LAHORE: After years of participating in politics from the margins, Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s chief minister-in-waiting and daughter of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif, is set to take over the province’s reins as an elected lawmaker, joining an illustrious club of accomplished Pakistani women who have risen to positions of power in the country’s 77-year political history.
Maryam’s anticipated appointment as provincial chief executive is just days away, making her the first woman in any province in the country, as she prepares to take the coveted seat.
Several prominent Pakistani women, like Maryam, have historically been the first to hold major places in the corridors of power as well as other disciplines, demonstrating their mettle in numerous male-dominated roles.Here is a brief list of those who not only defied preconceptions and glass ceilings, but also earned a place in history books over the years and continue to serve as role models for many Pakistani women.