Maryam Nawaz#Political career

Maryam Nawaz Sharif was born on 28 October 1973 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, to Nawaz Sharif and Kulsoom Butt.{{cite news |title=Scions of Sharif, Bhutto dynasties debuting in electoral politics |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/327369-scions-of-sharif-bhutto-dynasties-debuting-in-electoral-politics |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}{{cite news|last1=Malik|first1=Arif|title=Maryam Nawaz to take part in 2018 General Election: sources|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1383943/maryam-nawaz-to-take-part-in-2018-general-election-sources|access-date=19 January 2018|work=DAWN.COM|date=19 January 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Rehman |first1=Asha’ar |title=The rise and rise of Maryam Nawaz |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1394406 |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=11 March 2018}} She is of Punjabi Kashmiri descent and is the eldest of four siblings, including her sister Asma.{{Cite book |last=Lieven |first=Anatol |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0hUBAwAAQBAJ&pg=PAPA244 |title=Pakistan: A Hard Country |date=2011-04-12 |publisher=PublicAffairs |isbn=978-1-61039-021-7 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Maryam not the first noted Pakistani woman to face darker side of politics |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/214512-Maryam-not-the-first-noted-Pakistani-woman-to-face-darker-side-of-politics |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=5 July 2017 |language=en}}

She received her early education at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Lahore, completing pre-nursery through the 10th grade.{{cite news|last1=Zahra-Malik|first1=Mehreen|title=In Pakistani Fray, Maryam Sharif Is on the Edge of Power, or Prison|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/27/world/asia/maryam-sharif-pakistan.html|access-date=28 October 2017|work=The New York Times|date=27 October 2017}}{{cite news|title=Maryam Nawaz Sharif: Rising star on Pakistan's political firmament |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-maryam-nawaz-sharif-rising-star-on-pakistan-s-political-firmament-1935513|access-date=21 April 2017|work=DNA India|date=15 December 2013}} She then pursued her FSC at Lahore College for Women, graduating in 1991.

After being rejected by Kinnaird College due to academic performance,{{Disputed|reason=Reliable sourcing needed|date=June 2024}} her father, Nawaz Sharif, then-chief minister of Punjab, intervened by suspending the principal. However, a strike organized by college students and staff led to the principal's reinstatement.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz Sharif to make history as Pakistan's first female chief minister |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2464061/amp |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Arab News |date=21 February 2024 |language=en}} Maryam subsequently enrolled in King Edward Medical College (KEMC) in the late 1980s through transfer of certificate with the intention of becoming a medical doctor.{{cite news |last1=Rehman |first1=Asha’ar |title=Maryam's journey into the spotlight |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1418349 |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=6 July 2018 |language=en}}

Maryam later enrolled at Fatima Jinnah Medical College in Lahore, but did not complete her medical education, leaving her studies in 1992 after her marriage to Capt. Safdar Awan.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1160736-peoples-choice |title=People's Choice |work=The News |date=12 June 2024}} She married Safdar Awan at the age of 19.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1297701/pm-seeks-immunity-article-248-panamagate-case/ |title=Not dependent on PM since 1992, Maryam tells SC |work=The Express Tribune |date=17 January 2017}} Maryam has three children with Safdar: a son, Junaid, and two daughters, Mahnoor and Mehr-un-Nisa.{{cite news |title=Elections were stolen in favour of PTI, says Nawaz |url=https://nation.com.pk/27-Jul-2018/elections-were-stolen-in-favour-of-pti-says-nawaz |access-date=12 September 2018 |work=The Nation |date=27 July 2018}}

Maryam completed her undergraduate studies at the University of the Punjab, where she earned a master's degree in English literature.{{cite news |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/201325-education-backgrounds-and-professions-of-politicians-revealed |title=Educational backgrounds... |work=GEO TV |date=30 June 2018}} In 2012, it was reported that she was doing her PhD degree on post-9/11 radicalization in Pakistan and was described as being fond of postcolonial writers such as Chinua Achebe and Faiz Ahmad Faiz.{{cite news|title=The Rebirth of Maryam Nawaz Sharif|url=http://newsweekpakistan.com/the-rebirth-of-maryam-nawaz-sharif/|access-date=21 April 2017|work=Newsweek Pakistan|date=23 March 2012|archive-date=9 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409111905/https://www.newsweekpakistan.com/the-rebirth-of-maryam-nawaz-sharif/|url-status=dead}}

In 2014, the Lahore High Court questioned the validity of her master's degree in English literature and her PhD in political science, raising doubts about whether her PhD was earned or honorary.{{cite news|last1=Sheikh|first1=Wajih Ahmad|title=LHC asks govt to remove Maryam from loan scheme|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1143921|access-date=21 April 2017|work=DAWN.COM|date=12 November 2014|language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Ghumman |first1=Khawar |title=Maryam Nawaz resigns as head of youth loan programme |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1144186 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=13 November 2014 |language=en|quote=The daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took the decision on Wednesday following a Lahore High Court order which asked the federal government to replace her and devise a transparent mechanism for fresh appointment by Friday.}}{{cite news |title=Maryam to 'voluntarily' resign from PM loan scheme |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1144010 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=12 November 2014 |language=en}} By 2018, when submitting records to the Election Commission of Pakistan, Maryam declared only her master's degree in English literature.{{cite news |title=Educational backgrounds and professions of politicians revealed |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/201325-education-backgrounds-and-professions-of-politicians-revealed |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Geo Nwes |language=en}}

Maryam was detained for the first time on 12 October 1999, following the 1999 Pakistani coup d'état led by Gen Pervez Musharraf, which ousted her father, then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Arrested by female members of the Pakistan Army Corps of Military Police, she along with her mother Kulsoom Nawaz and other female members of the Sharif family was promptly transferred to her residence where they were placed under house arrest, in contrast to her father, who was taken to Adiala Jail. In November 1999, she, along with other female members of the Sharif family, was granted release on "humanitarian grounds" at the request of a Arab ruler. Maryam's first notable appearance was in a BBC interview, where she recounted her father's imprisonment by General Pervez Musharraf and appealed for public support for her father Nawaz.{{cite news |last1=Inayat |first1=Naila |title=Maryam Nawaz's journey to 'Takht-e-Lahore' no small feat. She will restore PML-N's lost glory |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/letter-from-pakistan/maryam-nawazs-journey-to-takht-e-lahore-no-small-feat-she-will-restore-pml-ns-lost-glory/1984585/ |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=ThePrint |date=1 March 2024}} She and her mother gained prominence during this period. After being released from a four-month house arrest, she found herself shuttling between prisons, as she listened to the charges of corruption, terrorism, and tax evasion against her father. Later, she, along with 22 members of the Sharif family, was sent into exile in Saudi Arabia.{{cite news |title=Blessed to be standing beside my father: Maryam Nawaz |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1756377/1-blessed-standing-beside-father-maryam/ |access-date=14 September 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=12 July 2018}} During her long exile, she prioritized her role in raising her children during{{cite news |title=People's choice |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1160736-peoples-choice |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=25 February 2024 |language=en}} and also became fluent in Arabic.

Prior to entering politics, she remained involved in the family's philanthropic organisation{{cite news|title=Maryam Nawaz makes it to BBC's '100 Women' list of political scions |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1362791/maryam-nawaz-makes-bbcs-100-women-list-political-scions/|access-date=22 April 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=22 March 2017}} and served as the chairperson of Sharif Trust, Sharif Medical City, and Sharif Education Institutes{{cite news|title=Maryam Nawaz appointed chairperson of PM's Youth Programme |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/635497/maryam-nawaz-appointed-chairperson-of-pms-youth-programme/|access-date=21 April 2017|work=The Express Tribune|date=22 November 2013}} since 1997.{{cite news |title=Maryam to head PM's Youth Programme |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Nov-2013/maryam-to-head-pm-s-youth-programme |access-date=17 March 2024 |work=The Nation |date=23 November 2013}} All of these were established by her grandfather, Muhammad Sharif.{{cite news |title=Newsmakers 2013 |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/554438-newsmakers-2013 |access-date=17 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=29 December 2013 |language=en}}

In November 2011, Nawaz Sharif granted her permission to enter politics after she expressed her intention to do so. In 2012, Maryam collaborated with PML-N leaders to prepare the Punjab Women Empowerment Package, initiated by her uncle Shehbaz Sharif, then chief minister of Punjab, in addition to playing a role in the implementation of the women-only Pink Bus scheme in Punjab during the same year. Reportedly, Maryam also contributed to various initiatives aimed at women's welfare in Punjab.{{cite news |title=Enter: Maryam Nawaz |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011/11/20/enter-maryam-nawaz/ |access-date=14 September 2018 |work=www.pakistantoday.com.pk}} During her political debut, she began visiting educational institutes to give speeches on education and women's rights.

She largely remained out of the spotlight till 2013 when she was put in charge of Nawaz Sharif's successful election campaign during the 2013 Pakistani general election{{cite news|last1=Rehman|first1=Asha'ar|title=Daughter's day|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1303937|access-date=22 April 2017|work=DAWN.COM|date=23 December 2016|language=en}} where she reportedly played a prominent role.{{cite news|last1=Perasso|first1=Valeria|title=100 Women: Presidential daughters around the world|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-38654766|access-date=22 April 2017|work=BBC News|date=21 March 2017}} She was credited for her efforts in galvanizing public sentiment through social media prior to and after the 2013 election. At one point during the 2013 election campaign, she was considered a potential candidate for the chief minister of Punjab, although she ultimately did not run in the general election. Maryam was positioned by the PML-N as a counterbalance to the youth following enjoyed by PTI's Imran Khan. At one point, she was seen distributing laptops to students on behalf of the Punjab government, despite holding no public office either in the Punjab or in the federal government.{{cite news |title=Maryam distributes laptops |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/27-Mar-2012/maryam-distributes-laptops |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=The Nation |date=27 March 2012}}{{cite news |title=Can CM Maryam Nawaz finally evolve from 'Nawaz ki beti' to 'Qoum ki beti'? |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817259/can-cm-maryam-nawaz-finally-evolve-from-nawaz-ki-beti-to-qoum-ki-beti |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=26 February 2024 |language=en}}

