Introduction to Maryam Nawaz
Maryam Nawaz is a name that echoes through the halls of Pakistani politics. As the daughter of three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, she’s no stranger to the spotlight. But Maryam is more than just a political heir—she’s a trailblazer who made history as the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province. Since stepping into politics, she’s been a polarizing yet charismatic figure, loved by supporters and criticized by opponents. Her journey, filled with rallies, controversies, and bold leadership, has made her a key player in Pakistan’s political landscape. In 2024–2025, her actions have kept her in the headlines, sparking debates about her future. Let’s dive into her story, from her early days to her rise as a powerful leader.
Early Life and Education
Maryam Nawaz Sharif was born on October 28, 1973, in Lahore, Pakistan, a city known for its rich culture and political history. As the eldest daughter of Nawaz Sharif and Kulsoom Nawaz, she grew up in a family deeply rooted in business and politics. Her father’s wealth came from the Ittefaq Group, a major industrial conglomerate, but it was his political career that shaped Maryam’s path.
Maryam attended the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Lahore for her early education, followed by the Beaconhouse School System. She later studied at the University of Punjab, though her degree has faced scrutiny in court, with critics questioning its authenticity. Despite this, Maryam’s sharp mind and political instincts were evident early on. Growing up in the Sharif household, she was exposed to high-stakes politics, learning the ropes from her father, a towering figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Entry into Politics
Maryam didn’t jump into politics overnight. Her journey began in 2012 when she took charge of PML-N’s election campaign for the 2013 general elections. At the time, her father was aiming for his third term as Prime Minister, and Maryam proved her worth by running a vibrant campaign. Her knack for connecting with voters, especially through social media, gave PML-N a modern edge.
After the elections, which PML-N won, Maryam was appointed Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in 2013. This role put her in the public eye, but it wasn’t without controversy. Critics, including rival Imran Khan, called it nepotism, and her appointment was challenged in the Lahore High Court. Maryam resigned in 2014, but this setback only fueled her determination to carve her own path in politics.
Key Political Milestones
Maryam’s political career took off after 2013. She became a prominent voice in PML-N, known for her fiery speeches and ability to rally crowds. Here are some of her major milestones:
- 2013 Election Campaign: Maryam led PML-N’s campaign, using social media to reach younger voters. Her efforts helped her father secure a third term as Prime Minister.
- 2017 By-Elections: After Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification, Maryam campaigned for her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, in the NA-120 by-election in Lahore. Despite a smaller victory margin, her leadership shone through.
- 2019 Vice Presidency: Appointed as PML-N’s Vice President, Maryam led anti-government rallies, criticizing Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the military’s alleged role in her father’s ousting.
- 2024 Chief Minister Role: Maryam made history by becoming Punjab’s first female Chief Minister after PML-N’s strong performance in the 2024 provincial elections. She won 220 votes in the Punjab Assembly, a landmark moment for women in Pakistan.
Her speeches are known for their passion and directness, often targeting rivals like PTI and addressing issues like governance and women’s rights. In 2024, her focus on development projects, like the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme and the laptop distribution program, won her praise from supporters.
Maryam Nawaz’s Role During Nawaz Sharif’s Disqualification
In 2017, Maryam’s world changed when the Supreme Court disqualified her father, Nawaz Sharif, from office over the Panama Papers scandal. The court ruled that Nawaz had been dishonest about his assets, and Maryam, along with her family, faced corruption charges. Instead of stepping back, Maryam took charge.
She became PML-N’s anti-establishment figurehead, rallying supporters against what she called a conspiracy by the judiciary and military. Maryam campaigned tirelessly for her mother in the 2017 by-elections, keeping PML-N’s base energized. Her speeches, filled with defiance, positioned her as a leader who wouldn’t back down, even when faced with legal battles. This period marked her transformation from a behind-the-scenes strategist to a frontline leader.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Maryam’s political rise hasn’t been smooth. The Panama Papers case was a major hurdle, linking her to offshore companies and high-end apartments in London. In 2018, she was sentenced to seven years in prison for abetting corruption, while her father received a ten-year sentence. The charges sparked heated debates, with PML-N calling them politically motivated.
Maryam spent months in jail but was released on appeal in 2018. In 2019, she faced another arrest over money laundering allegations, but no charges were filed, and she was released on bail. In 2022, her 2018 conviction was overturned, clearing her to run for office. These legal battles shaped her public image—supporters saw her as a victim of injustice, while critics labeled her part of a corrupt dynasty.
