Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s rise to Punjab’s chief ministership is one of the biggest stories in recent Pakistani politics — from party organiser to the first woman to lead the country’s largest province. This is her profile: the mandate, the milestone, and what her government is doing.
Quick answer: Maryam Nawaz Sharif (PML-N) is the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan’s largest province — the first woman to hold the office. She took oath on 26 February 2024 after securing 220 votes in the Punjab Assembly, representing PP-159 (Lahore-XV). Her government has pushed housing, women’s mobility and free public transport schemes.
In this guide
The Path to the Chief Ministership
Maryam Nawaz entered frontline politics as a PML-N organiser and campaigner, becoming the party’s vice president and its most visible leader during Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification years. After the February 2024 general elections, the PML-N nominated her for Punjab’s top office — a choice that made national headlines precisely because no woman had ever led a Pakistani province. On 26 February 2024 she won the Assembly vote with 220 votes and took the oath the same day.
The Mandate
The PML-N formed the Punjab government with allied support in the 371-member Assembly (297 general seats plus reserved seats for women and minorities). Maryam’s 220 votes gave her a comfortable majority. The opposition — primarily PTI-backed independents — contested the result, but the government has held its working majority since.
Our Punjab CM landing guide covers the office itself, and the full ministers list names her cabinet.
Government Priorities
- Apni Chhat Apna Ghar — the flagship housing scheme, which earned Maryam Nawaz a UN-Habitat honour.
- Women’s mobility — the scooty scheme giving subsidised two-wheelers to women.
- Public transport — free travel across Punjab’s cities for students, women and senior citizens.
- Investment outreach — courting foreign business, including Spanish investors for Lahore and Sialkot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CM of Punjab Pakistan?
Maryam Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N, in office since 26 February 2024.
How did Maryam Nawaz become Chief Minister?
She was elected by the Punjab Assembly with 220 votes after the February 2024 elections, then formally appointed by the Governor.
What is Maryam Nawaz known for as CM?
Being Punjab’s first woman chief minister, and for the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme, the women’s scooty scheme and free public transport initiatives.
Which party does the Punjab CM belong to?
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
