By-elections: Punjab’s people put their full weight behind Nawaz Sharif

In Pakistan’s political landscape, few leaders have achieved the extraordinary rise and sustained success that Mian Nawaz Sharif has. His achievements, however, have always brought with them an increase in adversaries — adversaries created solely due to his popularity, leadership, and performance. Nawaz Sharif’s political and administrative style has always been clear and consistent: he believes in principled politics and governance driven by good management and accountability.

It is Nawaz Sharif who introduced the concept of service-oriented politics in Pakistan. He was the first Prime Minister to envision a modern Pakistan, whether in infrastructure, industry, agriculture, or national defence. The real wave of modernisation that Pakistan witnessed after the 1990s is credited to his vision. With the exception of Tarbela and Mangla, almost every major development project in the country bears Nawaz Sharif’s imprint.

There seems to be a special divine favour with Nawaz Sharif: whenever self-styled “powerful forces” attempt to push him aside, the people of Pakistan place him right back in front of

them. In return, Nawaz Sharif dedicates himself completely to serving the public and fulfilling their expectations.

Today, Nawaz Sharif stands as the supreme political figure of Pakistan. His brother is the Prime Minister, and his daughter is the Chief Minister of Punjab. Every major decision being made in the country carries his guidance and approval. It is this experience and vision that Maryam Nawaz is learning from — and it is precisely why she has been delivering at an exceptional speed.

The results of the recent by-elections were not a coincidence. They are the cumulative outcome of Nawaz Sharif’s leadership and Maryam Nawaz’s 18 months of relentless, hands-on work. In her first year alone, Maryam Nawaz initiated 90 major projects — nearly 50 of which have already been completed. These include electric buses, electric motorcycles, scholarship programs, the Green Tractor Scheme, Super Seeder machines, 20,000 km of road rehabilitation, free medicines in hospitals, field hospitals, Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, Sargodha Cardiology Hospital, the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing scheme, and the Easy Business program. Millions of ordinary citizens are directly benefiting from these initiatives.

When people started receiving real facilities at their doorstep, perceptions changed. For two years, a certain political party attempted to inject hatred, polarization, and division into society and against its political rivals. To counter this toxic narrative, Maryam Nawaz focused on winning hearts through service—and she has succeeded.

The by-election results speak for themselves. Compared to the general elections, PML-N candidates won with significantly larger leads. Seats that were traditionally considered PTI strongholds — including Lahore’s NA-129, Faisalabad’s NA-104, Haripur’s NA-18, and Mianwali’s PP-73 — were all secured by PML-N candidates with decisive margins. This is the direct outcome of Maryam Nawaz’s performance over the past year and a half.

The people of Punjab now understand that hollow speeches and fiery rhetoric do not fill stomachs, nor do they resolve basic issues. They have placed their trust in Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. She has proven herself not only as a capable politician but also as an effective administrator — someone who does not believe in cutting ceremonial ribbons but in ensuring that the outcomes of welfare projects tangibly reach the people.

One of Maryam Nawaz’s greatest strengths is that she inaugurates a project only when its benefits are already flowing to the public. Her vision is now fully clear, her priorities well-defined: resolve the everyday problems of the common citizen and ensure the delivery of basic services at their doorstep.

It is this commitment to service-oriented politics that has earned Maryam Nawaz widespread admiration and acceptance among the masses. Accusations, personal attacks, and theatrics may be easy, but genuine delivery — and ensuring its benefits reach people — is the hallmark of true leadership. This quality is Maryam Nawaz’s strongest inheritance, and she is utilizing it to its fullest.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025