VICE President of PML(N) Maryam Nawaz, who bagged 220 votes during election for the office of the Chief Minister, has earned the distinction of becoming the first female CM of the largest province of the country and Pakistan. In her maiden address in the House after her election, Maryam emphatically declared she was the chief minister of every MPA across the divide, and promised that her doors were opened to everyone, devoid of any political lining. She spoke eloquently for 90 minutes announcing a series of measures, plans and policies for welfare of different segments of the society, promoting thunderous applause from the House.
The tone and tenor of the new Chief Minister as well as the roadmap she unfolded for the next five years have definitely raised hopes among people about much-needed transformation for the good in their daily lives. There are bright prospects of her success as Maryam herself has a passion for excellence, is energetic and will have the added advantage of full backing and guidance of her experienced father, whose tenures brought progress and development to the province. There can be no two opinions that the agenda announced by her can make a difference for the people but there are also daunting challenges ahead and it will be a test for Maryam to show enough maturity to overcome them in a satisfactory manner. It is a reality that the province suffered a lot in recent years due to political infighting and, therefore, people want stability and security without which there can be no progress and prosperity. This challenge was highlighted by the attitude of the opposition and its boycott of the session that elected the leader of the House. Rising prices remain the number one concern of the people and it has to be seen what she could do in this regard when there are apprehensions that the federal government cannot offer any relief in the foreseeable future. Civil servants remained neglected throughout Punjab and their salaries and perks are much less than those in other provinces, especially Sindh where the new government has vowed to double the salaries in five years. Implementation of the ambitious development agenda would remain an elusive dream until and unless grievances of provincial employees are addressed satisfactorily and on a fast track basis.