After her father assumed power and became prime minister, she was appointed the chairperson of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme on 22 November 2013. However, her appointment was called into question by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) which termed the appointment a case of nepotism and moved the Lahore High Court in October 2014. The PTI also accused her of misusing government funds for her own image-building. Questions were also raised regarding her academic credentials, including her degrees in M.A. (English Literature) and Ph.D. in Political Science. The Attorney General, representing Maryam, presented information from her Wikipedia biography page to prove her academic credentials.{{cite news |title=The curious case of Maryam Nawaz |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/116155/the-curious-case-of-maryam-nawaz/ |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=Daily Times |date=20 September 2017}} On 12 November 2014, the Lahore High Court ordered the federal government to remove her. The next day, Maryam resigned from the chairpersonship.{{Cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/790392/pm-youth-loan-programme-facing-court-challenges-maryam-calls-it-quits/|title=PM Youth Loan Programme: Facing court challenges, Maryam calls it quits – The Express Tribune|date=2014-11-13|newspaper=The Express Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=2016-12-23}}

Afterwards, Maryam established a Strategic Media Communications Cell within the Prime Minister’s Office and also assumed control of PML-N social media to address the challenges posed by PTI. In 2016, she garnered significant media attention when the then Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, underwent open-heart surgery in the UK. Rather than accompanying her father to the UK, Maryam remained in Prime Minister House and assumed responsibility for media management. She provided updates on her father's medical condition to the press through her Twitter account. However her permanent residence in the Prime Minister House as a "dependent" of the prime minister also raised questions. Additionally, her alleged involvement with the strategic media cell had been a subject of media discourse.{{cite news |last1=Ghumman |first1=Khawar |title=Parliament Watch: 'First daughter' leads nation's prayers, govt affairs in PM's absence |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1262466/parliament-watch-first-daughter-leads-nations-prayers-govt-affairs-in-pms-absence |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=3 June 2016 |language=en}} During Nawaz Sharif's absence from the country, she was proved to be an effective leader of PML-N.

In 2017, she faced accusations of supporting blasphemous content after a group of dissenting bloggers was abducted by Pakistani intelligence agencies. After release of bloggers, they disclosed that they had resisted giving a forced confession. The confession they were pressured to make implicated Maryam in allegedly operating a blasphemous Facebook page called ‘Bhensa’ under the direction of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).

She became involved in electoral politics in 2017 following her father Nawaz Sharif's disqualification from holding the prime ministership and his conviction by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in connection with the Panama Papers case. Maryam campaigned for her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, during the by-elections in Constituency NA-120 (Lahore-III).{{cite news |title=NA-120 by-polls: Kulsoom Nawaz victorious according to unofficial results |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1358275/na-120-by-polls-kulsoom-nawaz-victorious-according-to-unofficial-results |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=17 September 2017 |language=en}} Although her mother won the seat, the victory margin notably decreased. There was significant discussion surrounding Maryam's role in the election campaign. Many observers interpreted her involvement in the campaign as a significant step in her formal entry into the succession and party leadership race.{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Zahid |title=The Maryam factor |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1358843/the-maryam-factor |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=20 September 2017 |language=en}} After Nawaz Sharif's removal, Maryam was regarded as the party's anti-establishment figurehead.

Reportedly, the Judiciary of Pakistan also played a crucial role in attempting to sideline her from Pakistani politics and a systematic propaganda campaign was orchestrated by an officer of the ISI and over ten thousand paid interns of an organization tasked with conducting a social media campaign against Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif. In June 2018, when she was allocated a PML-N ticket to contest the 2018 general election from Constituency NA-127 (Lahore-V) and Constituency PP-173 Lahore-XXX,{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz allotted 'pencil' symbol in NA-125 as independent candidate |url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/maryam-nawaz-allotted-pencil-symbol-in-na-125-as-independent-candidate/ |access-date=6 July 2018 |work=Daily Pakistan Global}} she was sentenced to 7 years in jail on corruption charges in the Avenfield case filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), while her father Nawaz Sharif received a 10-year sentence in a 9-month-long trial. She received a 7-year sentence for abetment after being found "instrumental in concealing her father's properties," which also included 1 year for non-cooperation with the NAB. According to the verdict, she "aided, assisted, abetted, attempted and acted in conspiracy with her father".{{cite news |title=Avenfield verdict: Nawaz to serve 10 years in jail for owning assets beyond income, Maryam 7 for abetment |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1418326/avenfield-reference-verdict-announced |access-date=25 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=6 July 2018 |language=en}}

As a result, she was disqualified from politics for 10 years following which PML-N nominated Ali Pervaiz Malik and Irfan Shafi Khokhar to contest the 2018 elections in Constituencies NA-127 (Lahore-V) and PP-173 Lahore-XXX, respectively.{{cite news |last1=Malik |first1=Arif |title=Nawaz, Maryam will return to Pakistan within 10 days to appeal against court verdict |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1418559/nawaz-maryam-will-return-to-pakistan-within-10-days-to-appeal-against-court-verdict |access-date=7 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=7 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=AC announces 10 years imprisonment to Nawaz |url=https://nation.com.pk/06-Jul-2018/avenfield-verdict-10-years-in-jail-for-nawaz-7-for-maryam |access-date=8 October 2020 |work=The Nation |date=6 July 2018}} On 13 July 2018, Maryam along with her father Nawaz were arrested by NAB officials upon their arrival in Pakistan and subsequently transferred to Adiala Jail.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif, Maryam arrested by NAB, shifted to Adiala jail |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1419756 |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=13 July 2018 |language=en}} After her mother Kulsoom Nawaz died in London on 11 September 2018 after suffering cardiac arrest,{{cite news |title=Begum Kulsoom Nawaz passes away in London |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/367124-begum-kulssom-nawaz-passes-away |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Begum Kulsoom Nawaz passes away in London after battle with cancer |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1414337/begum-kulsoom-nawaz-passes-away-in-london-after-battle-with-cancer |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=11 September 2018 |language=en}} both Maryam and Nawaz were granted timed-parole in order to attend her funeral.{{cite news |title=Begum Kulsoom dies; Nawaz Sharif, Maryam to get parole for funeral |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/begum-kulsoom-dies-nawaz-sharif-maryam-to-get-parole-for-funeral |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=Khaleej Times |language=en}}

In July 2018, Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui accused ISI officials and then Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar of pressuring him to ensure the conviction of Maryam and Nawaz and keep them out of politics.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz's Acquittal: Has The 2018 Political Engineering Project Run Its Course? |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/30-Sep-2022/maryam-nawaz-s-acquittal-has-the-2018-political-engineering-project-run-its-course |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=30 September 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Pakistan: Judge accuses ISI of manipulating proceedings |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-judge-accuses-isi-of-manipulating-proceedings/1210229 |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=www.aa.com.tr}} She later appealed against her conviction in the Islamabad High Court, after which she and her father were released from Adiala Jail on 19 September 2018 after the Islamabad High Court granted them bail and suspended their respective prison terms in the Avenfield corruption case.{{cite news |title=Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar released from Adiala jail after IHC suspends Avenfield sentences |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1433868 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=19 September 2018 |language=en}}

Following Maryam’s repeated tirades against Imran Khan and his wife, at one point during a rally, Khan made a remark which was criticized for being misogynistic and sexist against Maryam, cautioning her to be careful, suggesting that her husband, Safdar, might become upset over her "passionately" mentions of Imran during her speeches. The remark was criticized by some of Khan’s own supporters and was widely condemned.{{cite news |title=Imran Khan's Sexist Comments Against Maryam Nawaz Widely Condemned |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/20-May-2022/imran-khan-s-sexist-comments-against-maryam-nawaz-widely-condemned |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=20 May 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |date=21 May 2022 |title=Imran Khan called out for 'sexist comments' on Maryam Nawaz |url=https://theprint.in/world/imran-khan-called-out-for-sexist-comments-on-maryam-nawaz/965000/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Print}}{{Cite web |last=Jajja |first=Sumaira |date=2022-05-21 |title='No defence' for Imran's misogynistic remark about Maryam Nawaz |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1690700 |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}} Social media also remained buzzed with discussions about Maryam's age, clothing, and accessories At one point, the then Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Ali Amin Gandapur, claimed that Maryam had spent Rs 80 million on surgery and vowed to reveal her true appearance to the public by undoing the effects of cosmetic surgery.{{cite news |title=Did Maryam Nawaz 'Steal The Bride's Thunder' By Looking Too Good At Son's Wedding Events? |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/13-Dec-2021/did-maryam-nawaz-steal-the-bride-s-thunder-by-looking-too-good-at-son-s-wedding-events |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=13 December 2021 |language=en}} In a July 2019 interview with Voice of America, she acknowledged her political journey was more challenging than expected and admitted facing resistance from within her father's party, PML-N. Dawn wrote PML-N stalwarts were not particularly impressed by how rapidly she ascended through the ranks, especially in a party largely dominated by men and with minimal women in leadership positions. Throughout Imran Khan's four-year administration, Maryam continued to faced threats and intimidation from the government. On one occasion, her father Nawaz Sharif cautioned that if any harm befell his daughter, individuals including PM Imran Khan, COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and DG ISI Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, would bear responsibility.

In July 2019, Maryam released a secretly recorded video in which Accountability Judge Arshad Malik, who had sentenced Nawaz to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference in December 2018, "confessed" he had been “pressurised and blackmailed” to convict Nawaz.{{cite news |title=Accountability judge 'blackmailed' into issuing verdict against Nawaz: Maryam |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1492479/accountability-judge-blackmailed-into-issuing-verdict-against-nawaz-maryam |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=6 July 2019 |language=en}} Subsequently, the Islamabad High Court removed Malik from his post.{{cite news |last1=Asad |first1=Malik |title=IHC decides to remove judge Arshad Malik after video leak controversy |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1493628 |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=12 July 2019 |language=en}}

She faced another arrest by the NAB Lahore on 8 August 2019, this time in connection with the Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption case. She was taken into custody at Kot Lakhpat Jail where she was on her weekly visit to meet her father, Nawaz Sharif.{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=NAB arrests Maryam at Kot Lakhpat jail |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1498891 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=9 August 2019 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Maryam nabbed in sugar mill case |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2030907/1-maryam-nawaz-taken-custody-nab |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=8 August 2019 |language=en}} She then approached the Lahore High Court which on 6 November 2019, granted her bail and ordered to release her.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz released on bail |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/551675-maryam-nawazs-release-orders-issued |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=The News International |date=6 November 2019 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Bilal |first1=Rana |title=LHC grants bail to Maryam Nawaz in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, orders release |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1514836 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=4 November 2019 |language=en}} She alleged that authorities had installed cameras in her jail cell and bathroom.{{cite news |title=Cameras were installed in my jail cell, bathroom: Maryam Nawaz |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/cameras-were-installed-in-my-jail-cell-bathroom-maryam-nawaz/articleshow/79205597.cms |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |date=13 November 2020}}{{cite news |title=Cameras were installed in my cell, bathroom during detention, claims Maryam Nawaz |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/742789-cameras-were-installed-in-my-cell-bathroom-during-detention-claims-maryam-nawaz |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}

On 19 November 2019, her father Nawaz Sharif departed for the United Kingdom just 20 days after being released on bail.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif travels to London from Lahore in air ambulance |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1517603 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=19 November 2019 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Convicted Ex-PM Flown to London for Medical Treatment |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/south-central-asia_pakistans-convicted-ex-pm-flown-london-medical-treatment/6179666.html |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=Voice of America |date=19 November 2019 |language=en}}

Maryam became increasingly involved in politics during her father's four-year self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom. In 2019, she was appointed as vice president of PML-N. She then led anti-government rallies throughout the country, fiercely denouncing Imran Khan, the PTI, as well the military and judiciary for her father's ousting and allegedly facilitating the rise of the then-PTI chairman to power.

