Lahore: PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz has taken oath as the first-ever female chief minister in Pakistan’s history.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Punjab Governor House where Governor Baligh Ur Rehman administered her oath.
Earlier, during the Punjab Assembly (PA) session, Maryam clinched an overwhelming victory was elected as CM with 220 votes against rival Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
PML-N has nominated Maryam Nawaz for the CM slot. While the SIC selected Rana Aftab for the coveted role after its initial nominee, Mian Aslam, faced threats of arrest.
The session, which began with over a 30-minute delay, was presided over by newly-elected Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan.
Members of the SIC walked out of the House after they were barred from speaking.
"I wanted the opposition to be present in this democratic process," said Maryam while extending an olive branch to the opposition in her maiden speech. She also thanked her party lawmakers, allied parties Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Istehkam-e-Pakistan (IPP) members for voting in her favour," said Maryam in her first speech in the PA after being elected.
"This is the honour of every mother, sister and daughter that a woman has been elected as the CM and I pray that the process continues and more women take my place as the leader of the house," she said.
