 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=25 December 2007|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730201116/https://www.dawn.com/news/281566|archive-date=30 July 2017}} In May 1988, President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq sacked the government of his handpicked prime minister, Muhammad Khan Junejo, and prematurely dissolved the National Assembly.{{cite news|last1=Aziz|first1=Shaikh|title=A leaf from history: Junejo's government sacked|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1240769|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=21 February 2016|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814063006/https://www.dawn.com/news/1240769|archive-date=14 August 2017}} Consequently, new parliamentary elections were called for 16 November 1988.{{cite news|last1=Crossette|first1=Barbara|title=THE WORLD: Election Wednesday; After Zia, Pakistan Takes Well To Politics|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/13/weekinreview/the-world-election-wednesday-after-zia-pakistan-takes-well-to-politics.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=13 August 2017|work=The New York Times|date=13 November 1988|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117150020/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/13/weekinreview/the-world-election-wednesday-after-zia-pakistan-takes-well-to-politics.html?pagewanted=all|archive-date=17 November 2017}} Abbasi ran for the National Assembly seat from Constituency NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I),{{efn|name=by-election|NA-36 was later renamed NA-50.}} which had been held by his father until his death.{{cite book|last1=Shaikh|first1=Muhammad Ali|title=Benazir Bhutto : a political biography|date=2000|publisher=Oriental Books Publishing House|location=Karachi|isbn=9789698534004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ti5uAAAAMAAJ&q=Shahid+Khaqan+Abbasi|access-date=14 August 2017|language=en}} Abassi was elected with 47,295 votes as an independent candidate. He acquired Rawalpindi's National Assembly seat for the first time at the age of 30 by defeating both Raja Zafar ul Haq, a candidate of Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Raja Muhammad Anwar by a narrow margin. After winning the election he joined the IJI,{{cite news|title=Election activities pick up pace in Murree|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/798960|access-date=30 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=30 March 2013|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730150547/https://www.dawn.com/news/798960|archive-date=30 July 2017}} which was newly founded in September 1988 by then Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence to counter the PPP.{{cite news|last1=Nasir|first1=Abbas|title=Some Sharif memories|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1015335|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=1 June 2013|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813221951/https://www.dawn.com/news/1015335|archive-date=13 August 2017}} His tenure as a Member of the National Assembly terminated after the National Assembly was dissolved prematurely in August 1990 following the dismissal of the government of Benazir Bhutto by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.{{cite news|title=Editorial|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1069068|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=4 June 2006|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813225337/https://www.dawn.com/news/1069068/dawn-editorial-june-04-2006|archive-date=13 August 2017}}

New parliamentary elections were called for 24 October 1990.{{cite book|last1=Schottli|first1=Jivanta|last2=Mitra|first2=Subrata K.|last3=Wolf|first3=Siegried|title=A Political and Economic Dictionary of South Asia|date=2015|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781135355760|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7uIjCQAAQBAJ&q=elections+were+called+1990+pakistan&pg=PA295|access-date=13 August 2017|language=en}} Abbasi ran for a National Assembly seat as a candidate of IJI and was successfully re-elected from Constituency NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I). He received 80,305 votes against 54,011 votes for PPP candidate Raja Muhammad Anwar. Upon the victory of IJI in the 1990 national election,{{cite news|title=1990 polls were also rigged on polling day|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/626465|access-date=13 August 2017|work=The News|date=12 November 2012|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813221336/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/626465-1990-polls-were-also-rigged-on-polling-day|archive-date=13 August 2017}} he was made Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, a post he retained until the dissolution of the National Assembly in April 1993{{cite news|title=In pictures: The rise and fall of Nawaz Sharif|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348024|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=27 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813010912/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348024|archive-date=13 August 2017}} with the dismissal of the Nawaz Sharif government by then President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.{{cite news|title=Chronology of prime ministers|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/395173|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=27 June 2004|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814055716/https://www.dawn.com/news/395173|archive-date=14 August 2017}}

New snap elections were called for 6 October 1993. Abbasi ran for a National Assembly seat as a candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) and was re-elected for the third time from Constituency NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I). He secured 76,596 votes against the PPP candidate, retired Colonel Habib Khan, who received 45,173 votes. As a Member of the National Assembly, he performed his duties as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Defence. His tenure was terminated with the dissolution of the National Assembly in 1996 following the dismissal of the Benazir Bhutto government by President Farooq Leghari.

New parliamentary elections were called for 3 February 1997, and Abbasi successfully retained his National Assembly seat as a candidate of the PML-N from Constituency NA-36 (Rawalpindi-I) for the fourth time. He defeated Pakistan Muslim League (J) candidate Babar Awan and independent candidate Javed Iqbal Satti by securing 65,194 votes. PML-N won a clear majority in the National Assembly for the first time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/05/world/muslim-party-gets-huge-margin-in-pakistan-s-parliament.html |title=Muslim Party Gets Huge Margin in Pakistan's Parliament |access-date=13 November 2008 |date=5 February 1997 |work=The New York Times|first=John F. |last=Burns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029090326/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/05/world/muslim-party-gets-huge-margin-in-pakistan-s-parliament.html |archive-date=29 October 2016 }} That same year, he was appointed as the chairman of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.{{cite news|last1=Jamil|first1=Farah|title=26 member Cabinet to take oath today|url=http://aaj.tv/2013/06/26-member-cabinet-to-take-oath-today/|access-date=31 October 2016|publisher=Aaj News|date=7 June 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121082201/http://aaj.tv/2013/06/26-member-cabinet-to-take-oath-today/|archive-date=21 January 2017}}{{cite news|title=Former PIA chairman acquitted|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/939440|access-date=30 October 2016|work=DAWN|date=14 September 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030141700/http://www.dawn.com/news/939440|archive-date=30 October 2016}}{{cite news|title=Airline industry on the move|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/358483|access-date=10 October 2016|work=Dawn|date=10 May 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011142120/http://www.dawn.com/news/358483|archive-date=11 October 2016}} During his two years in this office, he is credited with implementing long-term and comprehensive reforms and getting the airline out of debt.{{cite news|title={{Nq|شاہد خاقان عباسی ن لیگ کے سینئر ر ہنما، 6 مرتبہ رکن قومی اسمبلی منتخب ہوئے}}|url=https://jang.com.pk/print/354035-todays-print|access-date=7 December 2017|work=The Daily Jang|date=30 July 2017|language=ur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192504/https://jang.com.pk/print/354035-todays-print|archive-date=7 December 2017}} His tenure as the Chairman of PIA was terminated following the 1999 Pakistani coup d'état, during which then-Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Musharraf overthrew Sharif and his existing elected government.{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1018772|title=MNA, MPA from Murree land key ministries|date=17 June 2013|work=DAWN|access-date=10 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011142117/http://www.dawn.com/news/1018772|archive-date=11 October 2016}} Abbasi's tenure as a Member of the National Assembly was also terminated with the dissolution of the assembly.{{cite news|last1=Weiner|first1=Tim|last2=Levine|first2=Steve|title=PAKISTANI GENERAL FORMS NEW PANEL TO GOVERN NATION|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/18/world/pakistani-general-forms-new-panel-to-govern-nation.html?ref=pervezmusharraf|access-date=12 August 2017|work=The New York Times|date=18 October 1999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812174714/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/18/world/pakistani-general-forms-new-panel-to-govern-nation.html?ref=pervezmusharraf|archive-date=12 August 2017}} Abbasi, along with Sharif, was named in the infamous plane hijacking case.{{cite news|title=Nisar to coordinate coalition affairs|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/103470|access-date=31 July 2017|work=The News|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801002903/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/103470-Can-Kamal-Qaimkhani-help-Scotland-Yard-probe|archive-date=1 August 2017}} Charges were levelled against him for denying the landing of Musharraf's PIA plane at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on its way back from Sri Lanka on 12 October 1999,{{cite book|last1=Baxter|first1=Craig| author-link = Craig Baxter|title=Pakistan on the Brink: Politics, Economics, and Society|date=2004|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=9780739104989|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CFNtVqYqAwEC&pg=PA56|access-date=13 August 2017|language=en}} and he was held responsible for conspiring with Sharif to kill Musharraf.{{cite news|last1=Zulfikar|first1=Celia W. Dugger With Raja|title=PAKISTAN MILITARY COMPLETES SEIZURE OF ALL AUTHORITY|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/15/world/pakistan-military-completes-seizure-of-all-authority.html?ref=pervezmusharraf|access-date=12 August 2017|work=The New York Times|date=15 October 1999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812174346/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/15/world/pakistan-military-completes-seizure-of-all-authority.html?ref=pervezmusharraf|archive-date=12 August 2017}} He was forced to provide a testimonial statement against Sharif for the hijacking case, but he refused to release the statement.{{cite news|last1=Masood|first1=Salman|last2=Goldman|first2=Russell|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi: What You Need to Know About Pakistan's New Prime Minister|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/world/asia/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-pakistan-prime-minister.html?smid=tw-share|access-date=1 August 2017|work=The New York Times|date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801205506/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/world/asia/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-pakistan-prime-minister.html?smid=tw-share|archive-date=1 August 2017}}{{cite book|editor-last=Alam|editor-first=Aftab|title=Pakistan's fourth military coup|date=2001|publisher=Raj|location=Delhi|isbn=978-8186208151}} He was also pressured by the Pakistan Army to switch allegiance from Sharif, but he refused. He remained in jail for two years before his acquittal by the court in 2001. By then, Sharif had gone into exile in Saudi Arabia.{{cite news|title=Sharif-Musharraf exile agreement sought|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1188514|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=16 June 2015|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814060218/https://www.dawn.com/news/1188514|archive-date=14 August 2017}} In a 2008 interview, Abbasi claimed that Musharraf himself took control of the plane in 1999.{{cite news|title=Musharraf's pilot wiped out record|url=http://nation.com.pk/politics/12-Oct-2008/musharrafs-pilot-wiped-out-record|access-date=31 July 2017|work=The Nation|last=Azaz Syed|date=12 October 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731233536/http://nation.com.pk/politics/12-Oct-2008/musharrafs-pilot-wiped-out-record|archive-date=31 July 2017}} As chairman of PIA, he was accused of {{PKR}}11 million in corruption in the purchase of 200 computers for the airline, however he was acquitted of this in 2008.

