The end of the year 2024 calls for a moment of reflection for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Under the guidance of its visionary leadership, the party has delivered on its promises and shaped Pakistan’s trajectory toward stability and growth.
Mian Nawaz Sharif, the founder of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), resumed the party’s presidency in March 2024. Following years of political exile and legal battles, his return to active leadership reaffirmed his enduring influence in national politics. Under his leadership, the PML-N has revitalised its vision for economic revival, governance reform, and infrastructure development. Here is a comprehensive review of PML-N’s accomplishments in 2024.
PML-N began the year with a monumental exercise —the formulation of its manifesto for the 2024 general elections. This extensive and inclusive process involved inputs from experts, grassroots workers, and stakeholders across all sectors of society. Over 4,000 suggestions from the public were reviewed to shape a policy document that addresses the aspirations of Pakistanis. The manifesto laid out a comprehensive strategy to address Pakistan’s challenges, focusing on economic revival, institutional reforms, and international cooperation. It spans key areas such as infrastructure development, education, health, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
The party achieved a notable performance in the February 2024 general elections, securing victory in Punjab and forming a coalition government at the federal level. Despite no single party winning a majority in the National Assembly, the PML-N’s strategic alliances with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and smaller parties enabled it to emerge as a dominant political force. Maryam Nawaz’s historic election as Punjab’s first female chief minister marked a milestone for women’s representation in the country’s politics.
After assuming charge of the government, the party adopted a robust approach to economic governance amid challenging circumstances. The PML-N-led coalition government focused on stabilising an economy battered by years of mismanagement and external shocks.
As allegations of rigging and irregularities emerged from various political factions, independent observers like the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) concluded that the elections broadly reflected the people’s mandate. By-elections in Rahim Yar Khan for a National Assembly seat and Sheikhupura for Punjab Assembly further demonstrated PML-N’s ability to counter allegations surrounding Form-47, consolidating its mandate and restoring public confidence in electoral processes.
After assuming charge of the government, the party adopted a robust approach to economic governance amid challenging circumstances. The PML-N-led coalition government focused on stabilising an economy battered by years of mismanagement and external shocks. Key achievements included negotiating a medium-term bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), broadening the tax base, and attracting foreign investments. The government implemented several measures to control inflation, leading to a significant decrease in the inflation rate from over 40 per cent in 2023 to 6.9 per cent in September 2024 — the lowest in more than three years. To manage energy prices, the government terminated costly power agreements, saving 60 billion rupees annually, and promoted renewable energy projects like solar power to reduce reliance on imported fuel. Tariff adjustments for winter months to increase consumption further eased the burden on consumers.
Infrastructure investments and youth entrepreneurship programmes, aligned with the party’s manifesto, laid the groundwork for job creation and economic growth. Despite inherited challenges, PML-N’s governance signalled hope for recovery, with its policies receiving optimism from economists and stakeholders.
Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the PML-N-led government performed outstandingly on the diplomatic front to rebuild Pakistan’s international standing, securing economic, political, and security interests. An important highlight was Pakistan’s successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, which brought several foreign leaders to Islamabad. This high-profile meeting reflected the country’s growing importance within the SCO framework and its ability to facilitate dialogue among member states, including China, Russia, and Central Asian republics.
Pakistan’s enhanced ranking in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index further boosted its international credibility. However, challenges remained, particularly in countering narratives around terrorism and addressing regional tensions. Through its focus on multilateralism, economic partnerships, and climate diplomacy, the government made significant strides in reinvigorating Pakistan’s global presence and laid the groundwork for sustained international cooperation.
Building on its proactive climate diplomacy, particularly its success in operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 in December 2023, Pakistan played an active role in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where it highlighted its climate actions and sought collaboration with Business 20 countries on regional climate solutions. Additionally, Pakistan requested $1 billion in climate financing from the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) to support its climate adaptation and clean energy efforts, recognising the urgent need for funds to address the severe impact of climate change, especially following the 2022 floods that affected millions.
On the domestic front, an important development was the passing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, representing an important shift in the country’s legal framework. This amendment introduced critical judicial reforms, including the creation of a dedicated constitutional court to address long-standing inefficiencies and delays in the legal system. This court is intended to ensure a more balanced and depersonalised approach to constitutional cases, judicial transparency, and mitigating the effects of past judicial overreach. The amendment reflects a collective effort across parliamentary parties, emphasising dialogue and consensus to safeguard the judiciary’s integrity.
The PML-N invited all political parties to collaborate for the country’s betterment. It engaged in dialogue on critical national issues and accommodated opposition parties in various roles across democratic forums and legislative bodies. The party has consistently coordinated with provincial governments on significant matters and worked to unite all stakeholders to initiate reforms and address pressing national concerns. However, it is unfortunate that certain opposition factions believe street violence can pressure the government into meeting their demands. Such tactics risk destabilising the nation and impact governance.
The PML-N government in Punjab has set new standards of good governance. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz worked tirelessly to transform the province into a hub of development. From infrastructure projects to health and education reforms, Punjab’s progress under her leadership became a benchmark for other provinces. Educational advancements feature prominently with the expansion of the Daanish School System, the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, and the revival of scholarships for child labourers at brick kilns. Health initiatives include fully operationalising the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, expanding existing hospitals and establishing new cancer and cardiac hospitals, equipping rural health facilities, delivering free medicines to hepatitis, TB and cardiac patients, and launching an air ambulance service.
The PML-N government in Punjab has set new standards of good governance. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz worked tirelessly to transform the province into a hub of development.
Maryam Nawaz announced the digitisation of public services under the Digital Punjab initiative. Agriculture has been enhanced through smart farming zones, tech-driven solutions, and export facilities for produce like citrus. Infrastructure developments focus on better road connectivity, repair systems, and sewage disposal. For youth, merit scholarships, skill training, and startup incubators have been introduced. Women have benefitted from financial and professional empowerment programmes, safe workplace initiatives, and increased job quotas in government. Environmentally, the province has promoted solar energy with subsidised panels for low-electricity consumers.
Recognising the invaluable contributions of the overseas Pakistani community, PML-N prioritised their welfare and representation. The party expanded the Overseas Pakistanis Commission in Punjab to the district level, strengthening its operations to provide a dedicated platform for resolving property disputes, legal matters, etc. Additionally, PML-N worked on strengthening diplomatic ties to protect the rights of overseas Pakistanis and facilitating access to healthcare and education for their families.
In 2024, Pakistan achieved sports victories that reinvigorated national pride. After 13 years, the national hockey team reached the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup and secured a bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy. These achievements were supported by improved sports management and infrastructure development initiatives, including uniting hockey federations and establishing a sports endowment fund for player welfare.
Arshad Nadeem’s spectacular javelin throw of 92.97 meters at the Paris Olympics secured Pakistan’s first Olympic gold in 32 years. Though the credit for this historic victory belongs entirely to Arshad Nadeem and his coaching team, the triumph was celebrated nationwide, inspiring a renewed sense of hope among Pakistanis.
Arshad Nadeem’s victory reminds us that while milestones mark our progress, true success lies in the unwavering resolve to overcome challenges and staying focused on our goals. It serves as an enduring lesson for us to unite around a common purpose and strive to build a brighter future for generations to come.
