Maryam Nawaz makes history as Pakistan's first female Chief Minister

Following the results of national and provincial polls held on February 8, Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif became the first woman ever to govern a province after she defeated Rana Aftab, a candidate backed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan.

In an election marred by opposition boycotts, the newly elected Chief Minister of the South Asian nation expressed her disappointment with the opposition attempts during her victory speech.

“I wish they had been a part of the political and democratic process. I want to give a message to the opposition: the doors of my chamber and heart will always remain open for them as they are for the members of my party,” she is quoted by local media Dawn.

“I was born in an affluent household. I got a chance to hold direct interactions with the common people and I am aware of their problems. I know the expectations they have from the government. Therefore, from today onwards, after the oath, I will go to my office and begin the implementation of my manifesto,” she added.

Maryam Nawaz said after the decision that her appointment was an “honour” for every woman in Pakistan and emphasized that being a woman or a daughter should not limit one's ambitions.

Her election to Punjab's highest political office has been considered a great step forward for gender equality in Pakistan's patriarchal system, garnering praise from women's rights activists and female politicians across the nation.