By Qamar Bashir
Former Press Secretary to the President
Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC
Maryam Nawaz is widely regarded as a bold and tenacious figure, unafraid to confront political and non-political adversaries, including the judiciary and the civil administration. She has demonstrated remarkable courage in standing up to powerful forces, refusing to yield even when faced with threats of arrest or imprisonment. Her fearless demeanor and unwavering resolve have earned her a reputation for being unyielding in the face of adversity. She confronts her opponents with a fierce determination, akin to that of a lioness protecting her pride, and is not hesitant to take them to task with ruthless precision.
Maryam Nawaz emerged as a unifying force in orchestrating a coalition against the formidable government led by Imran Khan. Through her eloquence, persuasive arguments, tireless efforts, and thorough preparation, she managed to unite previously disparate factions into the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Her skillful leadership played a pivotal role in toppling the Imran Khan administration, ultimately leading to the appointment of her uncle as Prime Minister.
Maryam Nawaz spared no effort in fiercely advocating for her father, who had been labeled a fugitive, an absconder, and a convicted criminal, resulting in a lifetime disqualification from holding public office. Through her relentless determination, she navigated legal challenges and successfully facilitated his return as a VVIP figure, minimizing any potential risks. She remained steadfast until all legal proceedings against her father were dismissed, ultimately securing his eligibility to contest elections once again.
In the absence of her father in exile and with much of the PML(N) leadership imprisoned during PTI’s government, Maryam Nawaz took on the responsibility of keeping the party alive and active. She organized and led massive public gatherings, meticulously planning each event with careful attention to detail. From her attire selection to her elegant gestures, and the incorporation of engaging videos and songs, she captivated the public’s attention and successfully galvanized support for the party. Her leadership during this challenging period played a crucial role in maintaining the party’s relevance and connection with the people.
During the 2024 election campaign, Maryam Nawaz emerged as the frontline leader of the PML(N), spearheading successful public gatherings nationwide. With remarkable agility, she traversed from city to city, energizing supporters with her impassioned speeches and meticulous preparation. Her dedication to detail extended to her attire, always adorned with a firmly placed dupatta on her head, symbolizing her connection with tradition and culture. Each public meeting under her stewardship became a resounding success, showcasing her ability to inspire and mobilize the masses.
Through her relentless dedication, astute political insight, adept utilization of modern technology, and effective leveraging of social media platforms, Maryam Nawaz amassed unprecedented political capital within the PML(N). Surpassing even seasoned stalwarts such as her uncle and father, she positioned herself as the natural heir to the legacy of Nawaz Sharif and emerged as a leading contender for the future Prime Ministership of the country. Her strategic approach and forward-thinking methods have solidified her status as a formidable force within Pakistani politics, poised to shape its trajectory in the years to come.
In a hypothetical scenario where the elections were solely between PTI and PML(N), Maryam Nawaz’s political prowess could have likely secured a comfortable one-third majority in parliament. However, as a prominent TV anchor noted, these elections were perceived as a contest between the people and the establishment, leading to repercussions for parties seen as aligned with the latter. Consequently, PML(N) suffered setbacks, falling short of the desired one-third majority. This outcome dashed Maryam Nawaz’s fervent desire to see Nawaz Sharif return as Prime Minister for a fourth term.
Nevertheless, this electoral anomaly resulted in Shahbaz Sharif ascending to the Prime Ministership, thereby automatically positioning Maryam Nawaz as a leading candidate for the role of Chief Minister. Despite the setback at the federal level, this development affirmed her prominent position within the political landscape, potentially paving the way for significant influence and leadership at the provincial level.
Maryam Nawaz’s ascension to the role of Chief Minister of Punjab marks a historic milestone in Pakistani politics, garnering praise both domestically and internationally. Born in 1973 into one of Pakistan’s most influential political dynasties, Maryam initially stayed away from politics until 2013, when her father, Nawaz Sharif, became Prime Minister for the third time. Since then, she has emerged as the apparent political heir of the Sharif family, while her brothers managed the family business.