General elections were held on 10 October 2002 under Musharraf.{{cite news|title=2002 polls were also rigged by a COAS|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/625989|work=The News|date=21 October 2012|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814223902/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/625989-2002-polls-were-also-rigged-by-a-coas|archive-date=14 August 2017}} Abbasi was the PML-N candidate for the Constituency NA-50 (Rawalpindi) seat, but lost to PPP candidate Ghulam Murtaza Satti{{cite news|last1=Abbasi|first1=Abid Fazil|title=Tough contest for Shahid Khaqan in NA-50|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1026202|access-date=29 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=4 May 2013|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729180535/https://www.dawn.com/news/1026202|archive-date=29 July 2017}} with 63,797 votes (37.21%) to 74,259 (43.31%).{{cite news|last1=Asghar|first1=Raja|title=It is a battle of survival and revival in Rawalpindi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/289592|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=16 February 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814020820/https://www.dawn.com/news/289592|archive-date=14 August 2017}} Abbasi indicated that the exile of Sharif disappointed the people, due to which PML-N only won 19 out of 342 seats in the National Assembly.{{cite news|title=PML-Q has a great fall!|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/431178|work=The News|date=19 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806020413/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/431178-pml-q-has-a-great-fall%21|archive-date=6 August 2017|access-date=10 December 2017}} People from his constituency claim he contested the election unwillingly, explaining why he lost it.{{cite news|author=(( {{Nq|آصف فاروقی}} ))|title={{Nq|شاہد خاقان عباسی دھیمے مزاج اور صلح جُو طبیعت کے مالک}}|url=http://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-40766314|access-date=20 August 2017|publisher=BBC Urdu|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821012908/http://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-40766314|archive-date=21 August 2017|language=ur}} After his defeat, he distanced himself from politics to focus on Airblue Limited, which he founded in 2003. He served as its first chairman until 2007{{cite news|title=Why did ED202 pilot stray to the hills?|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/853571|access-date=10 October 2016|work=Dawn|date=29 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011142112/http://www.dawn.com/news/853571|archive-date=11 October 2016}} and then went on to become its chief operating officer.{{cite news|title=Airblue shows profit|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/224086|access-date=17 October 2016|work=Dawn|date=20 December 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018222932/http://www.dawn.com/news/224086|archive-date=18 October 2016}}

After Sharif's return to Pakistan from exile in 2007,{{cite news|title=Nawaz Sharif feared arrest after deportation in '07|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/630373|access-date=20 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=20 May 2011|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821043246/https://www.dawn.com/news/630373|archive-date=21 August 2017}} Abbasi joined him and ran for a seat in the National Assembly in the 18 February 2008 general election as a candidate of the PML-N, and was successfully re-elected for the fifth time with 99,987 votes from Constituency NA-50 (Rawalpindi){{cite news|last1=Raza|first1=Syed Irfan|title=PML-N sweeps in Pindi, Islamabad|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/290154|access-date=30 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=20 February 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730151154/https://www.dawn.com/news/290154|archive-date=30 July 2017}} by defeating PPP candidate Ghulam Murtaza Satti who secured 77,978 votes. The election resulted in a hung parliament where PPP had secured the most seats in the National Assembly and PML-N the second most.{{cite news|title=PPP, PML-N in sight of magical number|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/290178|access-date=13 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=20 February 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814060405/https://www.dawn.com/news/290178|archive-date=14 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=The winner has to share|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/550997|access-date=5 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=4 August 2010|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805220957/https://www.dawn.com/news/550997|archive-date=5 August 2017}} After the formation of a coalition government between PPP and PML-N with Yousaf Raza Gillani as prime minister,{{cite news|title=Zardari, Nawaz agree to form coalition|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/290486|access-date=30 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=22 February 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730151146/https://www.dawn.com/news/290486|archive-date=30 July 2017}} Abbasi was inducted into the federal cabinet of Gillani with the status of a federal minister in March 2008 and was appointed as the Minister for Commerce.{{cite news|title=Gilani to sit on resignations till Asif's return: Decision final: Nisar|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/302713|access-date=30 October 2016|work=DAWN|date=14 May 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029173857/http://www.dawn.com/news/302713|archive-date=29 October 2016}} However, he resigned as Minister for Commerce after the PML-N left the PPP-led coalition government in May 2008{{cite news|title=President accepts 'N' resignations|url=http://nation.com.pk/politics/14-Sep-2008/president-accepts-n-resignations|access-date=15 August 2017|work=The Nation|date=14 September 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821004346/http://nation.com.pk/politics/14-Sep-2008/president-accepts-n-resignations|archive-date=21 August 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|title=PML-N walks out after hitting brick wall: Judges issue splits coalition; ministers to quit federal cabinet today|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/302567|access-date=30 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=13 May 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730150456/https://www.dawn.com/news/302567|archive-date=30 July 2017}} to lead the movement to impeach Pervez Musharraf and to restore the judiciary{{cite news|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|title=Nawaz pulls out of coalition: Justice Saeeduz Zaman is PML-N candidate for president's post|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/318352|access-date=14 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=26 August 2008|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814100021/https://www.dawn.com/news/318352|archive-date=14 August 2017}} after the coalition failed to restore the judiciary, as agreed between PML-N and PPP in the Bhurban Accord.{{cite news|last1=Zeeshan Haider|title=Pakistan coalition fails to break judges deadlock|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-judges/pakistan-coalition-fails-to-break-judges-deadlock-idUSISL10441020080509|access-date=29 November 2017|publisher=Reuters|date=10 May 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030658/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-judges/pakistan-coalition-fails-to-break-judges-deadlock-idUSISL10441020080509|archive-date=1 December 2017}} Abbasi was reported to have held the cabinet portfolio of Defence Production during his short-lived tenure as Commerce Minister,{{cite web|title=Profile: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi|url=http://pmo.gov.pk/pm_profile.php|website=pmo.gov.pk|publisher=Prime Minister's Office|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106124700/http://pmo.gov.pk/pm_profile.php|archive-date=6 January 2018}}{{cite news|title=Meet the new prime minister|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348954|access-date=6 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=1 August 2017}} a claim later proved to be untrue.{{cite news|title=Error on PM's website|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/174787|access-date=6 January 2018|work=Daily Times|date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106124329/https://dailytimes.com.pk/174787/error-pms-website/|archive-date=6 January 2018}}

After the completion of a five-year PPP government, an election was scheduled for 11 May 2013.{{cite news|title=Pakistan, Iran break ground on pipeline project|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/791865|access-date=15 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=11 March 2013|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825221007/https://www.dawn.com/news/791865|archive-date=25 August 2017}} Abbasi ran for a seat in the National Assembly as a candidate of the PML-N and successfully retained his seat from Constituency NA-50 (Rawalpindi) for the sixth time{{cite news|title=Elections 2013: PML-N triumphs in Murree's NA-50 and PP-1|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/548411/e|access-date=5 January 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=13 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030140630/http://tribune.com.pk/story/548411/elections-2013-pml-n-triumphs-in-murrees-na-50-and-pp-1/|archive-date=30 October 2016}} with 134,439 votes{{cite news|last1=Mubashir Hassan|title=Cantonment polls a test case for PML-N ministers|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/20-Apr-2015/cantonment-polls-a-test-case-for-pml-n-ministers|access-date=27 August 2017|work=The Nation|date=20 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827130229/http://nation.com.pk/national/20-Apr-2015/cantonment-polls-a-test-case-for-pml-n-ministers|archive-date=27 August 2017}} by defeating PPP candidate Ghulam Murtaza Satti. The Express Tribune noted PML-N won the seat despite unsatisfactory performance in the constituency as Nisar Ali Khan had moved development projects allotted for Abbasi's constituency to his own constituency. Upon the victory of PML-N in the 2013 national election, he was inducted into the federal cabinet as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources{{cite news|title=25-member cabinet takes oath|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/06/08/national/25-member-cabinet-takes-oath/|work=Pakistan Today|last=Tayyab Hussain|access-date=29 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042724/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/06/08/national/25-member-cabinet-takes-oath/|archive-date=4 March 2016}} and was given the task of ending the Pakistan's electricity crisis. As Minister for Petroleum, he proposed to ban the usage of oil and coal-powered energy generation plants terming them expensive,{{cite news|title=As Abbasi becomes premier, govt may promote RLNG power plants|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1477814/a|access-date=29 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=10 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229234954/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1477814/abbasi-becomes-premier-govt-may-promote-rlng-power-plants/|archive-date=29 December 2017}} and instead advocated and pushed for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered electricity production{{cite news|last1=Syed Raza|first1=Hassan|last2=Drazen|first2=Jorgic|title=Pakistan PM says first LNG cargo for new import terminal due on Nov. 2|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/pakistan-power-lng/pakistan-pm-says-first-lng-cargo-for-new-import-terminal-due-on-nov-24-idINKBN1DK18P|access-date=29 December 2017|work=Reuters|date=20 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230114525/https://www.reuters.com/article/pakistan-power-lng/pakistan-pm-says-first-lng-cargo-for-new-import-terminal-due-on-nov-24-idINKBN1DK18P|archive-date=30 December 2017}} saying that LNG was more cheaper and would save the government billions of dollars. He claimed the government could save US$1 billion annually if 1,800MW of diesel-powered energy plants in the country were run on LNG and furnace-oil based plants would save US$600 million.{{cite news|title=Corrupt politicians questioning LNG imports, says minister|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1207684|access-date=5 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=18 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106051310/http://www.dawn.com/news/1207684|archive-date=6 January 2016}} In February 2016, Abbasi in his capacity as Minister for Petroleum signed US$16 billion agreement with QatarEnergy LNG for purchasing 3.75 million metric tons of LNG annually for a period of 15 years,{{cite news|last1=Haider|first1=Irfan|title=Pakistan, Qatar sign $1 billion annual LNG supply deal|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1238619|work=DAWN|date=10 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103200400/https://www.dawn.com/news/1238619|archive-date=3 January 2018}} to generate 2,000 MW of electricity and to meet 20% gas requirements of Pakistan where demand for natural gas was 8,000 MMFCD against a supply of 4,000 MMFCD. The deal which made to overcome the country's swelling power crisis{{cite news|last1=Malik|first1=Muhammad Ashraf|title=LNG deal: A welcome development|url=https://nation.com.pk/26-Feb-2016/lng-deal-a-welcome-development|access-date=3 January 2018|work=The Nation|date=26 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105093350/https://nation.com.pk/26-Feb-2016/lng-deal-a-welcome-development|archive-date=5 January 2018}} was referred to as Pakistan's biggest commercial transaction ever.{{cite news|title=Pakistan signs landmark 15-year LNG supply deal with Qatar|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/pakistan-qatar-lng/pakistan-signs-landmark-15-year-lng-supply-deal-with-qatar-idINKCN0VJ1YS|access-date=3 January 2018|work=Reuters|date=10 February 2016|language=en-IN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105093351/https://in.reuters.com/article/pakistan-qatar-lng/pakistan-signs-landmark-15-year-lng-supply-deal-with-qatar-idINKCN0VJ1YS|archive-date=5 January 2018}} After the LNG contract received criticism from the opposition parties over price issue and for being non-transparent, Abbasi defended the agreement with Qatar saying Pakistan has negotiated cheapest price with Qatar.{{cite news|title=PPP, PTI may grill govt on LNG deal in CCI meeting|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/101727|access-date=5 January 2018|work=The News|date=29 February 2016|language=en}} He said the contract which took 14 months of negotiation with the government of Qatar was made under his supervision and he is responsible for it.{{cite news|title='Blocked contents' of Pak-Qatar LNG contract to be shared with Senate: PM Abbasi|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/239846|access-date=3 January 2018|work=The News|date=26 October 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103233058/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/239846-Blocked-contents-of-Pak-Qatar-LNG-contract-to-be-shared-with-Senate-PM-Abbasi|archive-date=3 November 2017}}