Leaked audio recordings also stirred controversy. In 2022, one clip suggested Maryam asked her uncle, Shehbaz Sharif, to import a power plant for her son-in-law’s business. In 2023, another recording allegedly showed her advising Shehbaz to downplay a PTI worker’s death. Maryam defended herself, claiming the clips were taken out of context, but they fueled criticism from opponents.
Leadership Style and Public Image
Is Maryam Nawaz a charismatic leader or a controversial figure? It depends on who you ask. Her supporters admire her boldness and ability to connect with people. Her speeches are fiery, often calling out rivals like Imran Khan with sharp wit. She’s also known for her social media savvy—her X posts, like one thanking Michelle Obama in 2015, show her global appeal.
Maryam’s leadership style is hands-on. As Chief Minister, she’s made surprise visits to hospitals, exposing negligence and ordering reforms. A 2025 X post praised her for taking action against corruption in Pakpattan’s DHQ hospital. Her focus on education, women’s safety, and infrastructure—like the Green Agri Mall and Air Punjab—has won her a 55% approval rating in Punjab, according to a 2024 survey.
Critics, however, see her as a product of dynastic politics, pointing to her family’s wealth and influence. Some call her aggressive, citing her harsh remarks against PTI. Despite this, her ability to rally crowds and maintain PML-N’s base makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Comparison with Other Female Leaders
Maryam is often compared to Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister. Both women rose through dynastic politics, but their paths differ. Here’s a comparison:
| Aspect | Maryam Nawaz | Benazir Bhutto |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Daughter of Nawaz Sharif, PML-N leader | Daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, PPP leader |
| Education | University of Punjab (degree contested) | Oxford University |
| Entry into Politics | 2012, PML-N campaign manager | 1980s, after father’s execution |
| Leadership Style | Fiery, social media-savvy, confrontational | Charismatic, diplomatic, global appeal |
| Major Achievements | First female CM of Punjab (2024) | First female PM of Pakistan (1988) |
| Controversies | Panama Papers, jail time, audio leaks | Corruption charges, exile, assassination |
| Public Image | Polarizing, anti-establishment | Iconic, symbol of democracy |
Maryam’s role in promoting women in politics is notable. Her election as Chief Minister inspired many, with women’s rights activists calling it a step forward in Pakistan’s patriarchal society. Unlike Benazir, who had a global education and diplomatic finesse, Maryam’s strength lies in her grassroots appeal and defiance against critics. Her initiatives, like the Punjab Dhee Rani Programme for underprivileged families, show her commitment to gender equality.
Recent Developments (2024–2025)
In 2024, Maryam became Punjab’s Chief Minister, a historic moment celebrated by PML-N supporters. She launched projects like the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme and a laptop distribution program, earning praise for focusing on education and sustainability. In February 2025, she inaugurated the Green Agri Mall in Cholistan, a collaboration with the Pakistan Army to boost agriculture.
Her relationship with the military and judiciary remains complex. While she’s hinted at dialogue with the military, as seen in a 2020 BBC Urdu interview, she’s also criticized them for allegedly ousting her father. In 2024, PTI accused her of rigging the Punjab elections, calling her a “fake Chief Minister.” Maryam dismissed these claims, focusing on governance.
Her speeches in 2025, like one in the Punjab Assembly, emphasized development and tax reforms. She also condemned international conflicts, such as Israel’s attack on Iran, showing her engagement with global issues. X posts from 2025 highlight her active leadership, with supporters calling her governance “soulful” and critics questioning her legitimacy.
Future of Maryam Nawaz in Pakistani Politics
Could Maryam Nawaz be Pakistan’s next Prime Minister? It’s a question on many minds. Her father, Nawaz Sharif, has hinted at her potential, and her successful tenure as Chief Minister could pave the way. In 2024, she quashed rumors of Nawaz retiring from politics, signaling her family’s continued influence.
Maryam enjoys strong support within PML-N, but challenges remain. Critics argue her lack of parliamentary experience and dynastic background could hinder her. PTI’s opposition, legal controversies, and tensions with the military and judiciary are hurdles she must navigate. Public opinion is split—while 55% of Punjab residents approve of her governance, others see her as part of an elite dynasty.
Her social media strategy and focus on youth and women could boost her chances. If she continues delivering on promises like infrastructure and education reforms, she could emerge as a strong candidate for Prime Minister in future elections.