Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a prominent Pakistani politician and the first female Chief Minister of Punjab, has emerged as a significant figure in the nation’s political landscape. Born into the influential Sharif family, Maryam has transitioned from a supporting role in her father’s political campaigns to a leadership position that marks a historic milestone for women in Pakistan.
Early Life and Family Background
Maryam Nawaz Sharif was born on October 28, 1973, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, to Nawaz Sharif and Kulsoom Butt. Her father, Nawaz Sharif, served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister for three non-consecutive terms, establishing the Sharif family as a political dynasty within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, was a respected figure who also played an active role in politics, particularly during periods of adversity for the family. Maryam grew up alongside her siblings—brothers Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, and sister Asma Nawaz—in a household deeply entrenched in political and social influence.
Raised in Lahore, a city known for its cultural and political significance, Maryam’s early years were shaped by her family’s prominence and the turbulent political climate of Pakistan. Her exposure to power dynamics and public service from a young age laid the groundwork for her eventual entry into politics.
Education and Academic Journey
Maryam Nawaz’s educational path reflects both ambition and controversy. She began her schooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Lahore, completing her early education up to the 10th grade. She then pursued her intermediate education (FSC) at Lahore College for Women, graduating in 1991. Her initial aspiration was to become a doctor, leading her to enroll at King Edward Medical College (KEMC) in the late 1980s. However, her admission was marred by allegations of irregularity, reportedly facilitated by her father’s influence as Punjab’s Chief Minister at the time. This controversy forced her to leave KEMC without completing her medical degree.
Maryam later shifted her focus to the humanities, earning a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Punjab. Claims of a Ph.D. surfaced in 2012, but these were challenged in court, and she officially declared only her Master’s degree when submitting records to the Election Commission of Pakistan in 2018. Her academic journey, while unconventional, equipped her with the communication skills that would later define her political career.
Personal Life and Marriage
In 1992, at the age of 19, Maryam married Captain (Retired) Muhammad Safdar Awan, a former Pakistan Army officer who served as a security officer for her father during his tenure as Prime Minister. The marriage, arranged with familial consent, marked her first notable public appearance. Safdar, over a decade older than Maryam, has been a steadfast partner in her personal and political life. Together, they have three children: a son, Junaid Safdar, and two daughters, Mehr-un-Nisa Safdar and Mahnoor Safdar. Maryam is also a grandmother, with Mehr-un-Nisa giving birth to a daughter, further expanding the Sharif family lineage.
Despite her public role, Maryam maintains a degree of privacy about her personal life, focusing public attention on her political endeavors rather than her family dynamics.
Entry into Politics
Maryam Nawaz’s political career began in earnest in 2012, with her father’s blessing to enter the arena after years of involvement in family charitable organizations, including her role as chairperson of the Sharif Trust since 1997. Her debut was marked by visits to educational institutions, where she delivered speeches on women’s rights and education, signaling her intent to address social issues.
Her first major political role came during the 2013 Pakistani general election, where she spearheaded her father’s campaign for PML-N. Her efforts were instrumental in mobilizing support, leveraging her eloquence and social media presence to connect with voters. Following the election, she was appointed Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in 2013, a position she held until 2014 when legal challenges forced her resignation.
Rise to Prominence
Maryam’s prominence grew significantly after her father’s disqualification in 2017 due to the Panama Papers scandal. She stepped into the spotlight, campaigning for her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, in the NA-120 by-election and managing the PML-N’s media strategy. Her leadership during this period earned her recognition on global platforms, including being named one of BBC’s 100 Women in 2017 and featuring on The New York Times’ list of 11 Powerful Women Around the World.
Her political ascent was not without setbacks. In 2018, Maryam faced legal repercussions in the Avenfield corruption case, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence and a £2 million fine. She was arrested in 2019 while visiting her father in jail, but the Islamabad High Court suspended her sentence, allowing her to resume her political activities.
Historic Appointment as Chief Minister
Maryam Nawaz made history on February 26, 2024, when she was sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Punjab following her election to the Provincial Assembly in the 2024 Pakistani general election. As the first woman to hold this office, her appointment marked a watershed moment for gender representation in Pakistani politics. Leading Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous and politically significant province, she has focused on initiatives like women’s empowerment, education, and infrastructure development, continuing her family’s legacy of governance.
Contributions and Legacy
Maryam’s contributions extend beyond her administrative role. Her inclusion in the 2025 Pakistan Studies textbook for grade 10, alongside other influential women like Fatima Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto, highlights her impact on national development. She has championed women’s rights, notably through initiatives like the Punjab Women Empowerment Package in 2012, and has used her platform to inspire young girls to pursue leadership roles.
Her tenure as Chief Minister has faced scrutiny, with critics questioning her rise amid allegations of dynastic politics and past legal issues. Nevertheless, her resilience and ability to navigate challenges have solidified her status as a key player in PML-N and Pakistani politics.
Personality and Public Image
Maryam Nawaz is often compared to her mother, Kulsoom, for her courage and political acumen. Standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighing around 65 kg (143 lbs), she carries herself with a poised and assertive demeanor. Her public image blends strength and relatability, bolstered by her active social media presence, where she engages with supporters and addresses critics.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Maryam Nawaz
- First Female Chief Minister: Maryam became Pakistan’s first woman Chief Minister of Punjab in 2024.
- Political Dynasty: She is the daughter of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and niece of former Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif.
- Early Marriage: She married Captain Safdar Awan at 19, a union that introduced her to the public eye.
- BBC 100 Women: In 2017, she was recognized as one of BBC’s 100 influential women globally.
- Corruption Case: She was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2018 over the Avenfield case, later suspended.
- Educational Shift: She abandoned a medical career for a Master’s in English Literature after controversy at KEMC.
- Social Media Savvy: Maryam effectively used Twitter to manage PML-N’s narrative during crises.
- Textbook Feature: Her contributions are included in the 2025 Pakistan Studies curriculum for grade 10.
- Grandmother Role: She is a grandmother to her daughter Mehr-un-Nisa’s child, blending family and politics.
- Youth Programme Leader: She briefly led the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme before resigning in 2014.
Top 10 FAQs About Maryam Nawaz
- Who is Maryam Nawaz?
Maryam Nawaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician and the first female Chief Minister of Punjab, daughter of former PM Nawaz Sharif. - When was Maryam Nawaz born?
She was born on October 28, 1973, in Lahore, Pakistan. - What is Maryam Nawaz’s education?
She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Punjab. - Is Maryam Nawaz married?
Yes, she married Captain (Ret.) Muhammad Safdar Awan in 1992 and has three children. - What is her political party?
She is a senior leader in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). - Why was Maryam Nawaz arrested?
She was arrested in 2019 linked to the 2018 Avenfield corruption case, though her sentence was suspended. - When did she become Chief Minister?
She assumed office as Punjab’s Chief Minister on February 26, 2024. - What are her major contributions?
She has promoted women’s rights and led Punjab’s governance with a focus on education and development. - How tall is Maryam Nawaz?
She is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. - What is her net worth?
Exact figures vary, but her wealth is tied to the Sharif family’s extensive business and political holdings.
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