Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the people of Pakistan now clearly understand the difference between political slogans and genuine performance, asserting that no one can mislead the public anymore. She made these remarks while addressing newly elected members of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore, where she congratulated party workers and office bearers for their dedication and hard work that led to a decisive victory for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that God had blessed PML-N with a resounding triumph, and this success was a result of the tireless efforts of party workers across all constituencies. She highlighted that even in traditionally difficult areas like Mianwali, the political landscape had shifted in favor of her party. Referring to past controversies, she said that when election rigging happens, the entire world sees it, as witnessed in the Daska by-election. Despite numerous challenges, she said, PML-N bravely faced every obstacle and never resorted to boycotting elections.
Speaking about political victimization during the previous government, she stated that her party leaders and workers were unjustly incarcerated, but people have now recognized the difference between the “original and the duplicate.” Without naming rivals, she criticized those who accused PML-N of dynastic politics, noting that the same critics had fielded their own spouses, brothers, and relatives in elections. According to her, the public is now fully aware and will not fall for emotional slogans or misleading narratives.
Maryam Nawaz reiterated that PML-N has always remained committed to the democratic process and never distanced itself from political engagement. She pointed out that public trust in the party’s governance was evident in constituencies like Haripur, where the party secured victory with a significant lead. Reflecting on the previous political climate, she said that politics was reduced to personal enmity during the last tenure, and every time a new group of conspiracy-makers emerged claiming that Nawaz Sharif’s political career was over. She added that despite exile and multiple hardships, their resilience prevailed, and today those who wished for Nawaz Sharif’s downfall have been discarded by history.
The Punjab Chief Minister noted that her family has learned the value of public service from Nawaz Sharif, who now expresses pride in seeing both Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam herself surpass his expectations. She recalled how, when PML-N took charge, opponents predicted Pakistan would default, yet today, she said, people no longer pay attention to the calls of those same critics.
Highlighting the achievements of her administration, Maryam Nawaz said that during the past eighteen months, the price of roti (bread) did not increase once in Punjab, demonstrating her government’s commitment to economic relief for citizens. She added that even her political opponents now acknowledge that Punjab feels safer under the current administration.