In July 2015, Abbasi was accused of issuing illegal contracts worth {{PKR}}220 billion between the period of 2013 and 2015 for the import and distribution of LNG without a proper bidding process, after which the National Accountability Bureau registered a case and began an investigation.{{cite news|last1=Naimat|first1=Khan|title=Proposed Interim PM accused in Billion dollars LNG Scam|url=http://thefrontierpost.com/proposed-interim-pm-accused-billion-dollars-lng-scam/|access-date=4 January 2018|work=The Frontier Post|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902180633/http://thefrontierpost.com/proposed-interim-pm-accused-billion-dollars-lng-scam/|archive-date=2 September 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Zafar|first1=Bhutta|title=LNG scandal: Attempt to discredit Abbasi?|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1471127/l|access-date=14 August 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815023407/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1471127/lng-scandal-attempt-discredit-abbasi/|archive-date=15 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Khaqan Abbasi faces NAB inquiry over LNG contract|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348737|access-date=31 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=31 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731065121/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348737|archive-date=31 July 2017}} He denied the corruption allegations.{{cite news|title=Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi denies corruption in 2013 LNG project|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistan-prime-minister-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-denies-corruption-in-2013-lng-project-3886431.html|access-date=2 August 2017|website=Firstpost.com|date=2 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802210934/http://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistan-prime-minister-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-denies-corruption-in-2013-lng-project-3886431.html|archive-date=2 August 2017}} The case was closed in December 2016{{cite news|title=NAB probe against Shahid Khaqan Abbasi closed in December|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349069|access-date=14 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=2 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814220455/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349069|archive-date=14 August 2017}} after it was found that all rules were followed during procurement and the bidding process to award the contract was transparent. The Express Tribune described the LNG project as successful and one of the cheapest regasifications in the world. Abbasi ceased to hold the ministerial office of Petroleum and Natural Resources on 28 July 2017 when the cabinet of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was disbanded following his disqualification by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the Panama Papers case decision.{{cite news|title=PM Nawaz Sharif steps down; federal cabinet stands dissolved|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pm-nawaz-gives-up-his-post-federal-cabinet-stands-dissolved/|access-date=28 July 2017|last=Sarfraz Ali|work=Daily Pakistan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728114411/https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pm-nawaz-gives-up-his-post-federal-cabinet-stands-dissolved/|archive-date=28 July 2017}}{{cite news|title=Pakistan's ruling party to appoint Sharif loyalist Abbasi as interim PM: sources|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSKBN1AE0GK|access-date=29 July 2017|last=Drazen Jorgic|publisher=Reuters|date=29 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729165948/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSKBN1AE0GK|archive-date=29 July 2017}} To minimise the shortage of gas, and to overcome the persistent power crises in the country, Abbasi's proposal to bring the LNG to Pakistan as a source of power generation was lauded and praised.{{cite news|title=How PM Abbasi can rid Pakistan of load-shedding|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1515400/p|access-date=19 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=25 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052355/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1515400/pm-abbasi-can-rid-pakistan-load-shedding/|archive-date=22 December 2017}}{{cite news|title=Another feather in Abbasi's cap|url=http://pakobserver.net/another-feather-abbasis-cap/|access-date=29 August 2017|work=Pakistan Observer|date=29 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829062046/http://pakobserver.net/another-feather-abbasis-cap/|archive-date=29 August 2017}} According to BBC Urdu, Abbasi had not become a part of any major political or financial controversy throughout his time in a ministerial office which is considered a high-profile cabinet slot.

{{see also|Abbasi ministry}}

Nawaz Sharif resigned as prime minister on 29 July 2017 and nominated his brother Shehbaz Sharif as his successor, but as Shehbaz was not a member of the National Assembly, he could not be immediately sworn in as prime minister.{{cite news|last1=Jamal|first1=Sana|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appointed as interim PM of Pakistan|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-appointed-as-interim-pm-of-pakistan-1.2066083|access-date=31 July 2017|work=Gulf News|date=29 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214358/http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-appointed-as-interim-pm-of-pakistan-1.2066083|archive-date=29 July 2017}} Therefore, Abbasi was chosen by Sharif as a temporary prime minister for 45 days,{{cite news|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi made interim PM of Pakistan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-made-interim-pm-of-pakistan/article19385180.ece|access-date=29 July 2017|work=The Hindu|date=29 July 2017|last=Mubashir Zaidi|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825221007/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-made-interim-pm-of-pakistan/article19385180.ece|archive-date=25 August 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/nawaz-sharif-panama-papers-pakistan-prime-minister-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-shahbaz-sharif-4772854/|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to be nominated as interim Pakistan PM, say reports|date=29 July 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=29 July 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729132921/http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/nawaz-sharif-panama-papers-pakistan-prime-minister-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-shahbaz-sharif-4772854/|archive-date=29 July 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Bilal|first1=Muhammad|title=Shahbaz tapped as successor to Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim PM|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348391|access-date=29 July 2017|work=DAWN|date=29 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729135022/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348391|archive-date=29 July 2017}} which would allow two months time for Shehbaz to contest elections from Nawaz's vacated constituency in Lahore, be elected to the National Assembly, and become eligible to be prime minister.{{cite news|title=Pakistan set to elect new prime minister Tuesday|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSKBN1AF0EB|access-date=13 August 2017|publisher=Reuters|last=Drazen Jorgic and Asif Shahzad|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813235141/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSKBN1AF0EB|archive-date=13 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=The baton in Pakistan passes from Nawaz Sharif to Shahbaz|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/the-baton-in-pakistan-passes-from-nawaz-sharif-to-shahbaz-4774667/|access-date=31 July 2017|work=The Indian Express|last=Hamid Mir|date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151317/http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/the-baton-in-pakistan-passes-from-nawaz-sharif-to-shahbaz-4774667/|archive-date=31 July 2017}} BBC News noted that Abbasi was selected as the Prime Minister for two reasons. The first for being the least controversial among the PML-N leaders, and the second for having links with the Military of Pakistan.{{cite news|title=Pakistan replaces ousted PM Sharif|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40788070|access-date=25 January 2018|work=BBC News|date=1 August 2017}}

On 1 August 2017, Abbasi was elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan by the National Assembly, defeating his rival Naveed Qamar of the PPP by 221 votes to 47.{{cite news|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi takes oath as 18th prime minister of Pakistan|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/220545|access-date=28 May 2018|work=The News|date=1 August 2017|language=en}}{{cite news|last1=Chaudhry|first1=Fahad|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi sworn in as prime minister of Pakistan|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348953|access-date=14 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=1 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814100410/https://www.dawn.com/news/1348953|archive-date=14 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi elected as interim PM|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/01/shahid-khaqan-abbassi-elected-as-interim-pm/|work=Pakistan Today|access-date=1 August 2017|date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801210210/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/01/shahid-khaqan-abbassi-elected-as-interim-pm/|archive-date=1 August 2017}} Jamiat Ulema-e Islam (F){{cite news|title=JUI-F backs Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for PM seat|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1470830/j|access-date=14 August 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=31 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814135730/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1470830/jui-f-backs-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-pm-seat/|archive-date=14 August 2017}} and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement also supported his election. Addressing the National Assembly after his election, he said, "I may be here for 45 days or 45 hours, but I'm not here to keep the seat warm. I intend to work and get some important things done."{{cite news|title=Pakistan lawmakers elect new prime minister — who's likely to step aside in 45 days|url=http://www.latimes.com/world/afghanistan-pakistan/la-fg-pakistan-prime-minister-elected-2017-story.html|access-date=5 August 2017|last=Aoun Sahi|work=Los Angeles Times|date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805144848/http://www.latimes.com/world/afghanistan-pakistan/la-fg-pakistan-prime-minister-elected-2017-story.html|archive-date=5 August 2017}} On that same day, he was sworn in as the Prime Minister in an oath-taking ceremony at the Presidency Palace.{{cite news|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi sworn in as 18th prime minister|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/151972|access-date=1 August 2017|date=1 August 2017|publisher=Geo News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801185843/https://www.geo.tv/latest/151972-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-takes-oath-as-18th-prime-minister|archive-date=1 August 2017}} After he took charge, Nawaz Sharif decided that Shehbaz Sharif would remain in Punjab and Abbasi would continue as prime minister until the June 2018 general election.{{cite news|title=Shahbaz to remain in Punjab, Abbasi to serve as PM till 2018|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/07-Aug-2017/shahbaz-to-remain-in-punjab-abbasi-to-serve-as-pm-till-2018|access-date=7 August 2017|work=The Nation|date=7 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807172458/http://nation.com.pk/national/07-Aug-2017/shahbaz-to-remain-in-punjab-abbasi-to-serve-as-pm-till-2018|archive-date=7 August 2017}} According to Rana Sanaullah Khan, PML-N senior leadership feared that if Shahbaz Sharif left the post of Chief Ministership of Punjab it would weaken the party's hold in the country's most populous province,{{cite news|title=Demand for keeping Shehbaz in Punjab getting stronger|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/04-Aug-2017/demand-for-keeping-shehbaz-in-punjab-getting-stronger|access-date=5 August 2017|date=4 August 2017|last=Sajid Zia|work=The Nation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804141045/http://nation.com.pk/national/04-Aug-2017/demand-for-keeping-shehbaz-in-punjab-getting-stronger|archive-date=4 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Sana opposes Shahbaz's elevation to Centre|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349073|access-date=5 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=2 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805181917/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349073|archive-date=5 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Shahbaz Sharif likely to stay in Punjab|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/221228|access-date=5 August 2017|work=The News|last=Tariq Butt|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805180800/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/221228-Shahbaz-Sharif-likely-to-stay-in-Punjab|archive-date=5 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Pakistan's new PM forms cabinet with an eye to 2018 poll|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/pakistan-s-new-pm-forms-cabinet-with-an-eye-to-2018-poll-1.2068928|access-date=5 August 2017|work=Gulf News|date=4 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804163326/http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/pakistan-s-new-pm-forms-cabinet-with-an-eye-to-2018-poll-1.2068928|archive-date=4 August 2017}} which has 183 out of the 342 seats in the National Assembly{{cite news|title=The empire strikes back|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-empire-strikes-back/article19403689.ece|last=Rakesh Sood|access-date=5 August 2017|date=2 August 2017|work=The Hindu|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825221007/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-empire-strikes-back/article19403689.ece|archive-date=25 August 2017}} and plays a crucial role in determining the successive government in Pakistan.{{cite news|last1=Akbar|first1=Malik Siraj|title=Why Could Pakistan Punish Sharif But Not Musharraf?|url=https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_597cf165e4b0c69ef70528b4|access-date=5 August 2017|work=HuffPost|date=29 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825221008/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/why-pakistan-could-punish-sharif-but-not-musharraf_us_597cf165e4b0c69ef70528b4|archive-date=25 August 2017}}

File:Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Islamabad, Pakistan - 2017 (37852998846).jpg]]

