Though the first introduction of Maryam Nawaz is that she is the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, this may not be all. She is going to etch her name in history as the first woman nominated for chief minister office of Punjab. Perhaps, she is going to be the first female chief minister of any province in Pakistan.
This is a welcome development in our part of the world where women have limited access to every sector. Earlier, we have the pride of having Benazir Bhutto as the first female prime minister of a Muslim country.
This move would have not happened without the blessings of Nawaz Sharif. I also believe that move has the full backing of nominated prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, and his son, Hamza Shehbaz.
By all means, by pitching Maryam Nawaz as the chief minister of Punjab, the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has marked a significant shift in the country’s political setting.
I am traveling from an overseas trip to Pakistan, and I am writing this piece at Dubai Airport while waiting for my flight.
I can hear a family sitting by discussing Maryam Nawaz and raising questions about her experience and the challenges she faces.
Let my readers be clear, that born in 1973, Maryam Nawaz’s political journey began not in 2022 or 2023 but in 2013 when she actively managed the PML-N’s election campaign. In those days, she chose not to be on front foot. While remaining behind the scene, she crafted the party’s narratives and oversaw every bit of electioneering. Once in power, the PML-N government brought to her front scenes, and it all happened gradually. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the chairperson of the Prime Minister Youth Programme.
During her brief stay in the programme, she worked without creating media waves. Not a single scam related to mismanagement or misuse of funds was reported. Later, legal challenges forced her resignation, highlighting the initial hurdles she faced.
Everything was going smooth when some elements in the power corridor started creating troubles for the PML-N government and all guns turned towards Mian Nawaz Sharif. At the end of the day, Nawaz Sharif was disqualified through a controversial judgment.
Enough was enough. Now, entered Maryam Nawaz and very soon, she emerged as a fierce defender of her father and the PML-N. Her aggressive political style earned her the moniker of an “iron lady.” She mobilized the party workers and earned support for Mian Nawaz Sharif.
Maryam Nawaz’s recent nomination as chief minister candidate is less an opportunity and more a test.
This time, media is hostile towards her. Before her oath, critics have started pointing out that she has never held a public office and may lack the administrative expertise required for such a critical role. Moreover, the PML-N, once the most popular party, itself faces challenges as its performance in the recent elections has left several question mark. So, in my view, her biggest challenge lies in regaining the party’s lost support base – Punjab. This can happen only when she has a good team, a clear vision and innovative ideas to connect with the public, especially women and youth.
Her journey will be under spotlight for various benchmarks. Critics will be in a hurry to dub her the Buzdar of the PML-N.
Maryam Nawaz holds a blend of political legacy and personal ambition and charisma. Let us wish her success on her journey to the uncharted territory. Her success will hinge on her ability to navigate the complexities of governance, address public concerns, and forge her own path as a leader, independent of her family’s shadow. Only then can she truly fulfill the expectations placed upon her and silence her critics.
