Chief Minister of Punjab
The Chief Minister of Punjab is the head of the provincial government in Punjab, Pakistan. The Chief Minister is elected by the Provincial Assembly of Punjab and is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the assembly. The Chief Minister’s responsibilities include overseeing the provincial cabinet, implementing provincial laws, and ensuring good governance within the province.
The office of the Chief Minister is located in Lahore, the capital of the Punjab province, and is known as the CM Secretariat.
The Chief Minister’s office is responsible for the administration and governance of the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The current priorities of the Punjab government include developing a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous province, empowering citizens, preserving Punjabi culture and heritage, and strengthening the rule of law.
Governor’s Rule and Martial Law in Punjab
Governor’s Rule and Martial Law are terms that denote different forms of direct administration in a region, typically under exceptional circumstances:
Governor’s Rule (25 January 1949 — 5 April 1951): During this period, Punjab was governed directly by a appointed Governor instead of an elected Chief Minister. This was a transitional phase aimed at stabilizing governance following political upheaval and administrative challenges.
Post Abolished (14 October 1955 — 30 June 1970): The post of Chief Minister in Punjab was abolished as part of the One Unit Scheme, which merged Punjab into West Pakistan administratively. This period saw a centralized approach to governance.
Martial Law (1 July 1970 — 2 May 1972): Under martial law Punjab, along with the rest of Pakistan, was under direct military control. This period was marked by stringent governance measures and military oversight.
Martial Law (5 July 1977 — 9 April 1985): Martial law was imposed nationwide in Pakistan, including Punjab. This period was initiated by a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq, resulting in significant political repression and centralized control.
Governor’s Rule (12 October 1999 — 23 November 2002): Governor’s rule was imposed in Punjab. During this time, direct control from the central government replaced elected provincial leadership, impacting governance and political stability.
Governor’s Rule (25 February 2009 — 30 March 2009): Punjab experienced a brief period of Governor’s rule amidst political turmoil. This period aimed to manage the transition between administrations and ensure continuity of governance.
These periods of non-democratic governance were marked by direct control from the central government, impacting the political landscape and administration of Punjab.
List of all chief Ministers of Punjab
Here is a comprehensive list of all the Chief Ministers of Punjab, including both permanent and caretaker officeholders:
| Iftikhar Hussain Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 15 August 1947 Left Office: 25 January 1949 Tenure: 1 year and 163 days Party: Muslim League Notable: Iftikhar Hussain Khan served as the first Chief Minister of Punjab after the creation of Pakistan. His administration focused on managing the challenges of partition, including the rehabilitation of refugees and setting up the new government infrastructure. |  |
| Mian Mumtaz Daultana | |
| Assumed Office: 15 April 1951 Left Office: 3 April 1953 Tenure: 1 year and 353 days Party: Muslim League Notable: Mian Mumtaz Daultana’s term was marked by efforts to stabilize the economy and address political unrest. His resignation came amid political pressures and factional conflicts within the party. |  |
| Feroz Khan Noon | |
| Assumed Office: 3 April 1953 Left Office: 21 May 1955 Tenure: 2 years and 48 days Party: Muslim League Notable: Feroz Khan Noon later served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he focused on administrative reforms and development projects to improve the infrastructure of Punjab. |  |
| Abdul Hamid Dasti | |
| Assumed Office: 21 May 1955 Left Office: 14 October 1955 Tenure: 146 days Party: Muslim League Notable: Abdul Hamid Dasti’s brief term was primarily a transitional period before the province was merged into West Pakistan under the One Unit Scheme. |  |
| Malik Meraj Khalid | |
| Assumed Office: 2 May 1972 Left Office: 12 November 1973 Tenure: 1 year and 194 days Party: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Notable: Malik Meraj Khalid was known for his progressive views and social reforms. After his tenure as Chief Minister, he also served as the acting Prime Minister of Pakistan. |  |
| Ghulam Mustafa Khar | |
| Assumed Office: 12 November 1973 Left Office: 15 March 1974 Tenure: 123 days Party: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Notable: Ghulam Mustafa Khar’s brief tenure was marked by internal party disputes. He was a significant political figure and later played various roles in national politics. |  |
| Muhammad Hanif Ramay | |
| Assumed Office: 15 March 1974 Left Office: 15 July 1975 Tenure: 1 year and 122 days Party: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Notable: Muhammad Hanif Ramay was a prominent intellectual and writer. His tenure as Chief Minister focused on cultural projects and social development. |  |
| Sadiq Hussain Qureshi | |
| Assumed Office: 15 July 1975 Left Office: 5 July 1977 Tenure: 1 year and 355 days Party: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Notable: Sadiq Hussain Qureshi managed the province during a politically volatile period and was known for his administrative skills. |  |
| Muhammad Nawaz Sharif | |
| Assumed Office: 9 April 1985 Left Office: 6 August 1990 Tenure: 5 years and 119 days Party: Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) Notable: Muhammad Nawaz Sharif later became the Prime Minister of Pakistan. His tenure as Chief Minister focused on industrialization and economic development in Punjab. |  |