After assuming the office as the Prime Minister, Abbasi, in consultation with Sharif, formed a 43-member cabinet.{{cite news|title=PM Khaqan Abbasi's 43-member cabinet takes oath today|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/04/43-member-cabinet-sworn-in-six-more-to-take-oath/|access-date=4 August 2017|last=Mian Abrar|work=Pakistan Today|date=4 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805022709/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/04/43-member-cabinet-sworn-in-six-more-to-take-oath/|archive-date=5 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=New cabinet takes oath: Khawaja Asif foreign minister, Ahsan Iqbal interior minister|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349562|access-date=4 August 2017|last=Sanaullah Khan|work=DAWN|date=4 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804113543/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349562|archive-date=4 August 2017}} Of the 43 ministers sworn in on 4 August 2017, 27 were federal ministers and 16 were ministers of state.{{cite news|last1=Raza|first1=Syed Irfan|title=PM Abbasi's bloated cabinet sworn in|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349710|access-date=11 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=5 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811183402/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349710|archive-date=11 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Pakistan's new PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi forms cabinet with an eye to 2018 poll|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/pakistans-new-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-forms-cabinet-with-an-eye-to-2018-poll-4782016/|access-date=4 August 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=4 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804180717/http://indianexpress.com/article/world/pakistans-new-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-forms-cabinet-with-an-eye-to-2018-poll-4782016/|archive-date=4 August 2017}} Except Nisar Ali Khan, Abbasi retained the entire cabinet of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif, most of whom retained their previous portfolios.{{cite news|title=PM Abbasi shows his faith in institutional decision making|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/226463|access-date=26 December 2017|work=The News|date=28 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226235614/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/226463-PM-Abbasi-shows-his-faith-in-institutional-decision-making|archive-date=26 December 2017}}{{cite news|editor=Ashfaq Ahmed |title=Sharif must prepare party for next polls|url=http://gulfnews.com/opinion/thinkers/sharif-must-prepare-party-for-next-polls-1.2070357|access-date=8 August 2017|work=Gulf News|date=7 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808080334/http://gulfnews.com/opinion/thinkers/sharif-must-prepare-party-for-next-polls-1.2070357|archive-date=8 August 2017}} Nisar Ali Khan who was Minister for Interior in the previous cabinet refused to join the cabinet of Abbasi,{{cite news|title=Ch Nisar not to join Khaqan Cabinet, appointment of FM urged|url=http://pakobserver.net/ch-nisar-not-join-khaqan-cabinet-appointment-fm-urged/|access-date=21 December 2017|work=Pakistan Observer|date=31 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731044039/http://pakobserver.net/ch-nisar-not-join-khaqan-cabinet-appointment-fm-urged/|archive-date=31 July 2017}} citing differences with the leaders of PML-N.{{cite news|title=Rifts within PML-N: Nisar goes public today|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/224775|access-date=21 December 2017|work=The News|date=20 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053133/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/224775-Rifts-within-PML-N-Nisar-goes-public-today|archive-date=22 December 2017}} The cabinet was criticised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for its large size,{{cite news|last1=Malik|first1=Mansoor|title=43-strong cabinet exposes PML-N fissures: PTI|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349677|access-date=5 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=5 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805041344/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349677|archive-date=5 August 2017}} but it was praised by The Nation.{{cite news|title=A Confident New Cabinet|url=http://nation.com.pk/editorials/05-Aug-2017/a-confident-new-cabinet|access-date=15 August 2017|work=The Nation|date=5 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815232752/http://nation.com.pk/editorials/05-Aug-2017/a-confident-new-cabinet|archive-date=15 August 2017}} Reuters said that the cabinet "appears aimed at bolstering support" ahead of the general election.{{cite news|title=Pakistan's new PM forms cabinet with an eye to 2018 poll|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSKBN1AK09A|access-date=6 August 2017|publisher=Reuters|last=Drazen Jorgic|date=4 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806053632/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSKBN1AK09A|archive-date=6 August 2017}} The second part of his cabinet, consisting of two federal ministers and two ministers of state, was sworn in on 10 August 2017,{{cite news|title=Four new ministers take oath at President House|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1350766|access-date=10 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=10 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810170851/https://www.dawn.com/news/1350766|archive-date=10 August 2017}} increasing the size of the cabinet to 47.{{cite news|title=Four more inducted into federal cabinet|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1350898|access-date=11 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=11 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811144002/https://www.dawn.com/news/1350898|archive-date=11 August 2017}} On 13 August 2017, the cabinet was further expanded after Abbasi appointed six advisers.{{cite news|title=Five advisers appointed|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1351459|access-date=14 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=14 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814174152/https://www.dawn.com/news/1351459|archive-date=14 August 2017}} On the following day, five special assistants to the Prime Minister were appointed,{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Sanaullah|title=PM Abbasi appoints five new special assistants|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1351713|access-date=15 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=15 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816000236/https://www.dawn.com/news/1351713|archive-date=16 August 2017}} thus increasing the cabinet size to 58.{{cite news|last1=Raza|first1=Syed Irfan|title=Abbasi inducts five special assistants into cabinet|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1351863|access-date=16 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=16 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816152142/https://www.dawn.com/news/1351863|archive-date=16 August 2017}} Abbasi justified the large size of his cabinet by saying that "he had limited experience of running the affairs of the government, and therefore required more ministers, advisers and special assistants." Two more advisors were added to the federal cabinet on 23 August 2017.{{cite news|title=Number of PM's advisers mounts to 7|url=https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/08/number-pms-advisers-mounts-7/|access-date=23 August 2017|publisher=Samaa TV|date=23 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823115050/https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/08/number-pms-advisers-mounts-7/|archive-date=23 August 2017}}

Abbasi appointed Khawaja Muhammad Asif as a full-time Minister for Foreign Affairs, the first since PML-N came into power in the 2013 general election.{{cite news|title=A full-time foreign minister finally|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1474377/f|access-date=5 August 2017|last=Kamran Yousaf|work=The Express Tribune|date=5 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805061400/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1474377/full-time-foreign-minister-finally/|archive-date=5 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Who is Khawaja Asif? Meet Pakistan's first foreign minister since 2013|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/who-is-khawaja-asif-pakistans-first-foreign-minister-since-2013/795139/|access-date=5 August 2017|work=The Financial Express|date=5 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805141921/http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/who-is-khawaja-asif-pakistans-first-foreign-minister-since-2013/795139/|archive-date=5 August 2017}} The appointment of a full-time Foreign Affair's Minister was welcomed.{{cite news|title=Foreign policy: Tumultuous and eventful 2017|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1597522/1|access-date=1 January 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=1 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101144223/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1597522/1-foreign-policy-tumultuous-eventful-2017/|archive-date=1 January 2018}}{{cite news|title=Ministerial musical chairs|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/05/ministerial-musical-chairs/|work=Pakistan Today|access-date=15 August 2017|date=5 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815185110/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/05/ministerial-musical-chairs/|archive-date=15 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Pakistan's new cabinet|url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/05-Aug-17/pakistans-new-cabinet|access-date=15 August 2017|work=Daily Times|date=5 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825221007/http://dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/05-Aug-17/pakistans-new-cabinet|archive-date=25 August 2017}} Previously, Nawaz Sharif had held the portfolio of the Minister for Foreign Affairs himself and was criticised for not appointing a full-fledged Foreign Minister.{{cite news|title=Duo to run foreign ministry again|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/05-Aug-2017/duo-to-run-foreign-ministry-again|last=Shafqat Ali|date=5 August 2017|access-date=5 August 2017|work=The Nation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805040346/http://nation.com.pk/national/05-Aug-2017/duo-to-run-foreign-ministry-again|archive-date=5 August 2017}} He also inducted a Hindu parliamentarian, Darshan Punshi, into the federal cabinet, the first in more than 20 years.{{cite news|title=First Hindu appointed in Pakistan government in 20 years|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-hindu-cabinet-government-darshan-lal-muslim-league-prime-minister-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-a7878101.html|last=Jeff Farrell|access-date=6 August 2017|work=The Independent|date=5 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806053621/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-hindu-cabinet-government-darshan-lal-muslim-league-prime-minister-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-a7878101.html|archive-date=6 August 2017}}

In December 2017, Abbasi appointed the Faisalabad MNA and Parliamentary Finance, Revenue and Privatization Secretary Rana Afzal Khan as the State Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, a position left vacant by Ishaq Dar.

In his first speech as prime minister, Abbasi announced that security, tax reform, agriculture, education, health services, infrastructure and development projects, and the country's power crisis would be his top concerns. He vowed to continue the policies of his predecessor, Nawaz Sharif, calling him the "people's prime minister" from the floor of the National Assembly.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349078|title=Abbasi spells out plans to fight poverty, widen tax net|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|date=2 August 2017|work=DAWN|access-date=19 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221653/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349078/abbasi-spells-out-plans-to-fight-poverty-widen-tax-net|archive-date=5 August 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaleeq|title=New PM's quest for wider tax base|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1350125|access-date=26 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=7 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227121847/https://www.dawn.com/news/1350125/new-pms-quest-for-wider-tax-base|archive-date=27 December 2017}}{{cite news|title=Pakistan elects Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister|date=1 August 2017|url=http://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-elects-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-as-interim-prime-minister/a-39916323|access-date=19 December 2017|work=Deutsche Welle|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053421/http://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-elects-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-as-interim-prime-minister/a-39916323|archive-date=22 December 2017}} In his maiden speech, Abbasi specifically promised to widen the tax net, saying "Those who do not pay taxes and live a luxurious life will have to pay taxes now." He also called for banning automatic firearms across the country and said the federal government would seize all automatic firearms if his cabinet was to approve.

To improve the governance{{cite news|title=PM acts to improve economic governance|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1478781/p|last=Dr. Pervez Tahir|access-date=11 August 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=11 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811223905/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1478781/pm-acts-improve-economic-governance/|archive-date=11 August 2017}} and efficiency of the government and to accommodate newly inducted cabinet members,{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Mubarak Zeb|title=New ministries, divisions created for speedy implementation of economic policies|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349605|access-date=5 August 2017|work=DAWN|date=5 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805040815/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349605|archive-date=5 August 2017}} Abbasi created seven new ministries.{{cite news|title=PM constitutes seven new ministries|url=http://nation.com.pk/multan/05-Aug-2017/pm-constitutes-seven-new-ministries|date=5 August 2017|access-date=6 August 2017|work=The Nation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805190820/http://nation.com.pk/multan/05-Aug-2017/pm-constitutes-seven-new-ministries|archive-date=5 August 2017}} Amongst which the establishment of the long-awaited{{cite news|title=Formation of new power ministry|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349841|access-date=21 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=6 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222073733/https://www.dawn.com/news/1349841|archive-date=22 December 2017}} Ministry of Energy was praised.{{cite news|last1=Fawad|first1=Yousafzai|title=Progress, failure in energy sector|url=http://nation.com.pk/29-Dec-2017/progress-failure-in-energy-sector|work=The Nation|date=29 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229190131/http://nation.com.pk/29-Dec-2017/progress-failure-in-energy-sector|archive-date=29 December 2017}}{{cite news|title=Power outages again|url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/10-Aug-17/power-outages-again|access-date=12 August 2017|date=10 August 2017|work=Daily Times|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812135907/http://dailytimes.com.pk/editorial/10-Aug-17/power-outages-again|archive-date=12 August 2017}} The Ministry was part of PML-N's 2013 election manifesto, however its formation had been delayed.{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaleeq|title=In his first month, Abbasi talks energy|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1355748|access-date=18 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=5 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052358/https://www.dawn.com/news/1355748/in-his-first-month-abbasi-talks-energy|archive-date=22 December 2017}} Abbasi kept the cabinet portfolio of Energy Minister for himself{{cite news|title=The shape of the succession|url=http://nation.com.pk/columns/11-Aug-2017/the-shape-of-the-succession|last=M A Niazi|access-date=11 August 2017|work=The Nation|date=11 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811052417/http://nation.com.pk/columns/11-Aug-2017/the-shape-of-the-succession|archive-date=11 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Govt yet to call CCI for census results approval|url=http://nation.com.pk/editors-picks/12-Aug-2017/govt-yet-to-call-cci-for-census-results-approval|access-date=12 August 2017|last=Javaid-ur-Rahman|work=The Nation|date=12 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812135937/http://nation.com.pk/editors-picks/12-Aug-2017/govt-yet-to-call-cci-for-census-results-approval|archive-date=12 August 2017}} which was created through the merger of the power wing of the Ministry of Water and Power and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources,{{cite news|last1=Sial|first1=Amer|title=Merger of power, petroleum ministries likely to lead to merger of OGRA, NEPRA|url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/04/merger-of-power-petroleum-ministries-likely-to-lead-to-merger-of-ogra-nepra/|access-date=21 December 2017|department=Profit|work=Pakistan Today|date=4 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051955/https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/08/04/merger-of-power-petroleum-ministries-likely-to-lead-to-merger-of-ogra-nepra/|archive-date=22 December 2017}} an office Abbasi held before becoming prime minister. It was noted that formation of the Energy Ministry was the first step to solve the financial issues in the power sector.

