The Punjab Assembly witnessed the election of Maryam Nawaz as the province’s inaugural female chief minister, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s political landscape. Despite a tumultuous session rife with boycotts and delays, Maryam emerged victorious, clinching a resounding win with 220 votes against her contender, Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

The proceedings were not without drama. Initially, the SIC, which now housed PTI-backed independent candidates, nominated Mian Aslam Iqbal for the position. However, citing fears of arrest by the Punjab police, Iqbal failed to take the oath as MPA, leading to his replacement by Aftab from Faisalabad, a former PPP loyalist.

Amidst anticipation, Maryam began her day by paying respects at her mother’s grave before arriving at the Punjab Assembly, where the session, scheduled for 11 am, commenced nearly two hours behind schedule. The delay ensued amidst allegations that SIC MPs were barred from entering the assembly premises. Eventually, with 103 SIC lawmakers staging a walkout, Speaker Malik declared the session would proceed in their absence.

Following voting, Maryam was officially declared Punjab’s 30th chief minister, ushering in a new era of governance. In a symbolic ceremony at the Governor House, Maryam, alongside her father Nawaz Sharif and uncle Shehbaz Sharif, took the oath of office, solidifying her historic appointment as Punjab’s first female chief minister.

Maryam’s ascendancy to power amidst controversy underscores the evolving dynamics of Pakistani politics and heralds a new chapter in Punjab’s governance.