By Qamar Bashir
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.