After assuming the office of prime minister, Abbasi focus remained on energy sector and he took keen interest in the promotion of the LNG. Chairing the first meeting of the energy sector as prime minister, Abbasi directed to expedite conversion of furnace oil-powered power plants to natural gas and said that he would reduce the usage of thermal power plants and rely on the usage of domestic coal and regasified LNG for the production of energy in order to achieve a balanced energy mix.{{cite news|last1=Zaheer|first1=Abbasi|title=PM advocates balanced energy mix|url=https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/08/20170809207005/|access-date=29 December 2017|work=Business Recorder|date=9 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229232428/https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/08/20170809207005/|archive-date=29 December 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Mushtaq|first1=Ghumman|title=Energy policy seeks to focus on balanced mix|url=http://fp.brecorder.com/2017/08/20170821211106/|access-date=29 December 2017|work=Business Recorder|date=21 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229172545/http://fp.brecorder.com/2017/08/20170821211106/|archive-date=29 December 2017}} He directed the ministry to utilise the maximum usage of coal reserves from the Thar coalfield{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaleeq|title=Abbasi cracks the whip as loadshedding returns|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1350409|access-date=30 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=9 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230114513/https://www.dawn.com/news/1350409|archive-date=30 December 2017}} and promised to end power outages in the country by November 2017.{{cite news|title=Pakistan's skydiving PM seen soothing military, energy fears|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-abbasi-idUSKBN1AP146|access-date=10 August 2017|last=Drazen Jorgic|publisher=Reuters|date=9 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809163347/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-abbasi-idUSKBN1AP146|archive-date=9 August 2017}} Reuters noted that Pakistan's embrace of LNG, for which Abbasi has advocated since PML-N formed the government in June 2013, has largely been successful.

As Prime Minister, Abbasi inaugurated two LNG regasification terminals at Port Qasim made to handle the imported LNG,{{cite news|title=Karachi: PM Abbasi inaugurates LNG Terminal at Port Qasim|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/226369|access-date=19 December 2017|work=The News|issue=27 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051132/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/226369-Karachi-PM-Abbasi-inaugurates-LNG-Terminal-at-Port-Qasim|archive-date=22 December 2017}}{{cite news|title=PM Abbasi inaugurates second LNG terminal at Port Qasim|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/11/20/pm-abbasi-inaugurates-second-lng-terminal-at-port-qasim/|access-date=25 December 2017|work=Pakistan Today|date=20 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226022514/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/11/20/pm-abbasi-inaugurates-second-lng-terminal-at-port-qasim/|archive-date=26 December 2017}} for which he took credit as the former Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources taking the overall supply of LNG to 1200 million cubic feet per day.{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaleeq|title=Gas supplies jump as critical project finally starts|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1378883|access-date=30 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=26 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230174016/https://www.dawn.com/news/1378883/gas-supplies-jump-as-critical-project-finally-starts|archive-date=30 December 2017}} He recommitted his government to resolve the country's energy crisis{{cite news|title=Second LNG terminal: Government going all out to overpower energy crisis, says PM|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/246771|access-date=25 December 2017|work=The News|date=21 November 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226130339/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/246771-second-lng-terminal-government-going-all-out-to-overpower-energy-crisis-says-pm|archive-date=26 December 2017}} saying LNG was the only inexpensive solution to overcome the Pakistan's crippling energy crisis.{{cite news|title=LNG is only solution to energy crisis, says Abbasi|url=http://nation.com.pk/28-Aug-2017/lng-is-only-solution-to-energy-crisis-says-abbasi|access-date=30 December 2017|work=The Nation|date=28 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230225612/http://nation.com.pk/28-Aug-2017/lng-is-only-solution-to-energy-crisis-says-abbasi|archive-date=30 December 2017}}

In December 2017, Abbasi as part of his government's policy to promote usage of the liquefied LNG, ordered the conversion of four independent fuel-powered energy plants into LNG to reduce the cost of power generation.,{{cite news|title=ECC approves conversion of dual fuel power plants to LNG|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1596357/2|access-date=3 January 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=30 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102131816/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1596357/2-ecc-approves-conversion-dual-fuel-power-plants-lng/|archive-date=2 January 2018}} and imposed a ban on import of furnace oil to make maximum utilisation of LNG powered-power plants. He also ordered revamping of the transmission and distribution system and directed to find a permanent solution to Pakistan's chronic circular debt issue.{{cite news|title=Abbasi orders power sector overhaul to tackle circular debt|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1379429|access-date=3 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=29 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102171011/https://www.dawn.com/news/1379429|archive-date=2 January 2018}}{{cite news|title=Govt restricts furnace oil imports; fresh cargoes need prior approval|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/261692|access-date=3 January 2018|work=The News|date=29 December 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103133704/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/261692-govt-restricts-furnace-oil-imports-fresh-cargoes-need-prior-approval|archive-date=3 January 2018}}

Immediately after taking office, Abbasi made himself head of major cabinet committees dealing with economic matters, including those that fall under the domain of Finance Minister, to consolidate more power and to get a grip on financial issues.{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaleeq|title=Can Abbasi leave a lasting impression?|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1352860|access-date=20 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=21 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821035600/https://www.dawn.com/news/1352860/can-abbasi-leave-a-lasting-impression|archive-date=21 August 2017}} This usurpation minimised the powers of the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who was once considered as a de facto deputy prime minister under Nawaz Sharif.

On 26 August, Abbasi approved the results of the 2017 Census of Pakistan with a total population of the country excluding of that of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir at 207.77 million.{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaleeq|title=Country's population surges to nearly 208m|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1354029|access-date=26 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=26 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227125016/https://www.dawn.com/news/1354029/countrys-population-surges-to-nearly-208m|archive-date=27 December 2017}} On 28 August, he restructured the eight member Council of Common Interests by increasing the seats of members from Punjab from two to four, making the council Punjab-dominated.{{cite news|last1=Kiani|first1=Khaleeq|title=Punjab gets lion's share in reconstituted CCI|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1352284|access-date=26 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=18 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227122027/https://www.dawn.com/news/1352284/punjab-gets-lions-share-in-reconstituted-cci|archive-date=27 December 2017}}

To speed up the development of the construction projects related to China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Abbasi also kept the cabinet portfolio of Ministry of Planning and Development after becoming the Prime Minister{{cite news|title=New prime minister, old agenda|url=http://nation.com.pk/15-Aug-2017/new-prime-minister-old-agenda|access-date=26 December 2017|work=The Nation|date=25 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226235133/http://nation.com.pk/15-Aug-2017/new-prime-minister-old-agenda|archive-date=26 December 2017}} followed by forming a cabinet committee on 31 August to hold more power which eventually made the role of ministry irrelevant over CPEC-related work.{{cite news|title=CPEC management: Premier Abbasi tightens grip on power|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1500709/c|access-date=21 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052434/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1500709/cpec-management-premier-abbasi-tightens-grip-power/|archive-date=22 December 2017}} But after China expressed reservations,{{cite news|title=Nawaz's ouster affects CPEC coordination, says Chinese diplomat|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/233674|access-date=21 December 2017|work=The News|issue=30 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052034/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/233674-Nawazs-ouster-affects-CPEC-coordination-says-Chinese-diplomat|archive-date=22 December 2017}}{{cite news|title=Allaying Chinese concerns: Iqbal will also head planning ministry|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1507826/a|access-date=21 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=16 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922161455/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1507826/allaying-chinese-concerns-iqbal-will-also-head-planning-ministry/|archive-date=22 September 2017}} Abbasi on 16 September assigned the portfolio back to incumbent interior minister Ahsan Iqbal who headed the Ministry of Planning and Development in the previous cabinet.{{cite news|title=Ahsan gets planning commission portfolio|url=http://nation.com.pk/16-Sep-2017/ahsan-gets-planning-commission-portfolio|date=16 September 2017|access-date=11 November 2017|work=The Nation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107211235/http://nation.com.pk/16-Sep-2017/ahsan-gets-planning-commission-portfolio|archive-date=7 November 2017}}

The first 30 days of Abbasi in the office suggested that he would prefer an "as-usual routine" contrary to the expectations of the business community and the bureaucracy which had initially hoped for policy changes that would attempt to resolve the outstanding issues the country was facing. Since the next general election was scheduled ten months into Abbasi's tenure as prime minister, it was noted that Abbasi would carry forward the policies and development agenda of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif and might not opt for major changes before the election when the term of the Parliament elected in 2013 was due to expire.

Abbasi visited Karachi on 12 August 2017 and pledged {{PKR}}25 billion and {{PKR}}5 billion for Karachi and Hyderabad, respectively, for infrastructure development.{{cite news|title=PM announces Rs25b package for Karachi|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1480142/p|access-date=14 August 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=12 August 2017|url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814134356/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1480142/pm-abbasi-announces-rs25bn-uplift-package-karachi/| archive-date=14 August 2017}}

On 13 September, the federal cabinet of Abbasi approved the decision to table the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms bill in the National Assembly for the extension of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Islamabad High Court to the FATA as part of steps towards the merger of former with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.{{cite news|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|title=Supreme Court, Islamabad High Court jurisdiction extended to Fata|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1357347|access-date=12 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=13 September 2017}} On 12 January 2018, the National Assembly successfully passed the bill to extend the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the Peshawar High Court to the FATA.{{cite news|last1=Guramani|first1=Nadir|title=Bill extending PHC, SC jurisdiction to Fata passed by NA|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1382472|access-date=12 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=12 January 2018}} Upon the passage of the bill, Abbasi said "It is a historic measure for tribesmen and it can also help repeal the decades-old Frontier Crimes Regulation."{{cite news|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|title=PTI slams Fata bill, says it's 'insufficient'|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1382774/pti-slams-fata-bill-says-its-insufficient|access-date=14 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=14 January 2018}}

On 17 September, Abbasi approved a proposal to increase the positions of civilian director generals in Inter-Services Intelligence.{{cite news|last1=Asad|first1=Malik|title=ISI to have more civilians at the top|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1358185|access-date=18 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=17 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222083758/https://www.dawn.com/news/1358185/isi-to-have-more-civilians-at-the-top|archive-date=22 December 2017}}

