Maryam Nawaz takes oath as first woman CM Punjab as Pakistanis take to the internet

Vice president PML-N defeated PTI-backed candidate from Sunni Ittehad Council, Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan, with 220 votes

In a historic moment, Maryam Nawaz, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has been elected as Punjab's Chief Minister, marking the first-ever instance of a woman assuming this position in the country. The news has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media platforms, with users expressing diverse sentiments on this significant milestone.

Maryam secured victory by defeating the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidate from Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan, with an overwhelming 220 votes. Rana Aftab failed to secure a single vote, leading to protests by PTI members outside the assembly, chanting slogans of Imran Khan. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan presided over the session during the historic voting process.

Supporters of Maryam flooded platforms with congratulatory messages, celebrating the breakthrough for gender equality in Pakistani politics. “Congratulations Maryam Nawaz Sharif on becoming the first female chief minister of Punjab. Hoping this ushers in a new era grounded in unity, healing and delivery rather than vengeance,” penned one user on microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter).

Congratulations Maryam Nawaz Sharif on becoming the first female chief minister of Punjab.

Hoping this ushers in a new era grounded in unity, healing and delivery rather than vengeance.

— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) February 26, 2024

Maryam, who expressed her affection for her late mother and dedicated her win to the women of Pakistan, also drew appreciation for her maiden speech at the provincial legislature. As per one internet user, “This is beautiful. Maryam Nawaz kept a picture of her mother while delivering the speech. ‘I’m the CM of all those who voted for me and those who did not vote for me, my office is always open for the opposition.’” 

This is beautiful. Maryam Nawaz kept a picture of her mother while delivering the speech. “I’m the CM of all those who voted for me and those who did not vote for me, my office is always open for the opposition”. This is exactly what Nawaz Sharif said 🇵🇰 #خوش_آمدید_میڈم_چیف_منسٹر pic.twitter.com/05fzmogrf6

— Saad Kaiser 🇵🇰 (@TheSaadKaiser) February 26, 2024

The news also triggered discussions and debates among users, with some expressing scepticism and others raising questions about the political implications of this appointment. Memes, gifs, and hashtags related to Maryam's historic election trended on Twitter and other platforms.

 

One detractor suggested a ‘correction’ to an X post lauding Maryam and said, “Congratulations Maryam Nawaz on becoming the first chief minister without votes and a public mandate.” As per the disgruntled netizen, “the rest of the message is just nuisance and a way to normalise the blatant disregard of public’s will.”

Correction:
Congratulations Maryam Nawaz on becoming the first chief minister without votes and a public mandate.

The rest of the message is just nuisance and a way to normalize the blatant disregard of public’s will. https://t.co/stHtkDaoIj

— Maaz (@insafkayliyay) February 26, 2024

According to another critic the ‘big’ moment was tarnished amid allegations of rigging. “If Maryam Nawaz had won Punjab premiership through her popularity and received the mandate of the public for the job I would have been the first to congratulate her. It's a tad difficult to congratulate someone for stealing. Sorry,” maintained the post.

If Maryam Nawaz had won Punjab premiership through her popularity and received the mandate of the public for the job I would have been the first to congratulate her. It's a tad difficult to congratulate someone for stealing. Sorry#MaryamNawaz

— Sara Taseer (@sarataseer) February 26, 2024

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.