The history of women in Pakistani leadership is not a singular narrative but a series of distinct chapters, each shaped by its own context and challenges. The rise of Benazir Bhutto to the premiership in 1988 was a groundbreaking moment, establishing a powerful precedent for female political authority in a Muslim-majority nation. Bhutto’s leadership, marked by populist rallies and a fierce battle for democratic principles, set a high bar for political courage and resilience. However, the political landscape has evolved, and today, Pakistan is witnessing a different kind of leadership from the next generation, with Maryam Nawaz’s tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab offering a unique and more administrative model of governance.

Maryam Nawaz’s rise represents a clear departure from the national-level populism that defined her family’s political strategies. While her legacy inevitably connects to the influence of her father, Nawaz Sharif, Maryam’s governance style has proven distinct in its focus on provincial-level reform. The shift from a populist, rally-driven approach to a data-centric, results-oriented leadership model is one of the most significant developments in Pakistan’s contemporary politics.

Punjab, home to over half of Pakistan’s population and its economic engine, has long struggled with administrative inefficiencies, poor infrastructure, and chronic social challenges.

Punjab, home to over half of Pakistan’s population and its economic engine, has long struggled with administrative inefficiencies, poor infrastructure, and chronic social challenges. Historically, governance in the province has been........

© Daily Times