In November 2017, Abbasi took charge of the Ministry of Finance on an ad interim basis{{cite news|title=Abbasi takes charge of Finance Ministry|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/142791|access-date=20 December 2017|work=Daily Times|date=19 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051233/https://dailytimes.com.pk/142791/abbasi-takes-charge-finance-ministry/|archive-date=22 December 2017}} after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar went to the United Kingdom for a medical checkup in late October amid his arrest warrant in a corruption case for having wealth beyond his known sources of income,{{cite news|last1=Imran|first1=Mohammad|title=Ishaq Dar in London due to 'ill health', court issues bailable warrants for his arrest|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1367236|access-date=20 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=30 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114202148/https://www.dawn.com/news/1367236|archive-date=14 November 2017}} On 24 November, Ishaq Dar stepped down from the ministerial office after taking medical leave.{{cite news|title=Finance Minister Ishaq Dar granted 'indefinite' sick leave, relieved of his duties|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1565767/1|access-date=23 November 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=22 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123074825/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1565767/1-finance-minister-ishaq-dar-granted-sick-leave-relieved-duties/|archive-date=23 November 2017}}{{cite news|title=Dar Finally 'Leaves'|url=http://nation.com.pk/24-Nov-2017/dar-finally-leaves|access-date=24 November 2017|work=The Nation|date=24 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124111604/http://nation.com.pk/24-Nov-2017/dar-finally-leaves|archive-date=24 November 2017}} In December 2017, it was reported that Abbasi would continue as Finance Minister until the 2018 general election, even though the ministry was suffering as Abbasi was unable to give proper attention to it.{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Mubarak Zeb|title=Govt 'not looking' for new finance minister|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1377622|access-date=20 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=20 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222124938/https://www.dawn.com/news/1377622/govt-not-looking-for-new-finance-minister|archive-date=22 December 2017}} On 26 December, Abbasi appointed Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Finance Rana Afzal Khan as Minister of State for Finance and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail was elevated as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs with the status of a federal minister{{cite news|last1=Imran Ali|first1=Kundi|title=Rana Afzal takes oath as state minister for finance|url=http://nation.com.pk/27-Dec-2017/rana-afzal-takes-oath-as-state-minister-for-finance|access-date=27 December 2017|work=The Nation|date=27 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227115330/http://nation.com.pk/27-Dec-2017/rana-afzal-takes-oath-as-state-minister-for-finance|archive-date=27 December 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Mubarak Zeb|title=New finance team enters with heavy agenda|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1379078|access-date=27 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=27 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227062822/https://www.dawn.com/news/1379078|archive-date=27 December 2017}} while retaining the portfolio of Finance with himself.{{cite news|last1=Drazen|first1=Jorgic|title=Pakistan's new finance chief targets tax reforms, touts rupee flexibil|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-economy-finmin/pakistans-new-finance-chief-targets-tax-reforms-touts-rupee-flexibility-idUSKBN1EN0XL|access-date=11 January 2018|work=Reuters|date=29 December 2017}} On 9 January 2018, Abbasi elevated his Special Assistant on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan as Federal Minister for Revenue and advised him to execute the tax agenda.{{cite news|title=PM Abbasi appoints Haroon Akhtar Khan as federal minister|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1604575/1|access-date=10 January 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=9 January 2018}}

In November 2017, the Ministry of Interior suspended the licences for all automatic firearms across Pakistan{{cite news| last1=Qarar| first1=Shakeel|title=Interior ministry suspends licences of automatic weapons across country|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1369856| access-date=11 November 2017|work=DAWN| date=11 November 2017| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111160506/https://www.dawn.com/news/1369856| archive-date=11 November 2017}} as part of Abbasi's policy to make Pakistan free of automatic weapons.{{cite news|title=Pakistan premier vows to rid country of assault weapons| url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1179781/world|access-date=11 November 2017|work=Arab News|date=18 October 2017| language=en|url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019130639/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1179781/world|archive-date=19 October 2017}} On 28 November 2017, Abbasi and Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal were criticised by the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Raza Rabbani for striking a deal with the Tehreek-e-Labaik protestors and for not taking the Senate in confidence with regards to the crackdown against them that led to resignation of Minister for Law and Justice, Zahid Hamid.{{cite news|last1=Imran Mukhtar|title=Accord with protesters threat to democracy| url=http://nation.com.pk/28-Nov-2017/accord-with-protesters-threat-to-democracy|access-date=28 November 2017|work=The Nation|date=28 November 2017|url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128150230/http://nation.com.pk/28-Nov-2017/accord-with-protesters-threat-to-democracy|archive-date=28 November 2017}}{{cite news|title=Raza Rabbani displeased over PM's departure to Saudi Arabia amid protests|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/11/27/raza-rabbani-displeased-over-pms-departure-to-saudi-arabia-amid-protests/|access-date=28 November 2017|work=Pakistan Today|date=28 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031655/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/11/27/raza-rabbani-displeased-over-pms-departure-to-saudi-arabia-amid-protests/|archive-date=1 December 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Mumtaz Alvi|title=PM in Jeddah, no one around to answer questions: Rabbani|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/249944|access-date=28 November 2017|work=The News|date=28 November 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128024553/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/249944-pm-in-jeddah-no-one-around-to-answer-questions-rabbani|archive-date=28 November 2017}} On 5 December 2017, Abbasi gave his Special Assistant on Law Zafarullah Khan the responsibility to oversee the affairs of Law Ministry until the appointment of a Federal Minister for Law.{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Sanaullah|title=Barrister Zafarullah to oversee law ministry till formal appointment of minister|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1374513|access-date=10 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=5 December 2017}} On 9 January 2018, Abbasi appointed Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir as Federal Minister for Law.{{cite news|title=Chaudhry Virk appointed law minister|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1381920/chaudhry-virk-appointed-law-minister|access-date=10 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=10 January 2018}}

On 2 January 2018, The Express Tribune commended the five month performance of Abbasi in his capacity as prime minister.{{cite news|title=Economy under Abbasi|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1598190/6|access-date=4 January 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=2 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104082135/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1598190/6-economy-under-abbasi/|archive-date=4 January 2018}}

During his time in office, Abbasi has been repeatedly criticised by Imran Khan as a "puppet prime minister" of Nawaz Sharif.{{cite news|title=Imran repeats early polls demand|url=http://nation.com.pk/14-Dec-2017/imran-repeats-early-polls-demand|access-date=20 December 2017|work=The Nation|date=14 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052133/http://nation.com.pk/14-Dec-2017/imran-repeats-early-polls-demand|archive-date=22 December 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|title=Imran terms Abbasi 'puppet PM'|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1371595|access-date=20 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=20 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222072223/https://www.dawn.com/news/1371595|archive-date=22 December 2017}}

On 9 January 2018, Abbasi visited Balochistan amidst a political crisis in the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan where both PML-N dissidents and opposition MPA's decided to present a motion of no confidence against Chief Ministers Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri.{{cite news|last1=Noor|first1=Aftab|title=D-Day for Zehri today|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/266110|access-date=10 January 2018|work=The News|date=9 January 2018|language=en}} After Abbasi was unable to curb the PML-N dissidents, he advised Zehri to step down instead of facing a motion of no confidence, in order to stem the situation{{cite news|title=Pakistan's Balochistan CM resigns amid political crisis|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistans-balochistan-cm-resigns-amid-political-crisis/article22405488.ece|access-date=9 January 2018|work=The Hindu|date=9 January 2018|language=en-IN}} and to prevent the PML-N from disintegration in the province.{{cite news|last1=Abrar|first1=Saeed|title=Zehri's resignation to keep PML-N intact|url=https://nation.com.pk/10-Jan-2018/zehri-s-resignation-to-keep-pml-n-intact|access-date=10 January 2018|work=The Nation|date=10 January 2018}} Later that day, Zehri tendered his resignation which was immediately accepted.{{cite news|last1=Shah|first1=Syed Ali|title=Sanaullah Zehri resigns as Balochistan chief minister amid political crisis|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1381816|access-date=9 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=9 January 2018}}

On 23 January, Abbasi in an interview with Reuters confirmed his government plans to seize control of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, both run by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.{{cite news|last1=Drazen|first1=Jorgic|last2=Kay|first2=Johnson|title=Pakistani PM says 'committed' to seizing Islamist charities|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-primeminister/pakistani-pm-says-committed-to-seizing-islamist-charities-idUSKBN1FB2G0|access-date=23 January 2018|work=Reuters|date=22 January 2018}}

On 27 March, Abbasi in an unprecedented move, called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar.{{cite news|title=Abbasi calls on CJP in bid to defuse tension|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1397971|access-date=28 March 2018|work=DAWN|date=28 March 2018}}

In April 2018, Abbasi announced a tax reforms package which included reduction in income tax rates and a tax amnesty scheme for undeclared assets.{{cite news|title=PM announces simplified income tax package, amnesty scheme for foreign assets|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1399769|access-date=8 April 2018|work=DAWN|date=5 April 2018}}

File:Rex Tillerson and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Islamabad, Pakistan - 2017 (37852997866) (cropped).jpg in Islamabad in October 2017]]

After the announcement of a new United States policy on Afghanistan by United States President Donald Trump on 21 August 2017, during which he accused Pakistan of supporting state terrorism, Abbasi made his first foreign trip as prime minister, going to Saudi Arabia on 23 August 2017 to discuss the new U.S. strategy with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,{{cite news|title=US threat: Abbasi courts Saudi royals to ramp up support|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1489071/p|access-date=26 August 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=23 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827001559/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1489071/pm-abbasi-arrives-jeddah-high-level-meeting-saudi-king/|archive-date=27 August 2017}}{{cite news|title=Pakistan, S Arabia to enhance cooperation towards peace and security|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/225541|access-date=24 August 2017|work=The News|date=24 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823235423/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/225541-Pakistan-S-Arabia-to-enhance-cooperation-towards-peace-and-security|archive-date=23 August 2017}} with Pakistan's relationship with the United States being strained.{{cite news|last1=Masood|first1=Salman|title=Trump's Request for India's Help in Afghanistan Rattles Pakistan| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/22/world/asia/pakistan-trump-afghanistan-india.html|access-date=27 August 2017|work=The New York Times|date=22 August 2017|url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825065329/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/22/world/asia/pakistan-trump-afghanistan-india.html|archive-date=25 August 2017}} On 23 August, Abbasi chaired a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) which rejected the allegations made by Trump and call the new US policy an attempt “to scapegoat Pakistan”.{{cite news|last1=Syed|first1=Baqir Sajjad|title=Pakistan sets terms for help in anti-terror fight|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1353723|access-date=6 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=25 August 2017}} On 30 August, the Trump administration announced withholding US$255 million in military financial assistance to Pakistan until the latter do more to clamp down on terrorist groups operating inside the country.{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Gardiner|title=U.S. Gives Military Assistance to Pakistan, With Strings Attached|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/30/us/politics/us-aid-pakistan-terror.html|access-date=6 January 2018|work=The New York Times|date=30 August 2017}}

In September 2017, Abbasi travelled to the United States to speak at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. During the visit, he met with Vice-president Mike Pence{{cite news|title=Pakistan, US agree to remain engaged as Abbasi meets vice president Mike Pence|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1358882|access-date=6 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=20 September 2017}} and also had a brief meeting with Trump.{{cite news|last1=Masood Haider|first1=Anwar Iqbal|title=Abbasi, Trump emphasise need to continue bilateral ties|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1359253|access-date=23 September 2017|work=DAWN|date=22 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922052746/https://www.dawn.com/news/1359253|archive-date=22 September 2017}} Abbasi's meeting with Pence was the highest-level meeting between the two states since Trump's new Afghanistan policy was announced in August 2017.{{cite news|title=Pakistan, US timeline – A chronology of disconnect|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/01/06/pakistan-us-timeline-a-chronology-of-disconnect/|access-date=6 January 2018|work=Pakistan Today|date=5 January 2018}} Both Abbasi and Pence agreed to work together to carry forward the relationship between the US and Pakistan. Abbasi also met President of Iran Hassan Rouhani{{cite news|title=Abbasi, Rouhani agree to 'help' find peaceful resolution to Afghan conflict|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1358916|access-date=18 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=20 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222073737/https://www.dawn.com/news/1358916/abbasi-rouhani-agree-to-help-find-peaceful-resolution-to-afghan-conflict|archive-date=22 December 2017}} and President of Turkey Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the assembly.{{cite news|title=PM Abbasi meets world leaders on sidelines of UNGA session|url=http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/406065|access-date=18 December 2017|work=Dunya News|date=20 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920050506/http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/406065-PM-Abbasi-meets-world-leaders-on-sidelines-of-UNGA-session|archive-date=20 September 2017}}

