Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared that she considers herself an “extension” of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing his mentorship and guidance in shaping her governance style. Speaking to reporters in London, she said she had learned leadership from the premier, whom she described as her “mentor” and an exemplary administrator. “I am trained by him and following in his footsteps. I am learning from the very best,” she stated, highlighting her focus on governance and development inspired by Shehbaz’s approach.
Maryam acknowledged that some people initially had doubts about a female chief minister but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the people of Punjab. “There were apprehensions since there had never been a female chief minister before, but the love and trust from the people have been incredible,” she said. She added that her government was working as a united team to ensure Punjab’s progress, noting that she had faced no political or administrative hurdles in her tenure so far.
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Discussing national security, the chief minister praised Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir for his leadership following Pakistan’s response to India’s aggression. She said that Pakistan’s decisive stance had changed global perceptions of the country, earning respect on the international stage. “The manner in which Pakistan responded was due to the strong leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir and the entire army,” she said, adding that the world now views Pakistan with renewed confidence and credibility.
Maryam also highlighted Punjab’s achievements in governance and social welfare, particularly under initiatives like the Kissan Card and doorstep medicine delivery. She said her administration had provided pay orders worth Rs10,000 each to three million citizens and distributed monthly rations of Rs3,000 to 1.5 million families. She credited the Crime Control Department (CCD) Punjab for effectively combating crime and maintaining law and order, asserting that these reforms reflected her government’s commitment to a prosperous and secure Punjab.
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The chief minister is now heading to Brazil to attend the COP30 climate summit, where she will represent Punjab’s climate agenda. During the summit, she will present key projects such as Clean Punjab and e-mobility initiatives and discuss regional climate resilience. Her itinerary includes meetings with senior officials from the World Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme to explore partnerships for sustainable development and green growth in Punjab.