That Maryam Nawaz struck a reconciliatory note in her maiden address to the Punjab Assembly as Chief Minister was a breath of fresh air. By all accounts the inaugural session of the provincial legislature gave the impression of a fragmented and deeply divided house.
The treasury benches set the tone when opposition MPAs were greeted with jeering and slogans of ghari chor. The opposition was quick to respond in turn creating a ruckus and staging multiple sit-ins outside the assembly house.
Which is why the new CM’s declaration that her chambers would be open to the entire house was a moment of genuine hope in a charged and aggressive environment. But this is only the initial step. Maryam Nawaz has very big shoes to fill. Not only is she the first woman Chief Minister of a province, she is also the fourth person to hold the office from her family.
Already she has announced a series of focused projects meant for the economic and infrastructural development of the Punjab. A dedicated school transport system aimed at getting more children into school by lifting the transport barrier has been a game changer in other countries around the world. It would also go a long way in reducing vehicles on the road and cutting emissions.
Similarly, plans to introduce daycare at workplaces will help bolster female inclusivity in the workplace and a continued commitment to the PMLN’s tired but effective digital policies will also provide employment opportunities in an economy rife with unemployment.
But there is a catch. Maryam must not fall into the trap of preferring photo-ops and grandiose projects over good old fashioned sustainable development. The past year in Punjab’s governance has been a nightmare in building pointless and ineffective infrastructure projects meant to serve the urban elite.
The focus must be on building public transport infrastructure over roads and underpasses. Local governments need to be empowered and the government should have a singular focus on improving health, education, and other quality of life indicators for those in the most desolate parts of the province.
Already Maryam Nawaz is taking over the reins of Punjab with a mandate under question and an opposition that has been cornered and is unlikely to grant her a honeymoon period. If the latest election has proven anything, it is that her party’s position has been severely weakened. If she is to restore the League’s fortunes as the heir to Mian Nawaz Sharif, she must rebuild its reputation for no-nonsense good governance. And to do that, her reconciliatory tone must be translated to earnest actions. After all, her father’s revenge narrative has clearly not resonated with the public.
