Her uncle Shehbaz, also a previous premier, looks set to rule again after the family’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party agreed to govern in coalition with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The alliance also saw the PPP’s Punjab lawmakers back Maryam for the chief minister’s office, where she will preside over the province of 127 million Pakistanis – more than half the national populace.
Nawaz and Shehbaz flanked Maryam as she was sworn in.
Maryam said on Monday her appointment was “the making of history”.
“It is a victory for every woman, a triumph for every daughter and mother,” she told regional lawmakers after they elected her to the role.
“It is proof that being a woman and being a daughter cannot constrain your dreams.”
Nepotism and cronyism are entrenched in Pakistani politics, with family connections sometimes boosting elite daughters into power despite social conservatism shutting most women out.
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Women barred from voting in rural villages in Pakistan under tribal norms ahead of general elections
Women barred from voting in rural villages in Pakistan under tribal norms ahead of general elections
Benazir Bhutto became Pakistan’s first female leader in 1988, but the opportunity was credited to her lineage in the Bhutto dynasty which has historically rivalled the Sharifs, rather than social progress.
Only around a dozen women were elected to national office in this month’s elections. Most female lawmakers enter parliament in seats reserved for women and religious minorities.
Female politicians also face sexist criticism in patriarchal Pakistan, and Maryam has in the past been targeted over her appearance and taunted with suggestive remarks.
In rural Pakistan, women’s votes are deemed ‘unnecessary’ by village elders
In rural Pakistan, women’s votes are deemed ‘unnecessary’ by village elders
Analysts suggest the 50-year-old is being groomed to succeed the Sharif brothers, who are in their 70s and have suffered ailing health.
Both served as Punjab chief minister before leading the country. Maryam’s cousin Hamza Shahbaz also recently held the post.
Like her father Nawaz, Maryam has been jailed in the past over corruption.
PML-N had been tipped to win this month’s polls after securing the backing of the powerful military establishment.
But jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan delivered a surprise result at the polls, with candidates loyal to him securing more seats than any other party despite a crackdown which crippled their campaign.