In 2020, during an interview with BBC Urdu, Maryam hinted at the potential for dialogue between her party and the then army leadership, whom her father, Nawaz Sharif, has accused of orchestrating his removal as prime minister. However, she suggested that such discussions would only take place after the PTI government had been removed from power.{{cite news |title=Maryam says open to dialogue with security establishment, but not behind closed doors |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1590004 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=12 November 2020 |language=en}}

On 19 October 2020, Maryam, along with the senior leadership of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and numerous workers, entered the hallway in Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi to offer fateha. After the fateha concluded, PML-N workers began chanting slogans in support of Maryam. Her husband Safdar also started chanting slogans, which went against the protocol of the mausoleum. Many social media users regarded the incident as disrespectful and expressed their anger towards Safdar and Maryam.{{cite news |title=Slogan-mongering by Capt Safdar inside Quaid's mausoleum raises eyebrows |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1585833/slogan-mongering-by-capt-safdar-inside-quaids-mausoleum-raises-eyebrows |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=19 October 2020 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Capt Safdar released on bail hours after arrest in Karachi |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1585873/capt-safdar-arrested-from-karachi-hotel-for-violating-sanctity-of-quaids-mausoleum |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=19 October 2020 |language=en}} Later that night, personnel from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Sindh Rangers raided the hotel room where Maryam and her husband Safdar were staying, purportedly due to accusations of "violating the sanctity of Mazar-e-Quaid. Following Safdar's arrest, there were allegations that the Inspector General of Sindh Police was also kidnapped and coerced by officials of the ISI and Sindh Rangers into registering the First Information Report (FIR) against Maryam, and her husband Safdar for the violating the sanctity of Mazar-e-Quaid. Maryam also claimed that the Sindh police chief was forcibly taken to the ISI sector commander's office and pressured to sign her arrest warrants,{{cite news |title=ISI, Rangers officials involved in Sindh IG incident removed pending further proceedings: ISPR |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1589651 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=10 November 2020 |language=en}} however, when the IG Police showed reluctance, it was decided that the arrest would be conducted by the Sindh Rangers.{{cite news |title=Never thought for a moment that PPP was behind Safdar's arrest: Maryam |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1585899/never-thought-for-a-moment-that-ppp-was-behind-safdars-arrest-maryam |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=19 October 2020 |language=en}} Then Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa also took notice of the incident and instructed the Karachi Corps Commander to conduct an immediate inquiry.{{cite news |title=Army chief orders immediate inquiry into 'Karachi incident': ISPR |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1586087 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=20 October 2020 |language=en}}

On 21 August, her son Junaid got married in the London. However, Maryam and her husband Safdar were unable to attend the nikkah ceremony as their passports had been confiscated by the government due to ongoing legal proceedings against them.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif's Grandson Confirms Reports Of Divorce |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/12-Oct-2023/nawaz-sharif-s-grandson-confirms-reports-of-divorce |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=12 October 2023 |language=en}}

On 29 September 2022, soon after Maryam's uncle Shehbaz Sharif came into power, the Islamabad High Court overturned her corruption conviction in the Avenfield case and refused to pursue many of the cases against her relatives, and she then became eligible to contest elections again.{{cite news |last1=Hussain |first1=Abid |title=Pakistani court acquits Maryam Nawaz in corruption case |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/29/pakistani-court-acquits-maryam-nawaz-in-corruption-case |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |language=en}} However, she seemed to step back as the Pakistan Democratic Movement, a coalition of political parties, gained momentum, and her uncle Shehbaz Sharif emerged as the opposition's candidate for the next prime minister. Following Shehbaz Sharif's election as the country's prime minister, her influence within the party waned, and her political presence became sporadic.

In October 2022, the Lahore High Court directed officials to return Maryam's passport, which she had surrendered since November 2019 when LHC had granted her post-arrest bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case but asked her to submit her passport as they feared she might flee the country.{{cite news |last1=Sheikh |first1=Wajih Ahmad |title=After three years, high court returns Maryam's passport |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1713389 |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=4 October 2022 |language=en}} Following the retrieval of her passport, she traveled to London to reunite with her father, who had been there since November 2019.{{cite news |last1=Rehman |first1=Atika |title=Maryam, Nawaz reunite in London |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1713887 |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=7 October 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Maryam meets Nawaz in London after three years |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2380599/maryam-meets-nawaz-in-london-after-three-years |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=7 October 2022 |language=en}}

On 3 January 2023, Maryam was appointed as senior vice president of the PML-N, making her one of the PML-N’s senior-most leaders. The decision was approved by the Shehbaz Sharif, who was also the party's president. She was also appointed as the "Chief Organizer" of the party with the mandate to restructuring and reorganizing the party at all levels.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-03 |title=Maryam Nawaz appointed PML-N senior vice president |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2393977/maryam-nawaz-appointed-pml-n-senior-vice-president |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} Numerous senior leaders within the PML-N expressed regret and displeasure over the lack of consultation preceding Maryam's appointment, which positioned her as the second most senior figure in the party, following her uncle Shehbaz.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz New Role In PMLN Irks Top Party Cadre |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/07-Jan-2023/maryam-nawaz-new-role-in-pmln-irks-top-party-cadre |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=7 January 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Maryam's elevation furthers Sharif political dynasty |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1028027-maryam-s-elevation-furthers-sharif-political-dynasty |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}} A leader from the PML-N described Maryam's rise within the party as a direct indication from Nawaz Sharif to the Shehbaz that she, rather than Shehbaz, would be his successor. He further stated that any senior leader who dared to challenge her authority would face a fate similar to that of Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan who gradually withdrew from politics after 2018 general election. Some sources suggested that Nisar Ali Khan discontent stemmed from the increasing prominence given to Maryam within the party hierarchy.{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=Maryam gets top role in PML-N hierarchy |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1729840 |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=4 January 2023 |language=en}} Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, resigned as senior vice president of PML-N within an hour of the announcement of Maryam's promotion{{cite news |title=Khaqan quits as PML-N senior vice president |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1036315-khaqan-quits-as-pmln-senior-vice-president |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}{{cite news |title=PML-N's Abbasi confirms he resigned from party post, says chief organiser Maryam should get 'open field' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1734750 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Dawn |date=1 February 2013}}{{cite news |title=PML-N Not My Property: Maryam Reassures Abbasi In Model Town Meeting |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/17-Feb-2023/pml-n-not-my-property-maryam-reassures-abbasi-in-model-town-meeting |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=17 February 2023 |language=en}} He later quit PML-N in December 2023.{{cite news |last1=Butt |first1=Naeem Ashraf |title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi decides to 'quit' PML-N |url=https://arynews.tv/shahid-khaqan-abbasi-decides-to-quit-pml-n/ |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=ARY NEWS |date=16 December 2023}}{{cite news | title=Shahid Abbasi decides to 'quit' PML-N |url=https://pakobserver.net/shahid-abbasi-decides-to-quit-pml-n/ |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=Pakistan Observer |date=17 December 2023}} He characterized Maryam's approach to politics as more aggressive and less inclined to consider opinions from individuals she may not favor.{{cite news |title=If Maryam Nawaz Is Not Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Leader, Who Is? |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/12-Feb-2023/if-maryam-nawaz-is-not-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-s-leader-who-is-news-analysis |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=12 February 2023 |language=en}} Similarly, Miftah Ismail, also decided to quit PML-N following his removal from his position as Federal Minister for Finance by her.{{cite news |title=Former finance minister Miftah quits PML-N |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40249655 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=brecorder |date=25 June 2023}}

She was considered a challenger to her cousin, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif as the emergence of Maryam as a prominent figure within the PML-N dealt a ]blow to Hamza, who had been previously positioned as the natural successor to the Sharif brothers. However some political analysts viewed her appointment as a token gesture with little significance. They believed that her role would not have a substantial impact within the party, especially since she was not appointed as the party president, a position that holds absolute authority.{{cite news |title=News Analysis: Will Maryam's Elevation Within PML-N Save The Party's Dwindling Capital? |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/04-Jan-2023/news-analysis-will-maryam-s-elevation-within-pml-n-save-the-party-s-dwindling-capital |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=4 January 2023 |language=en}}

She underwent throat surgery in Geneva in early January{{cite news |title=Maryam undergoes 'successful throat surgery' in Geneva |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2394563/maryam-nawaz-undergoes-successful-throat-surgery-in-geneva |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=6 January 2023 |language=en}} before returning to Pakistan after spending three months in London on 28 January 2023.{{cite news |title=PML-N Workers Swarm Airport As Maryam Nawaz Lands In Lahore |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/28-Jan-2023/pml-n-workers-swarm-airport-as-maryam-nawaz-lands-in-lahore |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=28 January 2023 |language=en}}

While Nawaz Sharif was in London and ahead of the 2024 Pakistani general election, she conducted rallies and traversed across the country to garner support for her party. Despite skepticism regarding her leadership capabilities due to limited political experience, she managed to carry out organized rallies against the PTI government. Her mobilization of party workers at various venues, media appearances, and hosting of workers’ conventions contributed to sustaining the party's momentum.{{cite news |title=The Evolution Of PML-N With Maryam Nawaz's Leadership |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/20-Feb-2023/the-evolution-of-pml-n-with-maryam-nawaz-s-leadership |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=20 February 2023 |language=en}}

