Amber Jabeen
Nearly 118 years ago, amidst challenging circumstances for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, a political party was founded on December 30, 1906, to protect their political rights and distinct identity. The party emerged as a voice for Muslims, particularly after the collapse of Hindu-Muslim unity and the lack of Muslim representation in the Congress during the freedom struggle. This led to Allama Iqbal’s proposal for a separate Muslim state during his Allahabad address in 1930, laying the groundwork for the Pakistan Movement. The relentless efforts of this party, which began in 1906, culminated in the passage of the Pakistan Resolution in 1940. Under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the aspirations of millions of Muslims materialized on August 14, 1947, with the creation of Pakistan. This was the achievement of the Muslim League, the party that transformed the dream of Pakistan into a reality.
The first government of Pakistan was formed by the Muslim League, with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah serving as the country’s first Governor-General and Liaquat Ali Khan as the first Prime Minister. However, the early years of independence saw internal differences within the party, leading to its fragmentation in the 1950s. This division posed a significant threat to the fledgling state, which was still consolidating its borders and political structure. The instability could have undermined Pakistan’s newly gained independence, prompting the military, supported by the Muslim League, to assume control.
During martial law, the Muslim League was rebranded as the Convention Muslim League. In the aftermath of Bhutto’s government in 1970 and during General Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law, the Muslim League re-emerged with a renewed political identity in Punjab, led by Mian Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif would go on to become one of Pakistan’s most prominent leaders, serving as Prime Minister multiple times. After General Zia’s death in 1988, Nawaz Sharif took the helm of the faction he led, which was formally named the Pakistan Muslim League (N) in 1993. After Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Nawaz Sharif’s leadership was pivotal in transforming Pakistan from a vision to a reality.
Under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) won elections three times—in 1990, 1997, and 2013—and played a key role in the country’s economic development. His government prioritized infrastructure development, institutional reforms, and privatization. Landmark projects like the Motorway, restoration of connecting roads, and successful nuclear tests in 1998, which positioned Pakistan among the world’s nuclear powers, are part of his legacy. Additionally, projects like the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Project, and the initiation of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) were crucial steps toward addressing energy shortfalls and improving regional economic conditions. However, Nawaz Sharif’s journey was fraught with challenges. In 1999, his government was ousted during General Pervez Musharraf’s coup, leading to his exile. Returning to Pakistan in 2007, he was re-elected as Prime Minister in 2013, focusing on CPEC, resolving the energy crisis, and combating terrorism. Nevertheless, his tenure was cut short in 2017 due to disqualification following the Panama Leaks scandal. Following Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification, his younger brother, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, assumed the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). Shehbaz Sharif, having established a reputation as an effective administrator during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, continued his brother’s mission. Shehbaz’s tenure in Punjab was marked by exemplary infrastructure projects, world-class transportation systems like the Metro Bus Service, and the Orange Line Train. His efforts in education, health, and economic development earned him widespread recognition, making his governance a benchmark that his successors struggled to match. His leadership also gained acceptance at the federal level, with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) nominating him as their candidate for Prime Minister, a role he assumed to advance the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s agenda at the national level. Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emerged as a formidable leader within Punjab, surpassing even her uncle in terms of performance. She has spearheaded numerous public welfare projects under the Muslim League’s manifesto. Her administration has focused on increasing education and health sector budgets, addressing curriculum issues, and improving the educational performance of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Initiatives like the School Meal Program and School Reorganization are being introduced to ensure better student performance and increase enrollment. Additionally, an E-Transfer Policy has been implemented to eliminate corruption in the education sector, while a new education policy addresses curriculum updates, teacher shortages, and recruitment issues. Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also revived the laptop scheme to encourage higher education and initiated a motorcycle scheme to alleviate students’ transportation difficulties, with equal representation for girls. The Youth Loan Program, aimed at reducing educational expenses and supporting small businesses, and the upgradation of TEVTA institutions to align vocational training with global market demands, are also part of her agenda. In healthcare, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced field hospitals and clinics on wheels to provide emergency services and immediate treatment facilities at the local level. She has also launched Pakistan’s first air ambulance service in Punjab and is finalizing preparations for establishing the first government cancer hospital in Lahore. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is also addressing inflation by taking action against profiteers and hoarders and initiating solar system provisions to reduce electricity bills. Another significant achievement under her leadership is the establishment of IT City, designed to attract global investors, foster education and research, and boost economic activities in Punjab. Under Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s direction, a population database is being compiled to improve the coverage of social protection programs across Punjab. As a female Chief Minister, she has also prioritized women’s rights, establishing the first virtual women’s police station and launching the Women Safety App to ensure their protection. In conclusion, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) continues to successfully steer the nation towards development and progress. If this momentum is maintained, the stability of Pakistan is assured.