In a significant development for the Sharif family, Maryam Nawaz, daughter of PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif, is set to make her electoral debut from Lahore. This marks the sixth instance of a family member entering the political arena through elections in the city.
A Legacy of Electoral Triumphs
The Sharif family has a storied history in Lahore’s political landscape. Nawaz Sharif, the patriarch of the family, achieved a remarkable feat by winning his first election in 1985 from Lahore. Subsequently, he continued his winning streak in various elections, securing victories in 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997, and 2013.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Maryam Nawaz has been fielded from NA-119 and a Provincial Assembly seat in Lahore for the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024. This move positions her as the second woman in the family to contest elections for the Lower House of Parliament.
The Extended Family’s Political Footprint
Beyond the immediate Sharif family members, several close and distant relatives have also played pivotal roles in Lahore’s political arena. Ishaq Dar, Suhail Zia Butt, Umar Suhail Zia Butt, Bilal Yasin, and Mohsin Latif are among those who have been elected from Lahore, contributing to the broader political legacy associated with the Sharif family.
Maryam’s Strategic Dual Contest
For the upcoming 2024 elections, Maryam Nawaz strategically enters the race, contesting from both NA-119 and PP-159. This echoes the approach taken by her father during his debut election in 1985, showcasing a calculated move to secure representation on multiple fronts.
A Historical Perspective
Notable instances from the family’s history include Hamza Shehbaz’s unopposed victory in 2008 from NA-119, a seat that saw a by-poll due to the unfortunate demise of a contesting candidate. Kalsoom Nawaz, the wife of Nawaz Sharif and mother of Maryam, also left her mark by winning the NA-120 seat in 2017, a seat vacated after Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification.
Maryam Nawaz: Paving the Way Forward
As PMLN’s Vice-President, Maryam Nawaz steps into the electoral arena with a formidable political background. Her active involvement in leading campaigns and navigating political challenges positions her as a prominent figure within the party.
The 2024 Challenge
Maryam’s candidacy in both NA-119 and PP-159 adds an intriguing dimension to the electoral dynamics in Lahore. As the political landscape evolves, the legacy of the Sharif family, deeply intertwined with Lahore’s political history, continues to shape the city’s electoral narrative.
In a few weeks, Lahore will witness another chapter unfold as Maryam Nawaz seeks to carve her own path, contributing to the enduring legacy of the Sharif family in Pakistani politics.