In a February 2023 interview, she expressed that she had never considered joining politics at any point in her life. However, upon witnessing what she perceived as her father being oppressed by the powers that be, she decided to enter politics.{{cite news |title=The Political Acumen of Maryam Nawaz |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/22-Feb-2023/the-political-acumen-of-maryam-nawaz |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=22 February 2023 |language=en}} After it was revealed that Nawaz Sharif is returning to Pakistan in October after ending his four-year self-imposed exile in the United Kingdom,{{cite news |last1=agencies |first1=Nadir Guramani |title=Nawaz to return to Pakistan on Oct 21: Shehbaz |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1775482 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=12 September 2023 |language=en}} Maryam became active again rallying support and emphasizing Nawaz Sharif's plans to revive the economy that had suffered under the PTI's rule. She began mobilizing party workers ahead of his father's return saying that "It will not be the return of an individual to the country. There will be the return of prosperity and hope for the country."{{cite news |last1=Mahmood |first1=Amjad |title=Maryam whips up enthusiasm for Nawaz's return |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1778873 |access-date=20 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=2 October 2023 |language=en}} A large rally was organized to welcome Nawaz upon his return to Pakistan on 21 October, marking the end of his four-year self-imposed exile in the UK.{{cite news |title=PML-N makes history with massive rally |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2442215/pml-n-makes-history-with-massive-rally |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=21 October 2023 |language=en}}

Ahead of the 2024 Pakistani general election, when the Supreme Court withdrew PTI's electoral symbol, the"cricket bat," Maryam welcomed the decision, stating that terrorists should not be allotted party symbols during a speech as she kicked off PML-N election campaign from Okara in January 2024.{{cite news |title=Elections Or Retribution? Terrorists Cannot Be Granted Electoral Symbols, Says Maryam Nawaz |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/15-Jan-2024/elections-or-retribution-terrorists-cannot-be-granted-electoral-symbols-says-maryam-nawaz |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=15 January 2024 |language=en}}

On 12 January 2024, she filed nomination papers as a candidate of PML-N to contest the general election from constituencies NA-119 (Lahore-III) and PP-159 (Lahore-XV).{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz submits party tickets from NA-119, PP-159 |url=https://www.samaa.tv/208737912-maryam-nawaz-submits-party-tickets-from-na-119-pp-159 |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=samaa |date=12 January 2024}} This was her first time contesting in the general elections.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz — PML-N's heir apparent |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1807759 |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=26 January 2024 |language=en}} On 21 January, reports emerged suggesting that PTI-backed candidate Mehr Muhammad Waseem declared his withdrawal in favor of Maryam from NA-119.{{cite news |title=Fact-Check: Did PTI's Mehar Waseem Withdraw Candidacy For NA-119 In Favour Of PML-N's Maryam Nawaz? |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/22-Jan-2024/fact-check-did-pti-s-mehar-waseem-withdraw-candidacy-for-na-119-in-favour-of-pml-n-s-maryam-nawaz |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=22 January 2024 |language=en}} However, this claim was debunked as fake news, as PTI had not awarded a ticket to anyone named Waseem in NA-119.{{cite news |title=PTI NA-119 candidate withdraws in Maryam's favour |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453973/pti-na-119-candidate-withdraws-in-maryams-favour |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=21 January 2024 |language=en}}

On the election day, she was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan representing Constituency NA-119 (Lahore-III) and to the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, representing Constituency PP-159 (Lahore-XV) as a PML-N candidate.{{cite news |last1=Amin |first1=Muzhira |title=10 questions you may have now that elections are over |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1813586 |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=15 February 2024 |language=en}} For the national assembly seat, she secured 83,855 votes and defeated PTI-backed candidate Shehzad Farooq, who received 68,376.{{cite web |title=NA-119 Election Result 2024 Lahore-III, Candidates List |url=https://elections.arynews.tv/constituency/NA-119/2024 |website=ARYNEWS |access-date=26 February 2024 |language=en}} Whereas for the provincial assembly seat, she secured 23,598 votes, with PTI-backed candidate Mehar Sharafat Ali receiving 21,491 votes,{{cite web |title=PP-159 Election Result 2024 Lahore-XV, Candidates List |url=https://elections.arynews.tv/constituency/PP-159/2024 |website=ARYNEWS |access-date=26 February 2024 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=PP-159 Election Result 2024 Lahore 15 |url=https://www.geo.tv/election/PP-159 |website=www.geo.tv |publisher=Geo News |access-date=26 February 2024 |language=en}} narrowly defeating him.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz takes oath as first female Punjab CM |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1161693-punjab-assembly-to-elect-new-chief-minister-with-prospect-high-for-maryam |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=26 February 2024 |language=en}} PTI claimed that she was defeated from constituency Lahore’s PP-159 by Mehar Sharafat Ali.{{cite news |last1=Malik |first1=Mansoor |title=PTI to call 'parallel' Punjab Assembly session to elect CM, speaker |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817410 |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=27 February 2024 |language=en}} PTI-backed Shahzad Farooq filed a petition in Lahore High Court against the NA-119 returning officer, alleging result manipulation however the court dismissed the petition and, advised the matter be taken to the ECP.{{cite news |title=Take It Up With ECP: LHC Deems PTI's Petitions Against Victories Of PML-N, IPP Unmaintainable |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/13-Feb-2024/take-it-up-with-ecp-lhc-deems-pti-s-petitions-against-victories-of-pml-n-ipp-unmaintainable |access-date=15 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=13 February 2024 |language=en}} Whereas in June, Mehar Sharafat Ali also contested Maryam's victory from PP-159 by filing an election petition, accusing her of rigging.{{cite news |title=Election pleas filed by runners-up: Tribunal summons complete record of seven constituencies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1841113 |access-date=3 July 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=22 June 2024 |language=en}}

Following the election, she became the sixth member of the Sharif family to be elected to parliament. Later she was nominated by the PML-N as its candidate for Chief Minister of Punjab.{{Cite web |date=14 February 2024 |title=Maryam tapped for Punjab leadership |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456416/maryam-tapped-for-punjab-leadership |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} Consequently, she relinquishes her seat in NA-119 (Lahore-III) and retaining her seat in PP-159 (Lahore-XV) to assume the role of Punjab's chief minister.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz vacates NA-119 seat, retains PP-159 |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/793547-PML-N-leaders,-except-Maryam-Nawaz,-to-vacate-provincial-seats |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Dunya News |date=23 February 2024 |language=en}}

On 18 February 2024, it was reported that she had already begun fulfilling the duties of chief minister, receiving briefings from the Punjab chief secretary and Inspector General of Police at her residence. Additionally, she was provided with security measures typical of the chief minister's protocol, including two bulletproof cars, four police squad vehicles, a traffic wardens' pilot, and a signal jammer vehicle.{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=Maryam provided Punjab CM's security |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1815107/maryam-provided-punjab-cms-security |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=18 February 2024 |language=en}} On 23 February 2024, she was sworn in as a member of the Punjab Assembly for the first time, marking her parliamentary debut.{{cite news |last1=Ahmed |first1=Shoaib |title=Punjab MPAs take oath; election for speaker, deputy speaker to be held tomorrow |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1816538/punjab-mpas-take-oath-election-for-speaker-deputy-speaker-to-be-held-tomorrow |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=23 February 2024 |language=en}}

{{see also|Maryam Nawaz provincial government}}

On 25 February 2024, Maryam submitted her nomination papers for the office of Punjab Chief Minister, competing against PTI-backed Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan.{{cite news |title=High stakes as Punjab readies for CM vote today |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457588/1 |access-date=25 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=24 February 2024 |language=en}} Maryam was backed by PML-N, and its allies such as Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML-Q), and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz becomes first-ever woman Chief Minister of a province in Pakistan |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/maryam-nawaz-becomes-first-ever-woman-chief-minister-of-a-province-in-pakistan/article67887760.ece |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=The Hindu |date=26 February 2024 |language=en-IN}}

The next day, she was elected unopposed as the 20th Chief Minister of Punjab after securing 220 votes. This occurred after PTI decided to boycott the elections following Rana Aftab's request to address the House was denied by the speaker, Malik Ahmad Khan. As a result, 103 MPs of PTI walked out in protest and Rana Aftab did not receive any votes.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz elected chief minister Punjab |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2457646/doors-to-heart-office-open-to-opp-just-as-much-as-for-allies-says-maryam-in-maiden-pa-speech |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=26 February 2024 |language=en}} Later the same day, she took the oath as Punjab Chief Minister, thus becoming first female chief minister in the history of Pakistan, and also becoming the fourth member of the Sharif family to be elected to the position.{{cite news |title=Transforming Gender Equality In Pakistani Politics |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/22-Feb-2024/transforming-gender-equality-in-pakistani-politics |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=22 February 2024 |language=en}}

Due to Maryam's lack of parliamentary experience, former federal minister of Information, Marriyum Aurangzeb who instead of being assigned to the federal government, was transferred to the Punjab government to assist Maryam in handling the provincial government’s affairs. This caused a stir among the PML-N MPs in Punjab Assembly.{{cite news |title=PML-N lines up bigwigs to aid CM Maryam |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458526/pml-n-lines-up-bigwigs-to-aid-cm-maryam |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=6 March 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=Nawaz attaches Marriyum Aurangzeb with daughter for assistance |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1816622 |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=24 February 2024 |language=en}} She was appointed as a senior minister in the Maryam's provincial cabinet on 6 March.{{cite news |title=New 17-member Punjab cabinet takes oath |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1165133-new-17-member-punjab-cabinet-takes-oath |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=6 March 2024 |language=en}} Former Federal Minister for Information, Pervaiz Rashid was also attached as a senior advisor to Maryam, to provide guidance on political matters in the government due to her limited experience.{{cite news |title=PMLN finalises 15-member Punjab cabinet |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1164627-pmln-finalises-15-member-punjab-cabinet |access-date=7 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}} He actively participated in all administrative meetings chaired by Maryam since she assumed the role of Chief Minister of Punjab.{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=20-member cabinet 'sans allies' likely in Punjab |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1817677 |access-date=7 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=28 February 2024 |language=en}}

