In a landmark moment for Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has been elected as the first-ever woman Chief Minister of Punjab, marking a significant stride towards gender equality in the country’s political arena. The historic election took place in Lahore, amidst a boycott from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
The election session, chaired by the newly-elected Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, commenced after a slight delay and was marked by the absence of votes for the SIC candidate, Rana Aftab Ahmed, due to the boycott by his party. As a result, Maryam Nawaz triumphed with an impressive 220 votes to her name.
This victory is not just a personal achievement for Maryam, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, but also a beacon of hope and empowerment for women across Pakistan. In her heartfelt address to the assembly, she extended her gratitude towards the PPP, IPP, and other parties for their unwavering support, reflecting on the challenging times she faced, including her arrest and the lessons of resilience instilled in her by her mother.
Maryam Nawaz’s election as Chief Minister comes with a vision of inclusive development and service to the people of Punjab, emphasizing her commitment to work for the welfare of all, regardless of their political affiliations.
The election required a candidate to garner the support of at least 187 out of 327 members of the house, a milestone Maryam comfortably achieved, showcasing the strong backing she enjoys within the assembly.
The build-up to this election saw intense political activity, including the election of Malik Ahmad Khan as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, amid vocal exchanges between members of the PML-N and SIC.
As Maryam Nawaz steps into this new role, her journey from facing adversity to achieving this historic milestone serves as an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, setting a precedent for future generations of women in politics. Her election as the first female Chief Minister of Punjab is not just a win for her party but a victory for the advancement of women’s representation in Pakistani politics.