PUNJAB PROVING GROUND
Nepotism and cronyism are entrenched in Pakistani politics, with household connections generally boosting elite daughters into energy regardless of social conservatism shutting most girls out.
Benazir Bhutto turned Pakistan’s first feminine chief in 1988 however the alternative was credited to her lineage within the Bhutto dynasty which has traditionally rivalled the Sharifs, moderately than social progress.
Only round a dozen girls had been elected to nationwide workplace on this month’s elections. Most feminine lawmakers enter parliament in seats reserved for girls and non secular minorities.
Female politicians additionally face sexist criticism in patriarchal Pakistan, and Maryam has prior to now been focused over her look and taunted with suggestive remarks.
Analysts recommend the 50-year-old is being groomed to succeed the Sharif brothers, who’re of their 70s and have suffered ailing well being.
Both served as Punjab chief minister earlier than main the nation. Maryam’s cousin Hamza Shahbaz additionally not too long ago held the put up.
Like her father Nawaz, Maryam has been jailed prior to now over graft.
PML-N had been tipped to win this month’s polls after securing the backing of the highly effective navy institution.
But jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan delivered a shock consequence on the polls, with candidates loyal to him securing extra seats than every other get together regardless of a crackdown which crippled their marketing campaign.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/pakistan-nawaz-sharif-daughter-maryam-chief-minister-punjab-4150036
