From grandfather’s love to a father’s stand: Sharif family stories go viral

Away from political meetings, public appearances and the headlines that usually surround them, members of the Sharif family have also attracted attention for personal moments involving their children and grandchildren.

LAHORE: Away from political meetings, public appearances and the headlines that usually surround them, members of the Sharif family have also attracted attention for personal moments involving their children and grandchildren.

Two separate family stories have drawn interest on social media highlighting the more private and emotional side of a family that has remained at the centre of Pakistani politics for decades.

A grandfather’s special bond

One story circulating on social media focuses on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his granddaughter, the daughter of Salman Shehbaz.

According to an account attributed to sources from the former Punjab Chief Minister’s Office Shehbaz Sharif once returned home after leaving for work because his young granddaughter reportedly refused to have breakfast without him.

The story has been shared as an example of the close relationship between the grandfather and his granddaughter. However the account is based on the reported recollection of sources and should be treated accordingly unless independently verified.

The personal anecdote has attracted attention because it presents Shehbaz Sharif in a role far removed from his public responsibilities — that of a grandfather responding to a child’s simple wish.

Ali Dar’s message about his son

Another story involving the extended Sharif family received wider attention following a social media controversy surrounding Ali Dar’s son, Ibrahim.

Ali Dar, son of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and son-in-law of Nawaz Sharif responded publicly after a video featuring his son at a family wedding attracted criticism online. Pakistani media reported Ibrahim is autistic and some social media users questioned his presence at the wedding.

Dar responded by advocating for children with special needs and for more understanding and compassion. He described such children as a blessing rather than a burden and stressed that caring for them is a responsibility rather than a favour.

His comments took the conversation away from the wedding and to a bigger issue: how society treats children with disabilities and the families that care for them.

The incident also came amid renewed public interest on the family events of the Sharif family including Junaid Safdar’s January 2026 wedding which was attended by senior members of the family and prominent political figures.

A different side of a public family

Political families are often viewed through the lens of elections, government decisions and political rivalries. Stories such as these however offer glimpses into their lives away from official responsibilities.

Whether it is a grandfather making time for a child or a father speaking out in defence of his son such moments can resonate with audiences because they focus on experiences that extend beyond politics.

For the Sharif family these personal stories have provided social media users with a glimpse of family relationships that are usually overshadowed by the country’s political conversation.