In 1830, Shakir Sahib al-Taba'a persuaded the Bey to respond to the Ottoman Sultan's calls for reform and to institute the first regiments of a regular army, drawn entirely from the best young men in the Turkish militia of Tunis and trained by European instructors.

After the death of Hussein II in 1835, Shakir Sahib al-Taba'a began to cultivate a strong influence on his successor and younger brother Mustafa Bey who retained him as Grand vizier, but removed him from his position as Keeper of the Seals.

Protests eventually dissuaded the Bey from continuing these reformes, but Shakir Sahib al-Taba'a's role as minister did not end, due to his great power and influence at court.

Moreover, Shakir Sahib al-Taba'a maintained a policy of rapprochement with the Ottoman government in order to counter the growing power of European merchants who were under the protection of the French and English consuls.

Sahib at-Taba'a possessed large agricultural estates throughout the country, notably in the Sahel, where he supported its economy and helped to bring an end to the economic troubles in the olive oil industry.