Punjab Today, Pakistan Tomorrow: The Leadership of Maryam Nawaz
Writer: Sadaf Noreen Awan
“When women rise to lead, nations rise with them.”
“A courageous daughter does not merely inherit a legacy — she reshapes it,
safeguards it, and carries it forward with unwavering resolve.”
These words find living expression in the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif,
Pakistan’s first female Chief Minister of Punjab. Her ascent is not merely a
political milestone; it represents a profound transformation in governance,
vision, and public service. She truly combines a commanding presence with
grace and charisma; her resolute personality, confidence, and elegance
inspire respect and admiration, making her a leader who is both formidable
in action and dignified in demeanour.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emerged as a leader who combines resilience with
results, compassion with discipline, and ambition with accountability. Her
tenure has already begun to redefine what effective leadership looks like in
Pakistan.
Women in Leadership: Redefining Power and Possibility
In a political culture historically dominated by men, Maryam Nawaz’s rise
signals a powerful shift. She has demonstrated that leadership is not defined
by gender, but by 3Cs i-e capacity, commitment, and character.
Her presence at the helm of Punjab has inspired countless women across the
country, proving that barriers can be broken and ceilings can be shattered.
Yet her impact extends far beyond symbolism. She governs with energy,
visibility, and purpose, engaging directly with citizens and institutions alike.
She represents a new generation of leadership, decisive, accessible, and performance driven.From Political Daughter to the Party’s Iron Lady
Maryam Nawaz’s political journey has been forged in adversity. While she
entered public life as the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, she has built her own
stature through perseverance and courage.
During some of the most challenging chapters in her party’s history, she stood
firmly beside workers and supporters. She addressed rallies, mobilized
grassroots networks, defended democratic principles, and refused to retreat
in the face of pressure. Her steadfast commitment played a vital role in
restoring confidence within Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz and reconnecting
the party with the people.
Today, she is widely regarded as the party’s Iron Lady, not because of lineage,
but because of her resolve, discipline, and political maturity.
A Comprehensive Developmental Vision for Punjab
Since assuming office, Maryam Nawaz has introduced a far-reaching
development agenda encompassing infrastructure, sanitation, employment,
agriculture, healthcare, education, and transparent governance.
Across Punjab, roads are being rehabilitated, drainage systems upgraded, and
urban renewal projects initiated. From metropolitan centers to smaller
districts, development activity is visible and continuous.
As an eyewitness who hails from District Khushab, I can state with conviction
that I have never in my lifetime seen such cleanliness, organization, and active
governance in Khushab. Markets are cleaner, streets are better maintained,
traffic discipline has been improved, and government presence is now felt at
the grassroots level. This transformation is tangible and undeniable.
Suthra Punjab: A Province-Wide Cleanliness Renaissance
“Cleanliness is half of faith.” — Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Among her most impactful initiatives is Suthra Punjab, a comprehensive
sanitation and waste management campaign that has elevated public hygiene
standards throughout the province.
This program has mobilized large-scale manpower to ensure regular waste
collection, street cleaning, and proper disposal mechanisms. Public spaces
have been revitalized, neighborhoods appear healthier, and citizens have rediscovered pride in their surroundings For districts long neglected, this initiative marks a historic turning point.
Youth Empowerment and Economic Opportunity
Recognizing that youth constitute Punjab’s greatest strength, Maryam Nawaz
has prioritized employment generation and skill development.
Through job platforms, vocational programs, and empowerment initiatives,
young people are being equipped with practical tools to enter the workforce.
Digital systems now link job seekers with opportunities, while training
programs prepare them for emerging industries.
Interest-Free Loans and Support for the Common Citizen
Economic inclusion stands at the heart of her governance philosophy.
Maryam Nawaz has launched an extensive range of interest-free loan and
financial support programs to empower citizens across Punjab. These include
the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme and Asaan Karobar Card for small
businesses and entrepreneurs, the Easy Business Finance and Easy
Business Card Schemes supporting youth and women, the Parwaz Card for
skilled youth employment, and the Kisan Card (Phase II) along with the Hi-
Tech Farm Mechanization Program and Livestock Card, providing farmers
with funds for seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, modern machinery, and livestock
care. Together, these initiatives are transforming the economic landscape,
fostering entrepreneurship, supporting agriculture, and creating tangible
opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Farmers at the Center of Policy
Punjab’s agricultural community has received focused attention through
financial assistance, farmer cards, subsidized inputs, and modernization
support.
These measures reinforce rural economies, enhance productivity, and
acknowledge farmers as vital contributors to national prosperity. By
strengthening agriculture, Maryam Nawaz is safeguarding food security while
empowering rural households.
Healthcare, Education, and Human Development
Her administration has expanded free medicine programs, upgraded
hospitals, and introduced specialized medical services across districts.
Parallel investments in education include school rehabilitation, teacher
development, and institutional modernization. These reforms reflect a long-
term commitment to building human capital and ensuring equal access to essential services Hands-On Governance and Accountability
Maryam Nawaz leads from the front. Her personal visits to hospitals,
development sites, and government offices reflect a governance style rooted in
direct oversight.
She monitors progress firsthand, addresses delays immediately, and demands
accountability from officials. This approach has revitalized administrative
performance and restored public confidence in state institutions.
Strengthening Law and Order
Public safety has been reinforced through decisive action against criminal
elements and institutional reforms, including the establishment of specialized
crime-control mechanisms.
Traffic regulation, community policing, and firm enforcement measures have
contributed to safer cities and more organized public spaces.
A Role Model for the Entire Nation
Maryam Nawaz’s governance has begun to resonate far beyond Punjab.
Increasingly, citizens from other provinces express admiration for her
performance, openly stating their desire for similar leadership in their own
regions. Her results-driven approach has sparked national conversations
about governance standards and accountability.
She is setting a benchmark, demonstrating how proactive leadership can
translate into real improvements in everyday life.
Toward a Stronger Punjab and a Brighter Pakistan
To conclude, Maryam Nawaz Sharif represents a transformative chapter in
Pakistan’s political landscape. As Punjab’s first female Chief Minister, she has
moved beyond symbolism to deliver meaningful progress across
infrastructure, sanitation, youth empowerment, agriculture, healthcare,
education, and law enforcement.
Maryam Nawaz’s leadership has attracted international attention for her
reformist agenda and effective governance. Global outlets have praised her
initiatives, including the Suthra Punjab cleanliness campaign and her focus
on social welfare, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.
Institutions like the World Bank have also recognized her environmental
leadership, calling her a “climate change warrior” and highlighting her growing global stature As a resident of Islamabad and having roots of District Khushab, I take pride
in witnessing this change firsthand like cleaner streets, improved roads, (from
Lillah Interchange to Khushab) organized systems, and renewed civic spirit
stand as living evidence of what sincere leadership can accomplish.
Today, Punjab is evolving. Tomorrow, Pakistan can follow.
It is my sincere hope that Maryam Nawaz’s journey continues upward and
that one day she serves as Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Maryum Nawaz, You have earned it.
Our country needs leaders of her calibre: leaders who work on the ground,
empower youth, support farmers, protect women, uphold accountability, and
prioritize development over division. May Punjab’s progress become
Pakistan’s standard and this era mark the beginning of a more prosperous disciplined, and united nation.
