Marriyum Aurangzeb, a prominent Pakistani politician affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League (N), has played a significant role in the political landscape of the country. Her service includes being a member of the National Assembly and holding the crucial position of the federal minister of Information & Broadcasting in the Shehbaz Sharif ministry.
She served as the Federal Minister for the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting during various periods, demonstrating her commitment to the communication and information dissemination facets of governance. Notably, she held this position in the Abbasi cabinet from April 2018 to May 2018, and previously from October 2016 to July 2017 in the third Sharif ministry, followed by another stint from August 2017 to April 2018 in the Abbasi ministry.
Early Life and Education
Born to Tahira Aurangzeb, Marriyum Aurangzeb received her early education at Saint Paul’s Cambridge School in Rawalpindi. Her academic journey continued at the Federal Government College in Islamabad, where she completed her graduation.
Aurangzeb’s pursuit of knowledge led her to achieve an MSc degree in environment and development from King’s College London, reflecting her interest in environmental issues and sustainable development. Furthermore, she holds a master’s degree in economics from a reputable institution in Pakistan, showcasing her dual expertise in economic matters.
Contributions and Achievements
Marriyum Aurangzeb’s tenure as the Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting aligns with periods of significance in Pakistan’s political landscape. Her role in shaping communication strategies, managing information dissemination, and fostering public understanding reflects her dedication to effective governance.
Educational Background
Early education at Saint Paul’s Cambridge School, Rawalpindi.
- Graduation from the Federal Government College in Islamabad.
- MSc degree in environment and development from King’s College London.
- Master’s degree in economics from a Pakistani institution.
Marriyum Aurangzeb’s professional journey highlights a combination of academic excellence, commitment to public service, and an active role in shaping the narrative through information and broadcasting. Her diverse educational background and political experience position her as a dynamic figure in Pakistani politics.
Marriyum Aurangzeb entered the political arena by securing a seat in the National Assembly as a candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) on a reserved seat for women during the 2013 general elections. Her political lineage is notable, as her mother was also a politician affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League, having served as a member of Parliament.
Parliamentary Roles and Contributions
In her early political career, Aurangzeb assumed key responsibilities, serving as the Parliamentary Secretary for Interior. She actively participated in parliamentary committees, contributing to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Climate Change, as well as on Information, Broadcasting, and National Heritage. Her leadership extended to organizational roles, where she served as the Chief Organiser of PML-N’s Youth Women Wing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Her expertise extended to strategic thinking, planning, and development, with a focus on environmental conservation, international agreements, and the implementation of Millennium Development Goals.
Cabinet Induction and Ministerial Roles
In October 2016, Marriyum Aurangzeb was inducted into the federal cabinet of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and was appointed the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting. Following a reshuffle, she took charge of the Ministry of Information after the dismissal of Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid. She continued to hold this ministerial position until July 2017 when the federal cabinet disbanded due to the disqualification of PM Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case.
Upon the election of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as Prime Minister in August 2017, Aurangzeb made a return to the federal cabinet, being re-appointed as the Minister of State for Information. Her stature grew, and in April 2018, she was elevated to the position of Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting.
Post-Election Roles and Spokespersonship
After the dissolution of the National Assembly in May 2018, Aurangzeb concluded her term as the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting. She continued to play a crucial role within the PML-N, being appointed as the official spokesperson of the party on June 2, 2018.
In the 2018 general elections, Marriyum Aurangzeb was once again re-elected to the National Assembly as a candidate of PML-N on a reserved seat for women from Punjab.
Marriyum Aurangzeb’s political journey exemplifies a commitment to public service, active participation in parliamentary affairs, and strategic leadership in the realm of information and broadcasting. Her role within the PML-N and her continued representation in the National Assembly underscore her enduring influence in Pakistani politics.