Shortly after assuming office as Chief Minister, she announced the establishment of first public cancer hospital to be built in Lahore.{{cite news |title=CM announces establishment of first public cancer hospital in Punjab |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/04-Mar-2024/cm-announces-establishment-of-first-public-cancer-hospital-in-punjab |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=The Nation |date=4 March 2024}} On 6 March, an 18-member provincial cabinet of Chief Minister Maryam, was sworn in.{{cite news |title=18-member Punjab cabinet takes oath |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458564/18-member-punjab-cabinet-takes-oath |access-date=6 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=6 March 2024 |language=en}}

In April 2024, following Maryam's accusation that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was supplying metal kite strings to Punjab, PTI leaders condemned Maryam's remarks about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and suggested that the Sharif family had a history of animosity towards the province.{{cite news |last1=Junaidi |first1=Ikram |title=PTI hits out at CM Maryam for remarks against KP |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1826121/pti-hits-out-at-cm-maryam-for-remarks-against-kp |access-date=7 April 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=7 April 2024 |language=en}}

In May 2024, her government introduced the controversial Punjab Defamation Bill, aiming to "stop fake news". The opposition in the Punjab Assembly argued that the PML-N government intended to restrict freedom of speech under the guise of defamation. The President of the Lahore Press Club criticized the bill in a press conference, stating, "The Maryam administration is on a dictatorial path to shut the eyes and mouths of journalists."{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=Punjab 'allays' fears over defamation law |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1833765 |access-date=12 June 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=16 May 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Debdutta |title=Pakistani journalists call Maryam Nawaz govt dictatorial after Punjab passes Defamation Bill |url=https://theprint.in/go-to-pakistan/pakistani-journalists-call-maryam-nawaz-govt-dictatorial-after-punjab-passes-defamation-bill/2095276/ |access-date=12 June 2024 |work=ThePrint |date=21 May 2024}} Nevertheless, Maryam supported the bill, asserting that it was essential to put an end to "mud-slinging" online.{{cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Zulqernain |title=Maryam vows no quarter for 'vigilantism' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1843877 |access-date=22 September 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=5 July 2024 |language=en}}

On 29 June 2024, her government completed its first 100 days.{{cite news |last1=Abbas |first1=Hassan |title=First one hundred days: Maryam spells out govt's accomplishments |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40310374 |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Brecorder |date=29 June 2024 |language=en}} Several Pakistani celebrities praised her government's initial achievements, but the endorsements were also met with accusations of paid promotion, prompting backlash from the public.{{cite news |title=مریم نواز کی '100 روزہ کارکردگی' کے متعلق ویڈیوز پنجاب حکومت کی 'تشہیری مہم' یا فنکاروں اور انفلوئنسر کی 'ذاتی رائے'؟ |url=https://www.bbc.com/urdu/articles/cx92gyydg0wo |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=BBC News اردو |date=6 July 2024 |language=ur}} According to ThePrint, Maryam's administration faced criticism for alleged corruption and inefficiencies, notably with farmers protesting against the "wheat scam" and incidents of blasphemy-related violence in the province.{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Debdutta |title=Pakistani celebs celebrate PML(N)'s 100 days in power. People call it 'paid promotion' |url=https://theprint.in/go-to-pakistan/pakistani-celebs-celebrate-pmlns-100-days-in-power-people-call-it-paid-promotion/2161909/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=ThePrint |date=5 July 2024}} However, according to a survey conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research, 55% of respondents in Punjab expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Maryam-led government.{{cite news |title=Maryam's approval climbs in 100 days |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472121/maryams-approval-climbs-in-100-days |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=16 June 2024 |language=en}} In November 2024, she ordered the distribution of 13th generation laptops to students within 90 days as part of a laptop and scholarship program. The program received 68,329 applications and aims to give laptops to 20,000 university students and 14,000 college students, with 32% from South Punjab.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-20 |title=CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz launches laptop scheme for students |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2510810/cm-maryam-nawaz-orders-to-distribute-laptops-with-90-days |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} Maryam has given formal approval for the launch of ‘Air Punjab’, the province’s first-ever airline project, marking a major milestone in Punjab’s transport and aviation ambitions.{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=Monitoring |date=2025-04-26 |title=Maryam Nawaz approves launch of 'Air Punjab' airline, high-speed rail projects across province |url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/04/26/maryam-nawaz-approves-launch-of-air-punjab-airline-high-speed-rail-projects-across-province/ |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=Profit by Pakistan Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-26 |title=CM Maryam gives nod to Air Punjab, set to launch in 'a year': Azma Bokhari |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1906708 |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}{{Cite web |author=News Desk |date=2025-04-26 |title=Punjab to launch Air Punjab and Pakistan's first bullet train: Azma Bokhari |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2542415/punjab-to-launch-air-punjab-and-pakistans-first-bullet-train-azma-bokhari |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Editor) |first=Ashfaq Ahmed (Senior Assistant |date=2025-04-27 |title=Pakistan: Bullet train and Air Punjab plans approved |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistan-bullet-train-and-air-punjab-plans-approved-1.500107421 |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema |language=en}}{{Cite web |author=Web Desk |date=2025-04-26 |title=Azma Bukhari announces launch of 'Air Punjab' airline |url=https://arynews.tv/air-punjab-airlines-bullet-train-service-coming-soon-azma-bukhari/ |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=ARY NEWS |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Maryam directs launching Punjab Air project |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1305649-maryam-directs-launching-punjab-air-project |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}

Maryam's father Nawaz Sharif ended his exile and returned to Pakistan in 2007 prior to the 2008 Pakistani general election in which her father's party, Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), emerged as one of the two largest parties. During PML-N's government in Punjab, criticisms were leveled against the party for being perceived as soft on terrorism and sectarian groups, and for its inability to improve Punjab's economy. However, Maryam was noted for advocating minority rights and opposing political alliances with banned militant outfits. Maryam expressed regret over the inability of her father's party, PML-N, and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to maintain their short-lived coalition following the election. However Maryam largely refrained from active involvement in politics.

In 2016, Maryam was suspected of being involved in the leak of a story to Dawn, later dubbed as "Dawn leaks", regarding a confrontation between Pakistan's civilian government and military officials during a top-secret national security meeting regarding countering militancy.{{cite news |title=Dawn Leaks: Army's misgivings taken care of, says Nisar |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1407117/dawn-leaks-issue-blown-proportion-nisar |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=11 May 2017}} After the publication of the news story, both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif denied the events and termed the article as fabricated. Sharif ordered action against those responsible for the publication of what he called a "fabricated" story.{{cite news |title=Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida banned from leaving Pakistan after report on civilian govt-military meet |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/dawn-journalist-cyril-almeida-banned-from-leaving-pakistan-after-report-on-civilian-govt-military-meet/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Indian Express |date=11 October 2016 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Dawn's Almeida placed on ECL |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Oct-2016/dawn-s-almeida-placed-on-ecl |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=11 October 2016}} Later, the government held Pervez Rasheed, the Information Minister, responsible for the leak and he was subsequently made to resign from his position.{{cite news |title=Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed asked to step down amid Dawn story probe |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1293026 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=29 October 2016 |language=en}} After an inquiry, Maryam was identified among the 12 individuals who were found to be in contact with Cyril Almeida, the author of the news story. However, Nawaz Sharif only dismissed Fatemi and Rao Tehseen for their alleged involvement in "Dawn leaks", stating that a notification regarding this matter would be issued soon.{{cite news |title=PM House notification rejected by army |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/4500694/pm-house-notification-rejected-by-army-20170430174164 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=brecorder |date=30 April 2017}} Subsequently, the ISPR tweeted saying, "Notification on "Dawn leaks" is incomplete and not in line with recommendations by the Inquiry Board. Notification is rejected."{{cite news |title=Army withdraws tweet 'rejecting' PM Office's directives on Dawn story probe |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1332244 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN |date=10 May 2017}}{{cite news |title=Tariq Fatemi removed from post by PM following inquiry into Dawn story |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1330010/tariq-fatemi-removed-from-post-by-pm-following-inquiry-into-dawn-story |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=DAWN |date=29 April 2017}} In an apparent reference to Maryam's alleged involvement in the "Dawn leaks", then federal interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan remarked that the government should not have formed two committees on the issue if its intention was to shield someone. He emphasized that if the government sought to conceal information, it would not have established such committees.

In 2018, she confirmed that the "Dawn leaks" news was accurate and grounded in facts{{cite news |title=Dawn leaks news regarding NSC meeting was accurate, confirms Maryam Nawaz - Pakistan |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/439649-Dawn-leaks-news-NSC-meeting-accurate-Maryam-Nawaz |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Dunya News |date=14 February 2008 |language=en}} and expressed regret over the Nawaz Sharif's decision to sack Pervaiz Rasheed during the 'Dawn leaks' controversy.{{cite news |title='Shouldn't have done that,' Maryam responds to Rashid sacking over Dawn Leaks |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/15-May-2018/shouldnt-have-done-that--maryam-responds-to-rashid-sacking-over-dawn-leaks |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=15 May 2018}} It is believed efforts were made by Nisar Ali Khan to implicate Maryam in the "Dawn leaks" controversy, but General Bajwa refrained from mentioning her name despite Nisar Ali Khan's insistence.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz's political prospects |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/26-Feb-2024/maryam-nawaz-s-political-prospects |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=26 February 2024}} "Dawn leaks" inevitably altered Pakistan's political landscape leading to a confrontation between the country's civil and powerful military leadership.{{cite news |title=The Challenge For Maryam Nawaz Sharif |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/07-May-2023/the-challenge-for-maryam-nawaz-sharif |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=7 May 2023 |language=en}} Some within and outside the PML-N attribute party's misfortunes directly to Maryam's rise to prominence, since the "Dawn leaks" controversy emerged.{{cite news |title=The litmus test |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/18-Sep-2017/the-litmus-test?show=744 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=18 September 2017}}

In March 2023, Maryam called for the court martial of former DG ISI Faiz Hameed, asserting that he should be held accountable for playing an unconstitutional role. She alleged Hameed had played a part in the downfall of the Nawaz Sharif government in 2017 and supported the Imran Khan government for four years.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz Demands Faiz Hameed's Court Martial |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/08-Mar-2023/maryam-nawaz-demands-faiz-hameed-s-court-martial |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=8 March 2023 |language=en}} She also claimed that Hameed confessed to his role and emphasized that it was time for institutions to take action against him.{{cite news |title=Gen Faiz Confessed To Crimes, Institution Must Act Now: Maryam |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/09-Mar-2023/gen-faiz-confessed-to-crimes-institution-must-act-now-maryam |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=9 March 2023 |language=en}} In response, Hameed stated that he held the rank of major general in 2017 and 2018, and indicated that he did not have the authority to single-handedly overthrow the entire government as the army chief has the final say in such matters.{{cite news |title=Imran Khan's Facilitators Are 'On The Run', Says Maryam |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/11-Mar-2023/imran-khan-s-facilitators-are-on-the-run-says-maryam |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=11 March 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Is Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid's defence defensible? |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1048033-is-gen-faiz-hameed-s-defence-defensible |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}

