Lahore, In a historic election, Maryam Nawaz of the Pakistan Muslim League-N has been elected as the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab, securing two hundred twenty votes in a session held in the provincial assembly today. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan announced the results, marking a significant milestone in the political landscape of Pakistan’s most populous province.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the election witnessed Maryam Nawaz’s triumph over the opposition, with the Sunni Ittehad Council having nominated Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan for the position but ultimately boycotting the electoral process.
In her address to the assembly following the election, the newly elected Chief Minister unveiled plans to implement various measures aimed at providing relief to the common man. Emphasizing her role as a leader for the entire province, regardless of party lines, Maryam Nawaz assured that her office would be accessible to members of the opposition as well. She expressed her gratitude towards the Almighty, party leadership, including Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, and allied parties for their support and confidence in her leadership.
Highlighting her vision for Punjab, Maryam Nawaz stated her desire to transform the province into a thriving business hub, distancing herself from any notions of political vendetta. Her election not only shatters a glass ceiling but also sets a new precedent for female leadership in the region’s political domain.
Karachi, Newly re-elected Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah outlined his commitment to Pakistan’s integrity, stability, and the eradication of street crime in his speech to the Sindh Assembly. Shah, who has been elected to the role for the third time, expressed his allegiance to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, emphasizing his vision for the country’s future and the challenges ahead, including terrorism, street crime, and the need for social welfare improvements.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, Shah’s election victory was confirmed in the Sindh Assembly, where he garnered 112 votes against his competitor from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan, Ali Sohariya, who received 36 votes. In his address, Shah reflected on his political journey, influenced by the late Benazir Bhutto, and his dedication to the PPP’s mission under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Shah stressed the significance of addressing Sindh’s immediate concerns, such as terrorism, street crime, and drug eradication, and recognized the support of the caretaker Chief Minister, Justice Maqbool Baqir, for the smooth transition of power.
Shah’s speech also highlighted the achievements and future plans of the PPP in Sindh, including efforts to combat inflation, unemployment, and environmental challenges. He announced initiatives to double salaries within five years, expand solar energy projects, and improve healthcare accessibility. Additionally, Shah detailed the construction of homes for flood victims and the introduction of the Kisan card to support farmers.
In a nod to the PPP’s historical contributions to Pakistan’s constitution and defense, Shah credited Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for their pivotal roles and looked forward to Asif Ali Zardari’s potential presidency, advocating for unity and cooperation across party lines. Shah concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Sindh’s development, particularly in addressing Karachi’s unique challenges, and called for solidarity in addressing the broader issues facing Pakistan and the region.