Nawaz steps up political outreach, meets PML-N lawmakers from Muzaffargarh

LAHORE: PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif has intensified his political engagement with the party's provincial lawmakers, hosting a meeting with Muzaffargarh's MPAs on Wednesday. Accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the former prime minister addressed the MPAs' concerns, the political landscape, and development priorities in southern Punjab.

This meeting marked a significant shift for Sharif, who had largely avoided direct interaction with provincial lawmakers since the February 2024 general elections, confining his political activities to party gatherings and meetings of the Lahore Heritage body.

CM Maryam, too, had remained largely inaccessible to many PML-N MPAs during her tenure, facing complaints from elected representatives about bureaucratic and police inaction on constituent issues, particularly in rural areas. In response to these grievances, Maryam has renewed her outreach to lawmakers, meeting with counterparts from Bahawalnagar, Mandi Bahauddin, and Attock in recent weeks.

Upon assuming her role as CM, Maryam had clearly communicated that party lawmakers would not be involved in civil, administrative, or police postings and transfers.

During their meeting, Muzaffargarh's lawmakers presented their perspectives on local issues and commended the Punjab government for launching several development projects in the region. They expressed gratitude for the electric bus service and clean drinking water initiatives, highlighting their benefits to thousands of residents in Muzaffargarh.

The MPAs also praised the Chief Minister's Local Roads Programme, which involved constructing and rehabilitating link roads across the district. CM Maryam emphasized that the PML-N prioritized "genuine public development" over empty promises, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by southern Punjab, particularly through her firsthand involvement in flood relief operations last year.