Maryam Nawaz, groomed thoroughly by her illustrious father Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, instantly became a crowd-pulling politician for her fiery speeches and bold stance on national issues and more so on issues of interest to people of Pakistan and established her credentials as a visionary leader and an administrator par excellence within a short span of time after assuming responsibilities as the first woman Chief Minister of the largest province of the country.
This is the sum total of the year-round exercise carried out by the Editorial Board of the daily Pakistan Observer to evolve consensus on the name of the personality to be declared as Leader of the Year and led to conferment of the coveted title on Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz. The selection for the title is made on the basis of assessment of role and performance, achievements and contribution of prominent personalities from different walks of life to the cause of the country and their impact on lives of the people. A number of personalities were initially identified and the final selection was made on the basis of a nation-wide survey by the network of bureaus and correspondents, interviews of leaders of public opinion and people representing different shades of opinion, interaction with the members of the diplomatic community and feedback from overseas Pakistanis through e-surveys. After careful and indepth analysis of the input/material, the Editorial Board of the paper unanimously concluded that Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab, deserves the title in recognition of her unparalleled performance during the year as chief executive of the province, which has changed the entire landscape of Punjab.
The most striking observation made by almost all those surveyed for the title as to why she stands tall among a galaxy of leaders was the reality that Maryam Nawaz did not waste a single day after assuming charge as CM Punjab, launched far-reaching policies and reforms in the entire spectrum of governance and more importantly saw to it that the well-planned programmes and the initiatives launched are implemented in letter and spirit. In sharp contrast to different leaders, who announced ambitious plans in different periods of the national history but could not take them to fruition, Maryam has evolved a comprehensive and fail-proof system of feedback and accountability to ensure trickledown effect of the policies of her Government.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been identified as the leader who played a crucial role in restoring the shattered confidence of the people in the ability of the Government to deliver. People of Pakistan were passing through a period of despondency and utter stress due to backbreaking inflation, especially high prices of food items and a phenomenal increase in the electricity tariff. It was in this backdrop that the Punjab Chief Minister devoted priority attention to the surging prices of wheat flour and roti, the staple food of the people and succeeded in bringing them down to a reasonable level, a measure that went extremely well with people of the province. In the backdrop of the fact that determination of the electricity tariff was outside the scope of the provinces, Maryam Nawaz not only allocated Rs. 45 billions to subsidize electricity bills for three peak summer months but also launched free solar power scheme for marginalized segments of the society and offered meaningful subsidy for other consumers, providing them substantial relief on sustainable basis. One of the first things that the Chief Minister did was building a strong and dedicated team of planners and executors, who are working as arms and eyes of the CM and can legitimately be credited for their hard work in translating dreams of their leader into reality.
The traits of the Leader of the Year 2024 as highlighted by respondents of the survey and interviewees were – comprehensive vigilance, deep understanding of the issues of governance, visionary approach for resolution of the chronic problems of the citizens, eloquence and commitment to better the lives of the people. The way she performed in Punjab during the year beamed a strong signal to all concerned that Maryam has emerged as the Iron Lady of Pakistan and a true political scion of her seasoned father Mian Nawaz Sharif.
Some leaders of the public opinion pointed out that events of the last week of November were a glaring example of the popularity of Maryam Nawaz as an administrator and politician. The fact that people of Punjab did not come out at the final call of ‘do or die’ reflected the level of satisfaction of the masses as the province is being governed as per their aspirations and expectations. It has also been underlined that Maryam Nawaz Sharif not only announced and introduced welfare-oriented initiatives on an almost daily basis but also devised a complete action plan to implement them with special focus on allocation of required resources and that is why Punjab is witnessing a transformative change and marching ahead on the path of progress and prosperity. All this is because of mind boggling speed of delivery, good governance, transparency, a passion for merit, strong coordination and accessibility. People of Punjab appreciate the fact that at a time when governments are seen as dragging their feet on social sectors like education and health, Maryam Government is focusing attention on establishment of IT, Education and Health cities across the province, which will play a key role in bringing about a silent socio-economic revolution, ensuring equitable development of all regions. Her government has active plans to establish five digital cities under the iconic ‘Digital Punjab’ initiative with the cooperation of global tech giants. It was in line with this strategy that the Chief Minister, during her recent visit to China, not only keenly observed modern health, education, IT, transport and other infrastructure facilities but successfully sought concrete cooperation from Chinese government and companies for collaboration in ventures like exploiting agricultural potential of the province using latest technology, turning the provincial capital as a smart city, promotion of IT sector with the cooperation of Shanghai authorities, development of a sustainable transportation system in major cities of Punjab and plans to address environmental issues like fog.
They survey revealed that two initiatives have become highly popular with the people of the province – Clinic on Wheels programme actively operating at tehsil level to provide diagnostic and treatment facilities to people at their doorsteps and ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ programme under which citizens can access seventy important services through phone, mobile app or web portal. The Dastak initiative is particularly helpful for senior citizens, people with disabilities and women as the required services are delivered at their doorsteps through specially trained facilitators. There is also a plan to establish a ‘state-of-the art’ hospital equipped with modern facilities at each district of the province besides provision of free medicines and introduction of air ambulance service. ‘Suthra Punjab’ is another programme that will go a long way in creating a healthy environment in the province.
Security issue being one of the prime concerns of the people, the Punjab Government is introducing ‘Safe City’ project in 18 cities and its scope will be expanded to cover all districts during the next four years. Similarly, to address the woes of women about their safety and well-being, women police stations are being set up besides daycare centres for working women and a dedicated helpline. A livestock programme has been initiated in twelve districts of South Punjab for financial independence of women.
Other initiatives highlighted by people during the survey in support of conferring the title to the Punjab Chief Minister included Apni Chatt, Apna Ghar programme, CM e-bikes, laptop scheme, green tractors, Kissan Cards, Himmat Cards, Road Restoration and Road Rehabilitation programme, CM School Meal Programme, CM Internship Programme, Children Heart Surgery programme, school transport system, centres for differently-abled c
Our contributors whose views helped the Editorial Board of the paper to finalize the selection for the title pointed out that a comprehensive strategy is being pursued to make Punjab an economic hub and for this purpose prospective investors from home and abroad are being offered every possible support. People hoped that Government reforms including e-procurement and office automation will go a long way in promoting transparency and accelerating the pace of service delivery. In fact, a real and positive change is visible across Punjab and accomplishment of these and future plans have the potential to take its people close to the cherished objective of all-round progress and prosperity. hildren and package for transgender community.