On 18 October 2017, US Vice-president Pence telephoned Abbasi to thank the government of Pakistan for the safe recovery of the Canadian-American couple Joshua Boyle and Caitlan Coleman.{{cite news|title=Pence, Tillerson phone PM Abbasi, thank Pakistan for safe recovery of hostages|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/10/18/pence-tillerson-phone-pm-abbasi-thank-pakistan-for-safe-recovery-of-hostages/|access-date=6 January 2018|work=Pakistan Today|date=18 October 2017}} On 24 October, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made his maiden visit to Pakistan to normalise the bilateral ties which became strained over remarks of Trump in August.{{cite news|title=US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to arrive in Pakistan on maiden visit|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-secretary-of-state-rex-tillerson-to-arrive-in-pakistan-on-maiden-visit-4904409/|access-date=6 January 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=24 October 2017}} Tillerson met Abbasi and reiterated Trump's message that Pakistan must speed up its efforts to against terrorist groups operating within the country and described Pakistan as "incredibly important" player in the region.{{cite news|title=Tillerson talks tough to 'incredibly important' Pakistan|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1540159/1|access-date=6 January 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=24 October 2017}}

On 1 December, Abbasi travelled to Russia to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit where he met Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev,{{cite news|title=SCO summit: Pakistan is adamant to fight terrorism, says PM Abbasi|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1573635/1|access-date=19 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=1 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105093350/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1573635/1-pm-abbasi-meets-russian-counterpart-sco-summit/|archive-date=5 January 2018}} Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang{{cite news|title=PM, Chinese premier agree to further strengthen cooperation|url=https://www.app.com.pk/pm-chinese-premier-agree-to-further-strengthen-cooperation/|access-date=19 December 2017|work=Associated Press Of Pakistan|date=30 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222104848/https://www.app.com.pk/pm-chinese-premier-agree-to-further-strengthen-cooperation/|archive-date=22 December 2017}} and Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sapar Isakov.{{cite news|title=PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi meets Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sapar Isakov|url=https://pakobserver.net/pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-meets-prime-minister-kyrgyzstan-sapar-isakov/|access-date=19 December 2017|work=Pakistan Observer|date=2 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051552/https://pakobserver.net/pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-meets-prime-minister-kyrgyzstan-sapar-isakov/|archive-date=22 December 2017}}

After Trump acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Abbasi attended the emergency conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on Jerusalem in Turkey on 12 December,{{cite news|title=PM Abbasi arrives in Istanbul to attend OIC summit on Jerusalem|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1582461/1|access-date=19 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=12 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219032637/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1582461/1-pm-abbasi-off-turkey-attend-oic-summit-jerusalem/|archive-date=19 December 2017}} where he condemned Trump's decision to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem and urged the United States to withdraw its decision.{{cite news|title='Our expressions of solidarity need concrete shape,' PM Abbasi tells Muslim leaders at OIC summit|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1376391|access-date=19 December 2017|work=DAWN|date=13 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105043/https://www.dawn.com/news/1376391|archive-date=22 December 2017}} On 29 December, US decided to block US$255 million in security aid to Pakistan.{{cite news|last1=Goldman|first1=Adam|last2=Landler|first2=Mark|last3=Schmitt|first3=Eric|title=Frustrated U.S. Might Withhold $255 Million in Aid From Pakistan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/29/us/politics/pakistan-american-aid-255-million.html|access-date=6 January 2018|work=The New York Times|date=29 December 2017}}

On 1 January 2018, the relations with United States suffered a major setback when President Trump accused Pakistan of deceit in the War on Terror, claiming the United States had "foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!".{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Iftikhar A.|last2=Iqbal|first2=Anwar|title=Trump's tweet on Pakistan sparks war of words|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1380174|access-date=6 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=2 January 2018}} The next day, Abbasi chaired a meeting of the NSC which expressed disappointment over Trump remarks{{cite news|last1=Steve|first1=Holland|last2=Drazen|first2=Jorgic|title=U.S. puts Pakistan on notice: Do more to stop terrorism|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-trump-pakistan/u-s-puts-pakistan-on-notice-do-more-to-stop-terrorism-idUSKBN1ER0EJ|access-date=11 January 2018|work=Reuters|date=2 January 2018}} and observed that Pakistan cannot be held responsible for US failure in Afghanistan.{{cite news|last1=Khan|first1=Iftikhar A.|title=Civil-military brass won't 'react in haste' to Trump tweet|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1380454|access-date=6 January 2018|work=DAWN|date=3 January 2018}} On 5 January, United States announced suspension of security aid to Pakistan{{cite news|last1=Arshad|first1=Mohammed|last2=Jonathan|first2=Landay|title=U.S. suspends at least $900 million in security aid to Pakistan|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pakistan-aid/u-s-suspends-at-least-900-million-in-security-aid-to-pakistan-idUSKBN1ET2DX?feedType=RSS&feedName=newsOne|access-date=6 January 2018|work=Reuters|date=5 January 2018}} which was estimated to be of at least US$2 billion.{{cite news|last1=Katrina|first1=Manson|last2=Farhan|first2=Bokhari|title=US suspends $2bn in security assistance to Pakistan|url=https://www.ft.com/content/de50b432-f191-11e7-b220-857e26d1aca4|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211221229/https://www.ft.com/content/de50b432-f191-11e7-b220-857e26d1aca4|archive-date=11 December 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|access-date=6 January 2018|work=Financial Times|date=6 January 2018}} Abbasi called US aid insignificant saying “I am not sure what US aid has been talked here. The aid in the last five years at least has been less than $10m a year."{{cite news|last1=Julian|first1=Borger|last2=Haroon|first2=Janjua|title=Pakistan PM calls US aid 'insignificant' as Trump threatens to cut it off|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/05/pakistan-prime-minister-trump-funding-cuts|access-date=6 January 2018|work=The Guardian|date=5 January 2018}}

On 23 January, Abbasi travelled to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum.{{cite news|title=Pakistan to exercise all options to maintain sovereignty, says PM Abbasi|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/01/25/cpec-to-provide-dividends-for-centuries-pm-abbasi/|access-date=26 January 2018|date=25 January 2018|work=Pakistan Today}} He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Health Minister Saira Afzal Tarar, State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb and State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rahman.{{cite news|title=PM Abbasi to represent Pakistan at Davos|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1615525/1|access-date=26 January 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=23 January 2018}}

On 31 May 2018, incumbent PML-N government completed its five years term becoming the country's second civilian dispensation government to complete a five-year term in office (the other being Pakistan Peoples Party).{{Cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/news/asia/pakistan/pakistan-government-completes-its-five-year-term-1.2229876|title=Pakistan government completes its five year term|last=Jamal|first=Sana |date=31 May 2018|work=Gulf News|access-date=1 June 2018}}{{cite news |title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi given guard of honour as government completes term |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/324288|access-date=1 June 2018 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=1 June 2018}} Abbasi was succeeded by caretaker prime minister Justice Nasirul Mulk on 1 June 2018 until the country elected the new government in the 2018 general elections which were held on 25 July 2018.{{Cite news|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-picks-former-chief-justice-as-caretaker-premier/2018/05/28/30666d2c-6251-11e8-81ca-bb14593acaa6_story.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180528112813/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-picks-former-chief-justice-as-caretaker-premier/2018/05/28/30666d2c-6251-11e8-81ca-bb14593acaa6_story.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 28 May 2018|title=Pakistan picks former chief justice as caretaker premier|last=Ahmed {{!}} AP|first=Munir|date=5 May 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=28 May 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/05/28/world/asia/ap-as-pakistan-politics.html|title=Pakistan Picks Former Chief Justice as Caretaker Premier|date=28 May 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=28 May 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

It was noted that Abbasi, as prime minister, lived in his own home in Islamabad instead of living in the Prime Minister House..{{cite news |title=Ex-PM Abbasi never lived in PM House |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/354071|access-date=12 August 2018 |work=The News |date=12 August 2018 |language=en}} He was also the Highest taxpayer of Pakistan in 2018 when he was the prime minister of the country.{{cite news |title=FBR Tax Directory 2018: Former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi tops list among lawmakers |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2264575/fbr-tax-directory-2018-former-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-tops-list-among-lawmakers |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=The Express Tribune |date=18 September 2020 |language=en}}

On 24 June 2018, Abbasi was allocated PML-N ticket to contest the 2018 general election from Constituency NA-57 (Rawalpindi-I).{{efn|name=|NA-57 was earlier known as NA-50.}}{{cite news|title=PML-N announces candidates for National Assembly seats|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1740860/1|access-date=27 June 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=23 June 2018}} On 27 June, Abbasi was disqualified for life by an election tribunal in Rawalpindi, under Article 62(1)(f), from contesting election following the rejection of his nomination papers after Abbasi was accused of tampering the documents.{{cite news|url=http://www.radio.gov.pk/27-06-2018/former-pm-abbasis-nomination-papers-rejected-from-na-57-murree|title=Former PM Abbasi's nomination papers rejected from NA-57 Murree|date=27 June 2018|access-date=27 June 2018|publisher=Radio Pakistan}}{{cite news|title=Tribunal disqualifies ex-PM Abbasi from contesting election, says he is not Sadiq and Ameen|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1743785/1|access-date=27 June 2018|work=The Express Tribune|date=27 June 2018|last1=Hasnaat|first1=Mailk|last2=Irfan|first2=Ghauri}}{{cite news|title=Election tribunal disqualifies former PM Abbasi under Article 62(1)(f)|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/200923|date=27 June 2018|publisher=Geo News|access-date=27 June 2018|last=Irshad|first=Qureshi}} However, Abbasi challenged the verdict in Lahore High Court (LHC). On 29 June, his appeal was accepted by a two-member bench, which suspended the tribunal's order against Abbasi and allowed him to contest the election.{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/201193|title=LHC allows Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to contest from NA-57|last=Riaz|first=Shakir|date=29 June 2018|publisher=Geo News|access-date=29 June 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/335300|title=LHC allows Khaqan Abbasi to contest for NA-57|date=29 June 2018|work=The News|access-date=29 June 2018}} On 14 September 2018, the appellate tribunal issued its detailed verdict on the barring of Abbasi from contesting the 2018 general election and ruled that Abbasi was not honest and sagacious and hence disqualified for life.{{cite news |last1=Bilal |first1=Rana |title=Lahore High Court issues detailed order in Shahid Khaqan Abbasi disqualification case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1432897 |access-date=16 September 2018 |work=DAWN |date=14 September 2018}}

He ran for the seat of the National Assembly as a candidate of PML-N from Constituency NA-57 (Rawalpindi-I) in the 2018 general election, but was unsuccessful.{{cite news |title=Nisar, Abbasi lose on home turf |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1766594/1|access-date=31 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=26 July 2018}} He received 124,703 votes and lost the seat to Sadaqat Ali Abbasi.{{cite web |title=NA-57 Result - Election Results 2018 - Rawalpindi 1 - NA-57 Candidates - NA-57 Constituency Details |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/election/constituency/NA-57 |work=The News |language=en}} Abbasi alleged rigging was done in the constituency and filed a petition for a recount which was rejected by Returning Officer.{{cite news |title=Polls aftermath: RO rejects former PM Abbasi's recount petition |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1768158/1|access-date=31 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=28 July 2018}}

