The question of whether to participate in the Punjab elections or not is a critical decision for the ruling coalition as the formidable opposition led by Imran Khan has made things difficult. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the chief organiser of the PML-N, had filed nomination papers for four constituencies in the upcoming provincial polls, which were initially scheduled for April 30 but are now scheduled for May 14, if they are ever held. However, some poll pundits have criticized her decision, saying that it indicates her weakening chances of becoming prime minister.
In my opinion, Maryam Nawaz’s decision to contest the provincial polls is commendable. It will provide her with valuable government experience, and if she becomes the chief minister of Punjab, she will be well-prepared for a national-level leadership role. Maryam Nawaz has an impressive political resume, having served as an adviser to her father during his third term as prime minister in 2013 and playing a key role in PML-N’s 2018 election campaign. She has emerged as a significant opposition leader and has been vocal about her party’s stance on accountability, transparency, and democratic norms.
Maryam Nawaz has faced legal challenges in previous years, and her supporters believe that the charges against her were politically motivated. Now, the cases are history and she is eligible to contest elections. Despite cases, she remained a popular figure among PML-N supporters and is seen as a potential future leader of the party and a candidate for the prime minister’s office. Her political skills, charisma, and ability to connect with the masses have made her a significant political figure in Pakistan.
Maryam Nawaz has been vocal about her party’s stance on issues such as accountability, transparency, and democratic norms. She has been critical of the previous government led by Imran Khan on these issues. She has a strong support base within her party and its followers and her emergence as a key opposition leader have also helped her become a voice for women in politics. She has spoken out on issues such as women’s rights, gender equality, and the need for women to be represented in political decision-making.
On the other hand, I believe that Maryam Nawaz’s decision to file nomination papers for four constituencies is a waste of resources. Even if she wins all four seats, she will only have one vote at the time of the chief minister elections. It remains to be seen whether she will contest the same four constituencies or choose new ones.
I also advise Aseefa Bhutto to contest the Sindh Assembly polls to gain experience at the provincial level before transitioning to the National Assembly. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has done an excellent job of stepping into the shoes of his grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and his experience as a foreign minister will make him an experienced prime minister in the future.
As for the PTI, I suggest that they name the future occupant of the chief minister of Punjab. It could be Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, or Usman Buzdar. I also wonder where Hamza Shehbaz, Maryam Nawaz’s cousin and the ultimate choice for the chief minister of Punjab, is in this equation. Hamza Shehbaz has filed nomination papers for three constituencies in Lahore, PP-146, 147, and 163.
The coming weeks will unfold the scenario. Right now, Maryam Nawaz Sharif is a significant political figure in her party, and her future trajectory and role in Pakistani politics will continue to be closely watched. Her decision to contest the provincial polls is commendable, but her decision to file nomination papers for four constituencies may be a waste of resources. The PTI should name the future occupant of the chief minister of Punjab, and Aseefa Bhutto should gain experience at the provincial level before transitioning to the National Assembly.
