WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Thursday Times) — The US State Department, represented by spokesperson Matthew Miller, has hailed Maryam Nawaz’s election as the Chief Minister of Punjab as a significant milestone in Pakistani politics, emphasising the United States’ anticipation of deeper cooperation with Pakistan. Maryam Nawaz has been marked as the first woman to hold this position in the country’s history. This cooperation aims at integrating women more fully into the country’s political life, economy, civil society, and other decision-making spaces, highlighting the role of initiatives like the US-Pakistan Women’s Council in these efforts.
Maryam Nawaz’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience and determination of women in leadership roles across the globe. Her ascent to one of the most powerful offices in Pakistan comes on the back of a challenging personal and political journey, which included dealing with the arrest of her family members and the loss of her mother. In her victory speech, Maryam expressed gratitude towards her adversaries for the trials they imposed upon her, which she believes paved her way to this historic achievement. She extended a special thanks to her late mother for unknowingly preparing her for this day and acknowledged the mentorship and support of senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including her father Nawaz Sharif and uncle Shehbaz Sharif.
Maryam Nawaz’s election was marked by a boycott from the opposition, particularly the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), but she won the support of 220 members of the provincial assembly, underscoring her significant backing within the legislature. Her governance plans for Punjab are ambitious and comprehensive, touching on various sectors from healthcare, education, women’s safety, to economic development. Among her promises are the establishment of Ramadan Sasta Bazaars to control food prices, launching Punjab’s first air ambulance service, revising the school curriculum, and ensuring free medicines in public hospitals.
With Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, there is a palpable expectation of a shift towards more inclusive governance and economic development strategies in Punjab. Her vision for the province includes leveraging her position to bridge political divides, enhance women’s participation in all societal aspects, and drive significant infrastructural and social reforms. As the first woman to hold this office in Punjab, Maryam’s tenure is set to be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as a barometer for women’s evolving role in South Asian politics.
This development has been met with enthusiasm from various quarters, including international observers like the US, who see it as a step forward in breaking the glass ceiling for women in leadership roles globally.
