Punjab Under Maryam Nawaz – Development or Political Drama?

Introduction

Maryam Nawaz has made history as the first female Chief Minister of any Pakistani province. However, her governance in Punjab has sparked debate and criticism. As the political heir of Nawaz Sharif, she enjoys complete control over the province without any significant opposition. Her leadership style mirrors that of her father, Nawaz Sharif, and her uncle, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on bureaucratic governance rather than democratic inclusivity. Even within her own party, PML-N assembly members complain about being sidelined, as Maryam Nawaz allegedly does not consult elected representatives in decision-making.

The Face of Punjab – A Province Covered with Her Pictures

One of the most glaring aspects of Maryam Nawaz’s rule is her obsession with self-projection. Punjab’s streets, billboards, government buildings, and even garbage trucks are adorned with her images and slogans. Rather than focusing on substantial reforms, her administration appears preoccupied with optics and publicity stunts. The excessive display of her personality cult raises concerns about whether the government’s priority is development or merely public relations.

One Year of Rule – Cosmetic Development and Political Stunts

Maryam Nawaz claims that her government has achieved significant development in the past year. However, a ground reality check tells a different story. Punjab continues to struggle with deteriorating infrastructure, poor public services, and lack of economic opportunities. Key sectors such as education, healthcare, and law enforcement have seen little to no improvement.

1. Healthcare Crisis – A Declining Sector

Despite promises of health sector reforms, Punjab’s hospitals are overcrowded, underfunded, and lacking essential medical supplies. The shortage of doctors, increasing patient load, and mismanagement in government hospitals have pushed ordinary citizens towards expensive private healthcare, making quality medical treatment inaccessible for the poor.

2. Education – A Failing System

Punjab’s education sector is in shambles under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. Government schools face teacher shortages, outdated curriculums, and lack of basic facilities. Rather than addressing these issues, the administration appears more interested in conducting media-friendly events.

3. Law and Order – Rising Crime and Governance Failures

Punjab is witnessing an increase in crime rates, with rising cases of theft, harassment, and violence. The government’s failure to reform the police system has led to poor law enforcement and increasing public insecurity.

Political Showmanship Over Real Governance

Maryam Nawaz has prioritized high-profile events and publicity campaigns over meaningful governance. Her administration’s focus has been on extravagant horse and cattle shows, anti-encroachment drives, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies rather than fixing core governance issues.

Despite more than 30 years of Sharif family rule, Punjab remains stuck in old political tactics. The pattern of grand announcements, short-term cosmetic projects, and lack of lasting reforms continues under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. Rather than focusing on long-term policy changes, her administration appears more inclined towards media-friendly activities that boost her political image.

Conclusion – A Province in Stagnation

Maryam Nawaz’s tenure as Punjab’s Chief Minister has so far been more about self-projection than actual governance. The people of Punjab continue to suffer due to bad governance, deteriorating public services, and lack of real development. While her government boasts flashy projects and extensive publicity campaigns, the real issues of healthcare, education, law and order, and economic stability remain unaddressed.

The people of Punjab, having endured decades of family rule by the Sharifs, are now losing patience. They are demanding real governance, not just another political show. If the current trajectory continues, Maryam Nawaz’s leadership may prove to be yet another missed opportunity for meaningful progress in Punjab.