She also criticized Saqib Nisar, who served as Chief Justice of Pakistan during Nawaz Sharif's ouster, accusing him of "facilitating" Imran Khan during his tenure as the country's prime minister, and called him as a "liar".{{cite news |title=Maryam Lashes Out At Ex-CJP Saqib Nisar For 'Facilitating' Imran Khan |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/08-Mar-2023/maryam-lashes-out-at-ex-cjp-saqib-nisar-for-facilitating-imran-khan |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=8 March 2023 |language=en}} Following Maryam's criticism, an audio leak surfaced in which Saqib Nisar was allegedly heard using derogatory language against Maryam{{cite news |title=Ex-CJP Saqib Nisar Allegedly Abuses Maryam In 'Leaked' Audio |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/21-Mar-2023/ex-cjp-saqib-nisar-allegedly-abuses-maryam-in-leaked-audio |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=21 March 2023 |language=en}} to which Saqib Nisar claimed that his WhatsApp had been hacked.{{cite news |title=My WhatsApp Has Been Hacked: Ex-CJ Saqib Nisar |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/06-Mar-2023/my-whatsapp-has-been-hacked-ex-cj-saqib-nisar |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=6 March 2023 |language=en}} It was noted that during the period from 2018 to 2020, then Chief Justice Saqib Nisar prioritized every case filed against Maryam and her father Nawaz Sharif.

In 2012, when Nawaz Sharif suspended Maryam's husband, Safdar, from the PML-N due to suspicions of Safdar's involvement in planning to establish his own separate party. Maryam publicly supported her father's decision and criticized her husband's actions.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz proud of father's decision to suspend husband Capt Safdar |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/414631/maryam-nawaz-proud-of-fathers-decision-to-suspend-husband-capt-safdar |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=29 July 2012 |language=en}} The same year, she tweeted "I'm only assisting Nawaz Sharif to monitor their cyber cell. No intentions of getting into electoral or practical politics".{{cite news |last1=Jahangir |first1=Ramsha |title=How political parties manipulate cyberspace for electioneering |url=https://herald.dawn.com/news/1398599/how-political-parties-manipulate-cyberspace-for-electioneering |access-date=21 August 2018 |work=Herald Magazine |date=24 July 2018}}

In February 2023, Maryam's husband, Safdar, criticized the party's decision to extend the tenure of army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and expressed skepticism about Maryam's potential to become prime minister in the near future.{{cite news |title=Maryam Unlikely To Be In Power Anytime Soon: Captain Safdar |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/10-Feb-2023/maryam-unlikely-to-be-in-power-anytime-soon-captain-safdar |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=10 February 2023 |language=en}} In response, Maryam reportedly rebuked Safdar for deviating from the party's policy, emphasizing that no party leader, including her husband, should make statements contradicting the party's stance. She also warned of strict action against any such deviations.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz Asserts Control, 'Disciplines' Safdar For 'Deviating From Party Line': PMLN Sources |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/11-Feb-2023/maryam-nawaz-asserts-control-disciplines-safdar-for-deviating-from-party-line-pmln-sources |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=11 February 2023 |language=en}}

Maryam is regarded as heir apparent of Nawaz Sharif{{cite news |title=A corruption probe threatens to undo Pakistan's prime minister |url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21725021-court-appointed-investigators-say-nawaz-sharif-cannot-adequately-explain-his-wealth-corruption |access-date=25 February 2024 |newspaper=The Economist}}{{cite news |author1=Sophia Saifi |author2=Judith Vonberg |title=Former Pakistan PM sentenced to ten years in prison |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/06/asia/nawaz-sharif-former-pakistan-prime-minister-sentenced-intl/index.html |access-date=7 July 2018 |work=CNN}}{{cite news |title=Pakistan's former PM sentenced to 10 years in prison ahead of elections |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-ousted-pakistani-pm-sharif-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=6 July 2018 |language=en-CA}} and the "presumed future leader" of the PML-N.{{cite news|title=Maryam Nawaz Sharif: A Budding New Political Dynasty In Pakistan?|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/maryam-nawaz-sharif-budding-new-political-dynasty-pakistan-1399631|access-date=21 April 2017|work=International Business Times|date=27 August 2013}}

Dawn wrote she's "known for her biting rhetoric and ability to both pull and rouse a crowd" saying that she has established herself in a political arena largely dominated by men. Experts suggest that Maryam's assertive demeanor could potentially undermine the party's strength, expressing concerns that while she may attract crowds, she might not be suited to lead the party effectively.

In a 2012 interview, Maryam expressed her empathy for the children of Benazir Bhutto and recalled meeting Benazir Bhutto only once, on 14 May 2006 in London, when her father Nawaz and Benazir signed the Charter of Democracy, aimed at ending Musharraf rule in Pakistan. Describing their meeting, Maryam stated that they spoke candidly for three hours, and noted that the Sharif family was deeply saddened by Benazir's assassination in December 2007, shedding tears upon hearing the news of her assassination.

Following Dawn Leaks controversy, during an interview on Geo News program Jirga with Saleem Safi, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan a senior leader of PML-N and then federal interior minister criticized the comparisons drawn between former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Maryam. On a number of occasions Khan dubbed Maryam as a kid, stated that he does not view Maryam as a leader and suggested that she must demonstrate her capabilities through active participation in real politics.{{cite news |title=Nisar-Pervaiz war of words turns ugly |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Jan-2018/nisar-pervaiz-war-of-words-turns-ugly?show=previewutm_medium=PoliticsNewz |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=17 January 2018}}{{cite news |title=Comparing Maryam Nawaz to Benazir Bhutto wrong: Nisar |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/157092-maryam-nawaz-needs-to-prove-herself-as-a-leader-first-chaudhry-nisar |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=www.geo.tv |language=en}} Even those within party who didn't object to the Maryam's anti-establishment stance, were seen discontent with how Maryam had been given control of the party by her father. As a result, the division between the Shehbaz Sharif faction and the Maryam Nawaz faction within the party became evident to all, especially given the close association of both Shehbaz and Nisar Ali Khan.

In 2018, Nisar Ali Khan distanced himself from the PML-N, citing his inability to work under Maryam's command. He stated he wouldn't serve under any junior leader, particularly Maryam, and expressed concerns over the party's management. Furthermore, he warned of his intention to make the Dawn Leaks report public.{{cite news |title=Nisar says can't work under Maryam Nawaz |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Feb-2018/nisar-says-can-t-work-under-maryam-nawaz |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=11 February 2018}}

In a public opinion poll conducted by Gallup Pakistan in October 2023 regarding which leader could lead Pakistan out of the current economic crisis, 30% of respondents named Nawaz Sharif, followed by Imran Khan, who was recommended by 22% of respondents while Maryam received less than 1% of the votes.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif Edges Imran Khan In Polls On Who Could Save Pakistan |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/23-Oct-2023/nawaz-sharif-edges-imran-khan-in-polls-on-who-could-save-pakistan |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=23 October 2023 |language=en}} Similarly a public perception survey conducted by the Centre for Public Opinion Research in December 2023 across various districts of Lahore revealed that when asked about their preference for the next chief minister of Punjab after the forthcoming elections, 34% of respondents favored Shehbaz Sharif, while only 3% mentioned Maryam.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif, PML-N Most Popular In Lahore: Survey |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/20-Dec-2023/nawaz-sharif-pml-n-most-popular-in-lahore-survey |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=20 December 2023 |language=en}}

Shortly after her appointment as Chief Minister, Maryam visited the Punjab Safe Cities Authority headquarters. During this visit, Maryam adjusted the scarf of a female police officer that had slipped from her head. The incident sparked a debate on social media. Some individuals praised Maryam’s actions, interpreting them as a display of humility and empathy, and a sign of respect towards the police officer. However, some argued that her intervention could be perceived as an intrusion into the personal space of the police officer.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz divides internet with viral video of her fixing police officer's headscarf |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/maryam-nawaz-divides-internet-with-viral-video-of-her-fixing-police-officers-headscarf/articleshow/108108338.cms?from=mdr |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Economic Times |date=29 February 2024}}{{cite news |title=Video: CM Maryam fixes police officer's head scarf goes viral |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/28-Feb-2024/video-cm-maryam-fixes-police-officer-s-head-scarf-goes-viral |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Nation |date=28 February 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Bakhsh |first1=Zenaira |title=Maryam Nawaz fixes policewoman's headscarf. Now Pakistanis are calling her the moral police |url=https://theprint.in/go-to-pakistan/maryam-nawaz-fixes-policewomans-headscarf-now-pakistanis-are-calling-her-the-moral-police/1983854/ |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=ThePrint |date=29 February 2024}}{{cite news |author=Images Staff |title=Maryam Nawaz fixing a police officer's dupatta and sharing a video of it online has polarised the internet |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1192290 |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=Images |date=28 February 2024 |language=en}}

{{further|Panama Papers case}}

On 3 April 2016, the Panama Papers were leaked and Maryam was named in it along with her two brothers, Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz. According to records uncovered by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Maryam was described as the owner of the British Virgin Islands-based firms Nielsen Enterprises Limited and Nescoll Limited, and allegedly the owner of the properties in the United Kingdom owned jointly by her brothers.{{cite news |last1=Zaidi |first1=Hassan Belal |title='Panama Papers' reveal Sharif family's 'offshore holdings' |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1249888 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=4 April 2016 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title = Panama Papers: Nawaz family used offshore firms to own UK properties |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1078922/panama-papers-nawaz-family-used-offshore-firms-to-own-uk-properties/|website = The Express Tribune |date=4 April 2016|language = en}}{{cite news |title=Panama Leaks: PM's family pleads 'no wrongdoing' |url=https://nation.com.pk/05-Apr-2016/pm-s-family-pleads-no-wrongdoing |access-date=20 September 2018 |work=The Nation |date=5 April 2016}} In response, Maryam denied owning any company or property outside Pakistan and said, "My brother has made me a trustee in one of his corporations which only entitles me to distribute assets to my brother Hussain's family/children if needed".{{cite news |title=I do not own any company or property abroad: Maryam Nawaz |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/110419-I-do-not-own-any-company-or-property-abroad-Maryam-Nawaz |access-date=16 September 2018 |work=The News |date=5 April 2016 |language=en}}

