ISLAMABAD: Newly elected Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took oath on Monday, becoming the province’s first female head of government. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Punjab Governor House, where Governor Baligh Ur Rehman officiated the oath-taking ceremony.
Prominent figures, including members of the Sharif family, such as Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, attended the ceremony.
Maryam Nawaz’s election as Punjab’s chief minister marked a historic moment as she became the first female to hold this position in Pakistan’s history. She secured victory with the backing of 220 MPAs in the provincial assembly amidst a boycott by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
Following the announcement of her win by Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, Maryam Nawaz took her place as the leader of the House. In her inaugural speech, she extended congratulations to the newly-elected speaker and deputy speaker, expressing her desire for opposition participation in the democratic process.
Maryam thanked her party members, as well as allied parties like the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP), for their support. She highlighted the significance of her election for women in Pakistan, expressing hope for continued progress in gender representation in leadership roles.
Reflecting on her journey, Maryam emphasized a commitment to reconciliation rather than vengeance, acknowledging the challenges faced by her family and herself. She credited her late mother for her guidance and support, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned in facing adversity.
Acknowledging the legacy of leaders like Nawaz Sharif, Maryam underscored the responsibility she felt in assuming the role of chief minister. She recognized the mentorship provided by senior PML-N leaders and expressed determination to fulfill her duties with dedication and vision.
Maryam also extended appreciation to allied parties, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), PML-Q, and PML-Zia.
