His appointment will be endorsed³ by newly-elected members of parliament.

 

Mr Sharif faces numerous pressing challenges, including reviving a weak economy and bringing an end to militant⁴ attacks and US drone strikes.

 

He becomes prime minister for an unprecedented⁵ third time after his election win in May.

 

The BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says that the new prime minister's priorities will be rejuvenating⁶ the economy and improving security - both areas that require some speedy but difficult decision-making in a geo-strategic environment which is shaped and controlled by the military.

 

While the new prime minister favours talks with the Pakistani Taliban, many expect that once he gets into power, he will accept the army's view that all past negotiations⁷ have failed and the only option is to fight the jihadis who attack domestic targets. 

 

He comes to power at a critical time in the battle against the Taliban - as Nato forces begin the process of withdrawing from Afghanistan.

 

Mr Sharif has continually spoken out against US drone strikes in Pakistan although it is not clear how he can bring these to an end.

 

Infrastructure⁸ projects are another important priority - he wants to stop power cuts and construct a bullet train between Karachi and Peshawar. 

 

Nawaz Sharif will take the oath to become prime minister on Wednesday evening, after he is elected as leader of the house, our correspondent says.

 

Because his PML-N party has an outright⁹ majority in parliament - with the support of some independent MPs - the prime minister does not need to form a coalition. 

 

He is likely to address parliament after being elected its leader but is not expected to go into policy details.

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