In September 2016, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan asking for action against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his relatives for their alleged involvement in the Panama Papers scandal.{{cite news |title=PTI moves apex court for PM's disqualification |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1280880/pti-moves-apex-court-for-pms-disqualification |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=30 August 2016}} In January 2017, Maryam submitted her statement to the Supreme Court saying she has not been dependent on her father since her marriage in 1992. On 16 February 2017, Maryam's lawyer admitted before the Supreme Court that Maryam owned four flats in London for at least six months in 2006.{{cite news |title=Maryam owned London flats for 6 months, admits counsel |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1328777/panamagate-case-maryam-owned-london-flats-6-months-admits-counsel/ |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=16 February 2017}} On 20 April, the Supreme Court announced a split verdict and ordered the formation of the joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the Sharif family's assets for irregularities.{{cite news |last1=Iqbal |first1=Nasir |title=Supreme Court gives reprieve to Sharif, but no clean chit |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1328323 |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=21 April 2017}} On 10 July, the JIT submitted its report to the Supreme Court in which it maintained that the Sharif family has assets beyond known sources of income.{{cite news |last1=Iqbal |first1=Nasir |title=JIT report carries seeds of upheaval |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1344488/jit-report-carries-seeds-of-upheaval |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=11 July 2017}} In its report, the JIT noted that Maryam misled the Supreme Court by presenting fake documents and stated that the Calibri font used on the declaration dated 2006 produced by Maryam was not commercially available before 31 January 2007.{{cite news |last1=Zaidi |first1=Hassan Belal |title=JIT accuses Maryam of 'high-Calibri' forgery |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1344745 |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=12 July 2017}} The scandal was widely referred to as Fontgate.{{cite news |last1=Rasmussen |first1=Sune Engel |last2=Collins |first2=Pádraig |title='Fontgate': Microsoft, Wikipedia and the scandal threatening the Pakistani PM |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/13/fontgate-microsoft-wikipedia-and-the-scandal-threatening-the-pakistani-pm |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=13 July 2017}}

The Supreme Court announced its decision on 28 July 2017 and disqualified Nawaz Sharif from holding public office as he had been dishonest in not disclosing his employment in the Dubai-based Capital FZE company in his nomination papers.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif steps down as PM after SC's disqualification verdict |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348191 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=28 July 2017 |language=en}} The court also ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reference against Sharif and his relatives against corruption charges.{{cite news |url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/panama-case-verdict-pakistan-supreme-court-disqualifies-pm-nawaz-sharif/ |title=Panama Case verdict: Pakistan Supreme Court disqualifies PM Nawaz Sharif |work=Daily Pakistan |date=28 July 2017 |access-date=28 July 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Rasmussen |first1=Sune Engel |title=Pakistani court removes PM Nawaz Sharif from office in Panama Papers case |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/28/pakistani-court-disqualifies-pm-nawaz-sharif-from-office |access-date=28 July 2017 |work=The Guardian |date=28 July 2017}}{{cite news |title=Supreme Court's complete order in Panama Papers case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348209/supreme-courts-complete-order-in-panama-papers-case |access-date=28 July 2017 |work=DAWN.COM |date=28 July 2017 |language=en}}{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/panama-papers-hearing-live-updates-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-verdict-pakistan-supreme-court-4770732/ |title=Panama Papers hearing LIVE updates: Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif disqualified from holding office |website=indianexpress.com |date=28 July 2017 | access-date=28 July 2017}} retrieved 28 July 2017

In September 2017, the NAB filed three corruption references against Nawaz Sharif and his three children including Maryam in compliance with the Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers case.{{cite news |last1=Raza |first1=Syed Irfan |title=NAB okays graft references against Sharifs, Dar |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1356323/nab-okays-graft-references-against-sharifs-dar |access-date=7 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=8 September 2017}} In October, an accountability court indicted Maryam, Nawaz Sharif, and Maryam's husband in the Avenfield reference—one of three corruption references filed by the NAB—which pertains to the ownership of the Sharif family's four flats at Avenfield, an apartment on Park Lane in London.{{cite news |last1=Asad |first1=Malik |title=Court indicts Sharif family for corruption |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1364934/court-indicts-sharif-family-for-corruption |access-date=7 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=20 October 2017}} After conducting 107 hearings of the Avenfield case since September 2017, the accountability court reserved its verdict in the case on 3 July 2018.{{cite news |title=Court to announce verdict in Avenfield case on July 6 |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/201740-court-to-announce-verdict-in-avenfield-reference-on-july-6 |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=Geo}}

On 6 July 2018, she was sentenced to seven years in jail and a fine of two million pounds by the NAB on corruption charges in the Avenfield reference case. She was given seven years for abetment and one year for non-cooperation with the NAB. Both sentences will run concurrently. As a result, she was disqualified from contesting in elections for 10 years. The court held that the trust deeds presented by Maryam before the apex court were fake and had been tampered with.{{cite news |title=Nawaz, Maryam convicted |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/338538-nawaz-maryam-convicted |access-date=7 July 2018 |work=The News |date=7 July 2018 |language=en}} Her father, Nawaz Sharif, and her husband were also sentenced to ten years and one year in prison, respectively.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif sentenced to 11, Maryam 8 years in Avenfield reference |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/201862-nawaz-sharif-sentenced-to-10-years-maryam-7-in-avenfield-reference |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Geo News |language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44737793|title=Pakistan ex-PM given 10-year jail term|date=2018-07-06|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-07-06|language=en-GB}} The court also ordered the seizure of the Avenfield flats of the Sharif family.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif sentenced to 11, Maryam 8 years in Avenfield reference |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/201862-avenfield-case-verdict-expected-shortly-as-hearing-begins |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=Geo |date=6 July 2018}}

The next day, Maryam announced that she would return to Pakistan on 13 July to file an appeal against the decision.{{cite news |title=Nawaz, Maryam to return to Pakistan on Friday |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/202260-nawaz-maryam-to-return-to-pakistan-on-friday |access-date=8 July 2018 |work=Geo |date=8 July 2018}} The same day, the NAB announced their intention to arrest her and Nawaz Sharif upon their arrival in Pakistan{{cite news |title=NAB says ready to arrest Sharifs |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1751731/1-nab-says-ready-arrest-sharifs/ |access-date=7 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=7 July 2018}} and obtained the required arrest warrant.{{cite news |first1=Amir|last1= Wasim |first2= Inamullah |last2=Khattak |title=NAB obtains arrest warrants for Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1418558/nab-obtains-arrest-warrants-for-nawaz-maryam-and-safdar |access-date=7 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=7 July 2018}} She, along with Nawaz Sharif, was taken into custody by the NAB on 13 July upon their arrival at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport and were airlifted to Rawalpindi's Adiala jail.{{cite news |last1=Mazhar |first1=Zahrah |title=Nawaz, Maryam taken into custody at Lahore airport; passports confiscated |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1419756/nawaz-maryam-taken-into-custody-at-lahore-airport-passports-confiscated |access-date=13 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=13 July 2018}} On 26 July, she challenged her sentence in the Islamabad High Court and filed a petition for bail.{{cite news |last1=Asad |first1=Malik |title=Nawaz, Maryam and Safdar file appeals against Avenfield verdict |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1420412 |access-date=17 July 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=16 July 2018}} The next day, the Islamabad High Court rejected her request for release on bail and adjourned the hearing until the end of the 2018 Pakistani general election.{{cite news |title=Islamabad High Court rejects Nawaz Sharif's and Maryam Sharif's request for release on bail |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/islamabad-high-court-rejects-nawaz-sharifs-and-maryam-sharifs-request-for-release-on-bail/articleshow/65024086.cms |access-date=17 July 2018 |work=The Economic Times |date=17 July 2018}} During her time in detention, she spent significant amounts of time reading books.{{cite news |title=A meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif |url=https://nation.com.pk/05-Aug-2018/609872 |access-date=5 August 2018 |work=The Nation |date=5 August 2018}}

On 21 August 2018, the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan placed her on the Exit Control List in order to prevent her from leaving Pakistan.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif, daughter cannot leave Pakistan: Imran Khan-led government decides |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/nawaz-sharif-daughter-cannot-leave-pakistan-imran-khan-led-government-decides/articleshow/65475845.cms |access-date=21 August 2018 |work=The Economic Times |date=20 August 2018}} On 11 September, her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, died in London. Maryam along with her father and husband were released from Adiala jail on parole. They were flown to Lahore to attend her mother's funeral.{{cite news |title=Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz released on parole |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/367191-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-maryam-safdar-released-on-parole |access-date=12 September 2018 |work=The News |date=12 September 2018 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Kulsoom Nawaz to be laid to rest on Friday; Nawaz, Maryam released on parole for funeral |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1432469/kulsoom-nawaz-to-be-laid-to-rest-on-friday-nawaz-maryam-released-on-parole-for-funeral |access-date=12 September 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=12 September 2018}} Reportedly, Maryam and her father initially refused to be released on parole.{{cite news |title=Nawaz refused to be released on parole after Kulsoom Nawaz's death: report |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/367614-nawaz-sharif-refused-to-be-released-on-parole |access-date=12 September 2018 |work=The News |date=12 September 2018 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Nawaz, Maryam refused to sign parole application: Shehbaz |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1801989/1-nawaz-maryam-refused-sign-parole-application-shehbaz/ |access-date=13 September 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=13 September 2018}} The funeral of Kulsoom Nawaz was held on 14 September 2018.{{cite news |title=Begum Kulsoom Nawaz laid to rest in Lahore |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/368330-begum-kulsoom-nawaz-funeral-live |access-date=17 September 2018 |work=The News |date=14 September 2018 |language=en}} On 17 September, Maryam, together with her father and husband, was moved to Adiala jail.{{cite news |last1=Malik |first1=Arif |title=Sharifs being shifted back to Adiala jail as five-day parole comes to an end |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1433479/sharifs-being-shifted-back-to-adiala-jail-as-five-day-parole-comes-to-an-end |access-date=17 September 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=17 September 2018}}

