Known for her biting rhetoric and ability to both pull and rouse a crowd, Maryam has made a name for herself in a political sphere dominated by men.
Maryam Nawaz, the anticipated successor in the political legacy of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, is a well-known figure in Pakistani politics. Renowned for her sharp rhetoric and the ability to captivate and energize crowds, Maryam has carved out her place in a political landscape traditionally dominated by men.
Born in 1974, the three-time ‘first daughter’ entered the limelight when she married Mohammad Safdar, a captain in the Pakistan Army, in 1992 during her father’s initial term as prime minister. While initially remaining behind the scenes, Maryam emerged in 2013 to manage her father’s re-election campaign, becoming a pivotal figure in countering the popularity of PTI’s Imran Khan, particularly among the youth.
After her father assumed power, Maryam took on the role of the chairperson of the Prime Minister Youth Loan Programme, though her appointment faced challenges and questions about qualifications. Subsequently, she directed a social media wing within the party to counter challenges posed by PTI.
By 2018, Maryam had become a significant force in PML-N and national politics. Despite her disqualification from contesting elections for a decade due to her conviction in the Avenfield reference, she continued to play a crucial role in the party.
Her period of self-exile was marked by increased political activism, leading anti-government rallies and criticizing Imran Khan, the PTI, and the military. However, she appeared to step back as the Pakistan Democratic Movement gained momentum, potentially to allow her uncle Shehbaz Sharif to negotiate with the establishment.
Maryam’s convictions were overturned in 2022, enabling her to participate in elections actively. In January 2023, she was appointed senior vice president and chief organizer of PML-N, solidifying her position as a senior leader.
In the 2024 general elections, Maryam is a candidate for both a National Assembly seat (NA-119) and a Punjab Assembly seat (PP-159), marking her debut as a contestant.
Key Stances:
- Maryam has been a vocal critic of the judiciary, accusing them of facilitating Imran Khan and holding them responsible for her father’s ouster in 2017. She consistently calls for judges’ accountability.
- She criticizes a former intelligence official for allegedly supporting Imran’s bid for prime minister and cracking down on the opposition.
- Advocates for youth involvement in PML-N campaigns and urges the party to award the maximum number of tickets to the youth in the upcoming elections.
- Publicly disowns some tough measures taken by the PML-N-led coalition government, including the mini-budget, and expresses disagreement with decisions to hike electricity and fuel prices, emphasizing her responsibility to the people.