He was re-elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of PML-N from Constituency NA-124 (Lahore-II) in a by-election held on 14 October 2018.{{cite news |title=By-election 2018: Unofficial, partial results |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/214780|access-date=14 October 2018 |publisher=Geo News |date=14 October 2018}} He took oath as a member of the National Assembly on 1 November.{{cite news |title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi takes oath as MNA |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/11/01/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-takes-oath-as-mna/ |access-date=8 November 2018 |work=Pakistan Today}}

Abbasi was granted bail in the Liquified Natural Gas case while Iqbal was granted bail in the Narowal Sports City complex corruption case.{{cite news |title=IHC grants bail to Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal in corruption cases |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1536595/ihc-grants-bail-to-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-ahsan-iqbal-in-corruption-cases/ |access-date=25 February 2020}} Abbasi was on his way to attend a press conference, accompanied by PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal and spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, when he was arrested on the Thokar Niaz Baig interchange on 18 July 2019.{{cite news |title=NAB arrests former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in LNG case; hunt on for Miftah Ismail |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1494801/ |access-date=18 July 2019}} A sedition case was registered against him along with other Pakistan Muslim League (N) leaders in October 2020.{{Cite web|last=ALJAZEERA|date=6 October 2020|title=Pakistan ex-president charged for corruption, ex-pm with sedition|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/6/pakistan-officially-charges-ex-president-zardari-for-graft|access-date=7 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=Sedition case controversy takes new turn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1583601/sedition-case-controversy-takes-new-turn |work=DAWN.COM |date=7 October 2020 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Treason case registered against Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz {{!}} SAMAA |url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2020/10/treason-nawaz-sharif-maryam-nawaz/ |work=Samaa TV}}

On 16 December 2023, he decided to leave the PML(N).{{Cite web |last=Butt |first=Naeem Ashraf |date=16 December 2023 |title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi decides to 'quit' PML-N |url=https://arynews.tv/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-decides-to-quit-pml-n/ |access-date=16 December 2023 |website=ARY NEWS |language=en-US}}

On 2 June 2024, he announced, in an interview with Rana Mubashir, that he would be launching a new party in the last weekend of June. He also announced that the name of the party would be Awaam Pakistan.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-06-06 |title=Shahid Khan Abbasi says new party name will be 'Awam Pakistan' |url=https://english.aaj.tv/news/330364049 |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=Aaj English TV |language=en}}

Abbasi belongs to a wealthy political family and hails from Dewal village.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1354648|title=Footprints: where the heart is|last1=Mehmood|first1=Khurram|date=29 August 2017|work=DAWN|access-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829072128/https://www.dawn.com/news/1354648|archive-date=29 August 2017|language=en}} He belongs to the Dhund Abbasi clan, which is predominant in northern Punjab.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Caste-plays-dominant-role-in-Pak-elections/articleshow/19916533.cms|title=Caste plays dominant role in Pak elections|last=Arshad|first=Sameer|date=7 May 2013|work=The Times of India|access-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206095751/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Caste-plays-dominant-role-in-Pak-elections/articleshow/19916533.cms|archive-date=6 December 2016}}

Abbasi is married and has three sons. His father, Khaqan Abbasi, was an air commodore in the Pakistan Air Force. He entered politics and became a Member of the National Assembly and was inducted as the Federal Minister for Production in the cabinet of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, until his death in 1988 at Ojhri Camp in a military accident that resulted in more than 100 casualties. His brother, Zahid Abbasi, was also injured in that incident,{{cite news|title=It's party time for Murree residents as PM nominated from their constituency|url=http://pakobserver.net/party-time-murree-residents-pm-nominated-constituency/|access-date=31 July 2017|work=Pak Observer|last1=Zubair Qureshi|date=31 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731043629/http://pakobserver.net/party-time-murree-residents-pm-nominated-constituency/|archive-date=31 July 2017}} after which he went into coma and died in 2005, having remained bedridden for 17 years.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/241557|title=Ojhri Camp tragedy lives on: Cause remains undisclosed|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|date=10 April 2007|work=DAWN|access-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729215535/https://www.dawn.com/news/241557|archive-date=29 July 2017|language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/297623|title=20 years on, Ojhri Camp truth remains locked up|last1=Wasim|first1=Amir|date=11 April 2008|work=DAWN|access-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729213818/https://www.dawn.com/news/297623|archive-date=29 July 2017|language=en}} His sister Sadia Abbasi has been a member of the Senate of Pakistan. His father-in-law, General Muhammad Riaz Abbasi, was the director-general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from 1977 to 1979.

He is also an aviation enthusiast and an amateur skydiver.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/world/asia/pakistan-prime-minister-abbasi.html|title=Pakistan's Interim Leader Says He's No 'Bench Warmer'|last1=Zahra-malik|first1=Mehreen|date=1 August 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801203719/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/world/asia/pakistan-prime-minister-abbasi.html|archive-date=1 August 2017}} He is the first prime minister of Pakistan to participate in a Pakistan Air Force mission by flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-becomes-first-pakistani-prime-minister-to-fly-in-f-16-fighter-jet-1748190|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Becomes First Pakistani PM To Fly In F-16 Fighter Jet|date=10 September 2017|access-date=10 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909192058/http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-becomes-first-pakistani-prime-minister-to-fly-in-f-16-fighter-jet-1748190|archive-date=9 September 2017|publisher=NDTV}} and a military helicopter.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1365515|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi becomes Pakistan's first PM to fly military helicopter|date=23 October 2017|work=DAWN|access-date=24 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023170639/https://www.dawn.com/news/1365515|archive-date=23 October 2017}} In an interview, he said he has been a pilot for more than forty years.{{cite news|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1178469|title=Did you know? PM Abbasi used to be a total daredevil|date=21 September 2017|work=DAWN Images|access-date=11 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111205600/https://images.dawn.com/news/1178469|archive-date=11 November 2017}} In December 2017, he became the first prime minister of Pakistan to board a submarine in the open sea where he conducted submarine diving and surfacing procedures which earned him Pakistan Navy insignia worn by qualified submariners.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1591963/1|title=Abbasi becomes first Pakistan PM to board submarine in open sea|date=24 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=25 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225001932/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1591963/1-abbasi-becomes-first-pakistan-pm-board-submarine-open-sea/|archive-date=25 December 2017}}

He is said to be a reserved, media-shy person.

On 8 June 2020, Abbasi tested positive for COVID-19 during the coronavirus pandemic in Pakistan.{{cite web| url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1562166/former-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-railways-minister-sheikh-rashid-test-positive-for-covid-19| title=Former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid test positive for Covid-19| first1=Javed| last1=Hussain| first2=Adnan| last2=Sheikh| date=8 June 2020| website=Dawn| url-status=live| archive-date=9 June 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609005144/https://www.dawn.com/news/1562166/former-pm-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-railways-minister-sheikh-rashid-test-positive-for-covid-19}}

Abbasi is a businessman{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-from-nawaz-sharif-loyalist-to-accidental-pakistan-pm-117080101473_1.html|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi: From Nawaz Sharif loyalist to accidental Pakistan PM|agency=Press Trust of India|date=1 August 2017|work=Business Standard India|access-date=5 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805220726/http://www.business-standard.com/article/international/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-from-nawaz-sharif-loyalist-to-accidental-pakistan-pm-117080101473_1.html|archive-date=5 August 2017}} and an aviation expert.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1471519/p|title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi elected new PM|last=Qadeer Tanoli|date=1 August 2017|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801202535/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1471519/parliament-elect-new-pm-today/|archive-date=1 August 2017}} He was the owner of Airblue{{Cite web|url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/05/10/airblue-considers-tariq-chaudhary-as-ceo-not-pm-abbasi/|title = Airblue considers Tariq Chaudhary as CEO, not PM Abbasi | Pakistan Today| date=10 May 2018 }} which he founded in 2003, but in 2016 he denied being a stakeholder, saying he has not visited the airline's office for years.{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1040621/g|title=Abbasi accused of making money in wake of PIA crisis|date=5 February 2016|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=30 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030140848/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1040621/getting-windfall-abbasi-accused-of-making-money-in-wake-of-pia-crisis/|archive-date=30 October 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1237496|title=Shahid Khaqan accused of cashing in on PIA crisis|last1=Ali|first1=Kalbe|date=5 February 2016|work=DAWN|access-date=30 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030141422/http://www.dawn.com/news/1237496|archive-date=30 October 2016}}

He is one of the richest parliamentarians in Pakistan,{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/Nawaz-Sharif-among-richest-politicians/article14251757.ece|title=Nawaz Sharif among richest politicians|date=23 April 2016|work=The Hindu|access-date=14 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119103536/http://www.thehindu.com/news/Nawaz-Sharif-among-richest-politicians/article14251757.ece|archive-date=19 November 2017|language=en}} with a net worth of {{PKR}}1.3 billion{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1436754/t|title=Assets details: Nawaz retains status of a billionaire|last=Ghauri|first=Irfan|date=16 June 2017|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=31 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731160728/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1436754/__trashed-118/|archive-date=31 July 2017}} to {{PKR}}2.3 billion.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/798679|title=Some politicians rolling in fabulous wealth|last=Ali|first=Kalbe|date=29 March 2013|work=Dawn|access-date=31 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731152738/https://www.dawn.com/news/798679|archive-date=31 July 2017}} His assets include shares in Airblue, a house in Islamabad, a hotel business, and land properties in Murree.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/716522|title=Richest MNA is worth Rs32bn, fears for his safety|date=7 May 2012|work=Dawn|access-date=31 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153549/https://www.dawn.com/news/716522|archive-date=31 July 2017}}

{{notelist|2}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commonscatinline}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-gov}}

{{s-bef|before=Farooq Umar}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of Pakistan International Airlines|years=1997—1999}}

{{s-aft|after=Ahmad Saeed}}

{{s-off}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Humayun Akhtar Khan}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister for Commerce|years=2008}}

{{s-aft|after=Ameen Faheem}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Asim Hussain}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources|years=2013—2017}}

{{s-aft|after=Himself|as=Minister In-charge of Petroleum division}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Nawaz Sharif}}

{{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of Pakistan|years=2017—2018}}

{{s-aft|after=Nasirul Mulk}}

{{s-end}}

{{PakistaniPMs}}

{{Navboxes

|list1=

{{Gillani Cabinet}}

{{Sharif III Cabinet}}

{{Abbasi Cabinet}}

{{Pakistan International Airlines}}

}}

{{Portal bar|Biography|Pakistan|Politics}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Abbasi, Shahid Khaqan}}

Category:Living people

Category:People from Punjab, Pakistan

Category:1958 births

Category:Pakistan International Airlines people

Category:Pakistani airline chief executives

Category:Pakistani company founders

Category:Pakistani electrical engineers

Category:Pakistani expatriates in Saudi Arabia

Category:Pakistani expatriates in the United States

Category:Prime ministers of Pakistan

Category:Pakistani MNAs 1988–1990

Category:Pakistani MNAs 1990–1993

Category:Pakistani MNAs 1993–1996

Category:Pakistani MNAs 1997–1999

Category:Pakistani MNAs 2008–2013

Category:Pakistani MNAs 2013–2018

Category:Pakistani prisoners and detainees

Category:Pakistan Muslim League (N) MNAs

Shahid Khaqan

Category:Businesspeople from Punjab, Pakistan

Category:Commerce ministers of Pakistan

Category:George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science alumni

Category:Lawrence College Ghora Gali alumni

Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni

Category:People from Murree

Category:Petroleum and natural resources ministers of Pakistan

Category:Politicians from Karachi

Category:Politicians from Rawalpindi

Category:George Washington University School of Business alumni

Category:Pakistani MNAs 2018–2023