LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that leadership rises above gender, emphasising that courage and merit have no gender, and women should not be discouraged by criticism.
Addressing a “Hum Leader Award” ceremony held in connection with International Women’s Day, she highlighted that despite societal challenges, women who strive forward can become role models for others.
She noted that politics has traditionally remained male-dominated, but women possess unique ability to manage multiple responsibilities, simultaneously. Reflecting on her journey, she said that being the niece of a three-time Prime Minister and three-time Chief Minister was both an honour and a challenge, as many doubted her ability to reform a broken system. She shared personal experiences, including her time in jail where she refused special privileges despite extreme conditions, enduring temperatures of 50 degrees in a confined cell.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that Punjab, a province of 120 million (12 Crore) people, is witnessing progress through hard work in sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation, economy, agriculture, and policing. She underlined that if 51 percent of Pakistan’s workforce— its women— do not actively contribute, the national progress would remain incomplete.
Highlighting women empowerment initiatives, she said that women across Punjab are being provided with safe opportunities to earn livelihoods. From improved public spaces to safer transport and the introduction of virtual police stations, video call reporting, panic buttons, and CCTV monitoring, significant steps have been taken to ensure women’s safety. She added that women are now serving across key positions, including chief minister, chief justice, ministers, secretaries, commissioners, deputy commissioners, and DPOs, as well as joining the armed forces and excelling in professional fields.
Recalling her personal struggles, she mentioned her standing firmly beside her father during the 2016 Panama case and reaffirmed her belief that challenges are opportunities in disguise. She encouraged parents to support their daughters, stating that empowered daughters bring pride and progress. She also remarked that criticism, even about appearance, reflects success, adding that confidence and self-belief are essential traits for women to move forward.
Congratulating award recipients, she paid tribute to distinguished women including Yasmin Qureshi, Anees Haroon, Jehan Ara, and Mai Janda, acknowledging that the journey towards women’s empowerment is not easy but achievable through resilience and determination.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026