| Ghulam Haider Wyne | |
| Assumed Office: 6 August 1990 Left Office: 25 April 1993 Tenure: 2 years and 262 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Ghulam Haider Wyne was known for his grassroots political approach. His tenure was cut short due to his assassination. |  |
| Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo | |
| Assumed Office: 25 April 1993 Left Office: 18 July 1993 Tenure: 84 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (J) Notable: Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo’s first brief tenure was characterized by political instability and power struggles. |  |
| Sheikh Manzoor Elahi (Caretaker) | |
| Assumed Office: 18 July 1993 Left Office: 20 October 1993 Tenure: 94 days Party: Independent Notable: Sheikh Manzoor Elahi served as a caretaker Chief Minister during a transitional period, ensuring the continuity of governance. |  |
| Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo | |
| Assumed Office: 20 October 1993 Left Office: 13 September 1995 Tenure: 1 year and 328 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (J) Notable: Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo’s second tenure was marked by political maneuvering and efforts to maintain stability within the province. |  |
| Muhammad Arif Nakai | |
| Assumed Office: 13 September 1995 Left Office: 3 November 1996 Tenure: 1 year and 51 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Muhammad Arif Nakai’s administration focused on maintaining law and order during a politically sensitive period. |  |
| Muhammad Afzal Hayat (Caretaker) | |
| Assumed Office: 16 November 1996 Left Office: 20 February 1997 Tenure: 96 days Party: Independent Notable: Muhammad Afzal Hayat served as a caretaker Chief Minister during a crucial electoral period, overseeing a smooth transition. |  |
| Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif | |
| Assumed Office: 20 February 1997 Left Office: 12 October 1999 Tenure: 2 years and 234 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s first major tenure was known for significant infrastructure and development projects aimed at modernizing Punjab. |  |
| Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi | |
| Assumed Office: 29 November 2002 Left Office: 18 November 2007 Tenure: 4 years and 354 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (Q) Notable: Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi focused on infrastructure development, including road networks and healthcare facilities. |  |
| Sheikh Ijaz Nisar (Caretaker) | |
| Assumed Office: 18 November 2007 Left Office: 11 April 2008 Tenure: 145 days Party: Independent Notable: Sheikh Ijaz Nisar served as a caretaker Chief Minister, ensuring a smooth transition during the election period. |  |
| Dost Muhammad Khosa (Caretaker) | |
| Assumed Office: 11 April 2008 Left Office: 8 June 2008 Tenure: 58 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Dost Muhammad Khosa’s brief caretaker role focused on overseeing the transitional government. |  |
| Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif | |
| Assumed Office: 8 June 2008 Left Office: 25 February 2009 Tenure: 262 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Returned to power, focusing on governance reforms and development projects. |  |
| Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif | |
| Assumed Office: 30 March 2009 Left Office: 26 March 2013 Tenure: 3 years and 361 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Focused on education, health reforms, and large-scale infrastructure projects. |  |
| Najam Aziz Sethi (Caretaker) | |
| Assumed Office: 26 March 2013 Left Office: 7 June 2013 Tenure: 73 days Party: Independent Notable: Managed the electoral process and ensured a smooth transition of power. |  |
| Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif | |
| Assumed Office: 7 June 2013 Left Office: 7 June 2018 Tenure: 5 years Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Continued focus on infrastructure, metro projects, and public service reforms. |  |
| Hasan Askari Rizvi (Caretaker) | |
| Assumed Office: 8 June 2018 Left Office: 19 August 2018 Tenure: 72 days Party: Independent Notable: Ensured a smooth electoral process during his caretaker tenure. |  |
| Usman Khan Buzdar | |
| Assumed Office: 20 August 2018 Left Office: 30 April 2022 Tenure: 3 years and 253 days Party: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Notable: Focused on regional equality and addressing the needs of underdeveloped areas in Punjab. |  |
| Muhammad Hamza Shahbaz | |
| Assumed Office: 30 April 2022 Left Office: 26 July 2022 Tenure: 87 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Brief administration characterized by efforts to stabilize the political climate. |  |
| Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi | |
| Assumed Office: 27 July 2022 Left Office: 22 January 2023 Tenure: 179 days Party: Pakistan Muslim League (Q) Notable: Second term; focused on continuing infrastructure projects and addressing governance issues. |  |
| Mohsin Raza Naqvi (Caretaker) | |
| Assumed Office: 22 January 2023 Left Office: 26 February 2024 Tenure: 1 year and 35 days Party: Independent Notable: Managed governance during the transitional period, ensuring continuity of administration. |  |
| Maryam Nawaz Sharif | |
| Assumed Office: 26 February 2024 Tenure: Incumbent Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Current Chief Minister, focusing on progressive policies, political reform, and continuing development projects initiated by previous administrations. |  |
The role of the Chief Minister of Punjab is dynamic and multifaceted, involving governance, policy-making, and public representation to ensure the prosperity and development of Pakistan’s most populous province.