On 19 September 2018, the Islamabad High Court announced its verdict on the bail petition and suspended the prison sentences against Maryam, her father, and her husband, and ordered their release on bail. The court ordered them to pay Rs 500,000 each as surety bonds before their release. They were released from Adiala jail the same day and were flown to Lahore.{{cite news |title=IHC rules in favour of Sharifs, suspends sentences handed by accountability court in Avenfield case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1433868/ihc-rules-in-favour-of-sharifs-suspends-sentences-handed-by-accountability-court-in-avenfield-case |access-date=19 September 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=19 September 2018}}{{cite news |title=Nawaz, Maryam, Capt Safdar released after suspension of Avenfield sentence by IHC {{!}} The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1807039/1-ihc-commences-hearing-sharifs-suspension-plea/ |access-date=19 September 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |date=19 September 2018}}

For assisting and aiding her father in the purchase of London flats that were acquired via dishonest means, Maryam had been given a seven-year prison sentence in July 2018. Safdar had also received a one-year sentence. Despite receiving a 10-year prison term for himself, Nawaz Sharif was granted bail in 2019{{Cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |title=Former Pakistani PM Sharif granted medical bail, still in custody |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/25/former-pakistani-pm-sharif-granted-medical-bail-still-in-custody |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} so he could travel to the United Kingdom for medical care.{{cite news |title=Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for medical treatment |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-leaves-for-london-for-medical-treatment/articleshow/72121393.cms?from=mdr |access-date=16 March 2024 |work=The Economic Times |date=19 November 2019}}

Soon after Maryam's uncle Shehbaz Sharif came into power in 2022 as Prime Minister after a vote of no confidence against Imran Khan, changes were made to the senior leadership of the National Accountability Bureau, and under questionable circumstances, a corruption conviction against Maryam and her husband was overturned by an Islamabad High Court on 29 September 2022 with no additional information being given. This was around the same time several corruption cases against the Sharif family were closed, including those on Shehbaz Sharif's son Hamza Shehbaz and Shehbaz Sharif himself.{{cite news |title=Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, family acquitted in money laundering case |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-court-pm-shehbaz-sharif-family-acquitted-money-laundering-case-2409443-2023-07-20 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bilal |first=Rana |date=2022-05-12 |title=FIA decides against prosecuting PM Shehbaz, Hamza in money laundering case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1689290 |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}

In 2011 on a TV show with Pakistani anchor Sana Bucha, Maryam said she owned no properties in central London let alone in Pakistan.{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz: from no assets to huge assets |url=https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/06/20/maryams-net-assets-worth-over-rs845-million/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=Pakistan Today |date=20 June 2018}} It was later revealed in 2017 by a Joint Investigation Team that "she was the beneficiary of the London flats and she purposely never declared the ownership of these overseas properties, submitted fake documents, and misled the Supreme Court of Pakistan".{{cite news |title=Maryam Nawaz 'beneficial owner' of London flats |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1455070/maryam-nawaz-beneficial-owner-london-flats |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=10 July 2017 |language=en}} Her conviction was overturned on 29 September 2022 related to the purchase of apartments in London. The two-judge panel of the Islamabad High Court dismissed prosecution's case against her.{{Cite news |last=Shahzad |first=Asif |date=2022-09-29 |title=Pakistan court acquits former PM Sharif's daughter in graft case |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-court-acquits-former-pm-sharifs-daughter-graft-case-2022-09-29/ |access-date=2023-02-24}}

In 2018 in her affidavit to the Election Commission of Pakistan, Maryam declared her assets to be worth {{PKRConvert|845|m}}.{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=Maryam declares assets worth Rs845m, Imran Khan's assets come up to Rs38m |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1415076/ |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=DAWN.COM |date=21 June 2018}} She owns 1,506 Kanals (188 acres) of agricultural land and has invested millions into companies.{{cite news |last1=Waqar |first1=Ali |title=Maryam owns 1,506 kanals of agricultural land, has millions invested in companies |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1414976 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=20 June 2018 |language=en}}

In March 2017, Maryam was included in the BBC's 100 Women list, recognizing influential women worldwide, notably as the first daughter in her country. In December 2017, she was featured on The New York Times list of 11 Powerful Women Around the World for the year 2017, where it was mentioned, that "corruption charges are clouding her rapid rise".{{cite news|last1=Crichton|first1=Kyle|title=11 Powerful Women We Met Around the World in 2017|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/15/world/saturday-profile-extraordinary-women-2017.html|access-date=17 December 2017|work=The New York Times|date=15 December 2017}}

Over the years, several audio recordings involving Maryam Nawaz have surfaced.{{cite news |title='Look at my media management': Maryam Nawaz remains tight-lipped on latest alleged audio leak |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1665049 |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=21 December 2021 |language=en}} In 2021, an audio clip was released that included a phone conversation between Maryam and then Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed. In the conversation, Maryam seemed to be directing the refusal of advertisements to certain TV channels. Maryam later verified the authenticity of the audio clip and defended her actions, explaining that she was referring to PML-N advertisements.

In September 2022, another audio recording was leaked in which her uncle, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was heard speaking to an unidentified individual.{{cite news |title=PM Shahbaz's alleged audio leak about Maryam Nawaz's son-in-law goes viral |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/994364-pm-shahbazs-alleged-audio-leak-about-maryam-nawazs-son-viral-on-social-media |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}} The man informed Shehbaz that Maryam was requesting the import of a power plant from India for her son-in-law’s business. Shehbaz Sharif then discussed the potential problems of importing a plant from India, as it could be used against his government by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.{{cite news |last1=Zahid |first1=Muhammad |title=Audio tape of Shehbaz about import of plant from India surfaces |url=https://www.bolnews.com/pakistan/2022/09/audio-tape-of-shehbaz-about-import-of-plant-from-india-surfaces/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |work=BOL News |date=24 September 2022}}

In March 2023, an audio recording allegedly featuring Maryam Nawaz was leaked. In the recording, she appeared to be advising her uncle, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, to depict the death of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf worker Zilleh Shah as a car accident caused by his party colleagues.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-11 |title=Maryam Nawaz suggested to portray PTI worker's murder as accident: Audio leak |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Mar-2023/maryam-nawaz-suggested-to-portray-pti-worker-s-murder-as-accident-audio-leak |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=The Nation}} In March 2024, After assuming the role of Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam lodged a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against PTI leader Shandana Gulzar. This was in response to allegations of false propaganda made by Gulzar regarding the controversy surrounding the death of Zilley Shah.{{cite news |last1=Reporter |first1=The Newspaper's Staff |title=Audio clip on PTI worker's death: Maryam moves FIA against Shandana Gulzar |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1820384/audio-clip-on-pti-workers-death-maryam-moves-fia-against-shandana-gulzar |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=DAWN.COM |date=10 March 2024 |language=en}} Subsequently, the FIA's Cyber Crime Circle in Lahore summoned Shandana for questioning.{{cite news |title='Defamatory' remarks: FIA summons PTI leader Shandana |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1166541-defamatory-remarks-fia-summons-pti-leader-shandana |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=www.thenews.com.pk |date=10 March 2024 |language=en}}

In May 2023, Bushra Bibi, the former first lady, initiated legal action against Maryam for defamation. This came after Maryam accused Bushra Bibi of accepting bribes in exchange for signing official documents during the tenure of the Imran Khan-led government.{{cite news |title=Bushra Bibi serves legal notice on Maryam |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2415224/bushra-bibi-serves-legal-notice-on-maryam |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=5 May 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Corruption Accusations: Bushra Bibi To File Defamation Case Against Maryam Nawaz |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/03-May-2023/corruption-accusations-bushra-bibi-to-file-defamation-case-against-maryam-nawaz |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Friday Times |date=3 May 2023 |language=en}}

In March 2024, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat alleged that there were plans to assassinate him, claiming that assassins had been hired. He asserted that Maryam Nawaz had orchestrated the plot through an Indian citizen named Jindal, initially meeting in South Africa and Dubai. According to Marwat, evidence suggested that he was the target of the assassination, and he implicated Maryam Nawaz as the mastermind behind the scheme. Marwat stated that the evidence would be shared with the FIA for investigation.{{cite news |title=Marwat accuses Maryam of plotting to kill him |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458875/marwat-accuses-maryam-of-orchestrating-his-assassination |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=The Express Tribune |date=9 March 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Marwat accuses Maryam Nawaz of 'hiring guns to assassination him' |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/03/09/marwat-accuses-maryam-nawaz-of-hiring-guns-to-assassination-him/ |access-date=10 March 2024 |work=pakistantoday |date=9 March 2024}}

In October 2024, following reports of an alleged rape of a college student in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz held a press conference to address the allegations, referring to them as "rumours spread on social media" and describing the incident as a "fabricated story." She further stated that an issue was made out of an incident that "never existed in the first place." Maryam added, This girl is completely paak saaf (chaste), there are false allegations being levelled against her, and stated that if a rape had occurred, she would have acted promptly. Subsequently, she faced criticism from Aurat March, who called on her to either apologize or resign from her position as Chief Minister. They condemned Maryam's statements, describing them as "vile and regressive language" and argued that she was "unfit to represent the public while disregarding the safety, rights, and dignity of survivors of sexual violence."{{cite news |title=Aurat March demands Maryam Nawaz apologise or resign over comments on alleged Lahore college rape |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1192861/aurat-march-demands-maryam-nawaz-apologise-or-resign-over-comments-on-lahore-students-alleged-rape |access-date=18 October 2024 |work=Images |date=18 October 2024 |language=en}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

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{{s-bef | before = Mohsin Raza Naqvi
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{{s-ttl | title = Chief Minister of Punjab | years = 28 February 2024 – present}}

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{{Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan}}

{{Current Pakistani chief ministers}}

{{Sharif family}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nawaz, Maryam}}

Category:1973 births

Category:Living people

Category:Chief ministers of Punjab, Pakistan

Category:Pakistani prisoners and detainees

Category:Pakistani people of Kashmiri descent

Category:Pakistan Muslim League (N) politicians

Category:People convicted of forgery

Category:People named in the Panama Papers

Category:Politicians from Lahore

Category:Children of prime ministers of Pakistan

Category:Convent of Jesus and Mary, Lahore alumni

Category:University of the Punjab alumni

Category:Sharif family

Category:Pakistani politicians convicted of crimes

Category:Punjab MPAs 2024–2029

Category:Maryam Nawaz

Category:Women members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab