PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz etched her name as the first female chief minister of Punjab on Monday, while PPP’s Murad Ali Shah secured the coveted position in Sindh for the third consecutive time, steering their parties to triumph in the wake of controversial general elections.
Both leaders cemented the PML-N and PPP's rule in Punjab and Sindh, respectively, navigating through boycotts and echoes of rigging allegations.
However, in the political air thick with tension, Maryam and Murad sought to strike conciliatory notes, urging collaboration across party lines.
Maryam pledged a revenge-free tenure in the 371-member Punjab Assembly session boycotted by the opposition Sunni Ittehad Council, backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, while Murad asserted, "We are never scared of criticism. No one is perfect, but if you don’t criticise, then how would we learn?"
Expressing gratitude, Murad added, "I want to thank people on both sides and also the people of this province."
Maryam, beyond being the trailblazing first female chief minister, joined the illustrious ranks of the Sharif family, becoming its fourth member to hold such a position and the first woman from the family to claim the CM seat.
Maryam secured her triumph with 220 votes, while her opponent, Rana Aftab Ahmad of the Sunni Ittehad Council, garnered zero votes due to the boycott.
The session commenced nearly two hours behind the planned schedule due to claims from the SIC that its MPAs were denied entry to the assembly premises. When proceedings eventually commenced at 1pm, 103 SIC lawmakers opted to stage a walkout.
As proceedings began, opposition lawmakers sought time to speak, but Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan focused on the agenda of the CM's election. The opposition boycotted, chanting slogans against PML-N thrice premier Nawaz Sharif.
Maryam, in an attempt to persuade the opposition, requested the speaker to send lawmakers to engage with them. However, as the election process started, the opposition once again boycotted and left the House.
'No revenge'
In her victory speech, Maryam directed her focus inward, emphasising the performance of her own party. She asserted that her competition lies in enhancing her party's efficiency rather than engaging in opposition battles.
Taking charge as CM Punjab, her inaugural address in the Punjab Assembly conveyed an open-door policy, welcoming all, especially the opposition, to collaboratively uplift the province by swiftly resolving the challenges faced by the underprivileged masses.
During her hour-and-a-half-long victory speech, Maryam expressed disappointment at the opposition's boycott, holding a framed photo of her late mother Kulsoom. She lamented their absence, stating, “I wish they had been a part of the political and democratic process.”
Expressing sorrow over the opposition lawmakers' departure before the election, Maryam emphasised the importance of staying engaged in the democratic process. Despite political challenges, she thanked her allied parties, Punjab's supportive citizens, and her educators who contributed to her becoming the chief minister.
Addressing the opposition, she said, “The doors of my chamber and heart will always remain open for them as they are for the members of my party.” Maryam clarified her stance, expressing no desire for revenge and harbouring no hatred.
Highlighting the historic nature of her election, Maryam dedicated the victory to all women in the country, emphasising that being a woman or a daughter should not hinder one's dreams. She pledged to launch over two dozen projects and announced immediate orders, including providing free medicines in government hospitals' emergencies and the upcoming launch of an air ambulance.
مریم نوازشریف صاحبہ 220 ووٹ حاصل کرکے پنجاب کی پہلی خاتون وزیراعلیٰ منتخب pic.twitter.com/s03uBs9KBq
— PMLN (@pmln_org) February 26, 2024
Murad’s hat-trick
Meanwhile, down in Karachi, Murad Ali Shah clinched his third consecutive term as Sindh's chief minister, securing 112 out of the 148 votes cast. His rival, Ali Khurshidi of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, managed to gather 36 votes.
Addressing the PTI-backed MPAs in the assembly, he said: “We are never scared of criticism, no one is perfect […] but if you don’t criticise, then how would we learn?”
“I want to thank people on both sides and also the people of this province,” he added.
“Throw it out of your minds that Karachi is not a part of Sindh […] it is time to move past this flawed thinking,” he asserted. CM Murad recalled that he had grown up in Karachi and knew the city like the back of his hand.
He also expressed hope that the opposition would play its due part in the assembly.
Read High stakes as Punjab readies for CM vote today
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said his new mission is to provide clean drinking water across the province.
He said Sindh is leading among all provinces when it comes to the provision of free healthcare.
Citing examples of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences and other facilities, he stated that people across the country came to Sindh for free medical treatment.
“You ask how we secured votes in Sindh, that is because we have shown our performance to the people,” CM Murad added.
He said he is honoured to take over the position of provincial head for the third consecutive term.
CM Murad also thanked the PPP leadership for supporting and backing him despite numerous challenges.
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