Her appointment as the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab signifies a significant step towards gender inclusivity in Pakistan’s political landscape, echoing the nation’s past milestone with Benazir Bhutto’s prime ministership in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
With her inauguration, Maryam joins a lineage of political leadership within her family, following in the footsteps of her father Nawaz Sharif, his brother Shehbaz, and Shehbaz’s son Hamza. Her leadership holds promise for the prosperous and resource-rich province of Punjab, as she embarks on a journey to uphold her family’s legacy while carving her path in shaping the province’s future.
Maryam Nawaz’s elevation to the role of Chief Minister of Punjab marks a groundbreaking moment in Pakistan’s political history, resonating both at home and abroad. With her leadership, Punjab stands poised to witness a new era of inclusive governance and progressive policies under her stewardship.
Her appointment as Chief Minister of Punjab has sparked global attention, with media outlets and commentators weighing in on the significance of her historic achievement. From Arab News to Al Jazeera, various sources have highlighted the groundbreaking nature of her ascent, marking a significant stride for gender representation in Pakistan’s political landscape. Described by Nikkei Asia as a female counterpart to Imran Khan in her political assertiveness, Maryam’s elevation to this pivotal role symbolizes a departure from traditional gender norms in Pakistani politics. The Hindu and CNBC characterize it as a triumph for every woman in the nation.
Maryam herself emphasized the importance of her win, declaring it a victory not just for herself but for every daughter and mother in the region. The symbolism of her success is underscored by her pledge to serve all constituents, irrespective of their political affiliations. She paid homage to her father’s legacy while expressing her determination to continue the tradition of female leadership in Punjab. Her accent marks a watershed moment in Pakistan’s political history, paving the way for greater gender equality and empowerment in the nation’s highest offices as reported by Fox News.
Maryam Nawaz’s journey to the chief minister’s office has not been without challenges, as noted by DW and The Daily Sun. Facing opposition boycotts and enduring personal hardships, she has emerged as a resilient and determined leader. As highlighted by The Economic Times, Maryam’s focus on governance and dedication to improving the lives of her constituents signal a departure from divisive politics, setting a precedent for future female leaders in Pakistan.
In a bold vision for Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, the first-ever Chief Minister of Pakistan’s richest and most prosperous province, sets her sights on transforming the province into a dynamic economic hub. Prioritizing the resolution of longstanding issues within Lahore and across the province, Maryam Nawaz aims to lay a solid foundation for growth. Key strategies include streamlining business regulations to attract investors, activating price control committees to alleviate inflationary pressures, and launching targeted initiatives like the “Nighebaan” Ramazan package to support vulnerable communities.
Education emerges as a cornerstone, with plans to revitalize government school infrastructure and ensure parity in quality between public and private institutions. Simultaneously, healthcare reforms promise state-of-the-art facilities and free medications in emergency departments, underscoring Maryam Nawaz’s commitment to improving public well-being.
Transportation, social welfare, and digital infrastructure are also on the agenda, reflecting a comprehensive approach to development that prioritizes inclusivity and sustainability.
At the heart of her vision lies fostering a business-friendly environment and implementing targeted relief measures. She aims to stimulate investment and ease the burden on citizens.
As the province embraces sustainable practices and embraces technological advancements, Punjab is poised to emerge as a beacon of progress, where economic vibrancy is matched by social inclusion and environmental stewardship.
Maryam Nawaz stands as a beacon of courage and resilience, driven by an unwavering love for her father and a steadfast commitment to keeping her family united in the face of adversity. Her unparalleled determination and fighting spirit have become legendary, inspiring all who witness her journey. Despite the intensity of political battles, she has shown remarkable magnanimity by extending olive branches even to her staunchest opponents.
Her compassion for the vulnerable segments of society knows no bounds, as evidenced by her pledge to deliver a Ramadan package directly to the doorsteps of millions of households. Furthermore, her grasp of governance is evident in the quality of her addresses, where she meticulously identifies and addresses the myriad challenges facing the province. She outlines comprehensive solutions and shares her vision for development, prosperity, and happiness among the people.
While the expectations are high and her convictions unwavering, only time will bear witness to the fulfillment of her lofty promises and aspirations. Maryam Nawaz’s leadership journey is marked by hope, determination, and an unyielding commitment to serve the people and transform their lives for the better.
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