Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was elected as the first woman Chief Minister of a province in Pakistan. She will be leading Punjab, the most populous province in the country. This is a significant milestone for women’s participation in Pakistani politics.
Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has made history by becoming Pakistan’s first female provincial chief minister. She secured the position in Punjab province, receiving 220 votes out of 371 in the Punjab Assembly election, which saw opposition boycotts. She will lead Punjab, the most populous and politically crucial province, with over 120 million residents.
Maryam belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) party, succeeding her father, uncle, and cousin who previously held the same post. Her ascent to power marks a significant moment in Pakistani politics. Nawaz, 50, defeated her rival Rana Aftab, backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Notably, the PTI boycotted the election, with their candidate unable to address the assembly before the vote.
“Today, every woman of the province is proud to see a woman Chief Minister,” she said and hoped that the tradition of female leadership would continue in the future as well. “But I will not seek revenge,” she said, indirectly referring to former Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar.
Despite facing hurdles, including a past corruption conviction that temporarily barred her from contesting elections, Maryam has emerged as a prominent figure within her party. Moreover, her vision and leadership tactics resemble her family’s political stances.
Upcoming Hurdles
While some hail Maryam’s election as a step forward, others caution that challenges lie ahead. Critics highlight concerns over election legitimacy and the need for her to rejuvenate her party’s standing in Punjab, traditionally a PMLN stronghold.
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Nawaz, a senior vice president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, has been a prominent figure in Pakistani politics for several years. She has faced legal challenges and controversy alongside her father, but her supporters see her as a charismatic and dedicated leader.
As she prepares to take office, Maryam Nawaz carries the hopes of many Pakistanis who see her election as a step towards a more inclusive and representative future for the country. Her success in leading Punjab will be crucial in paving the way for greater participation of women in Pakistani politics at all levels.