National

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s victory in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections is more than another electoral success. It marks the return of Nawaz Sharif as the party’s undisputed political strategist and sends a clear message that his sights are now set far beyond AJK—towards the next general elections. For months, political observers questioned whether Nawaz Sharif would ever resume an active leadership role. His recent engagement has answered that question decisively. From personally chairing meetings in Murree with party ticket holders to spearheading the election campaign, Nawaz Sharif demonstrated that he remains the final authority within PML-N. The AJK result carries political significance because it is the first major electoral victory under his renewed leadership. It has strengthened his position within the party while boosting the morale of PML-N workers who have long awaited his full return to frontline politics. One defining feature of Nawaz Sharif’s political career has been his ability to think several moves ahead. Those who have closely followed his journey know he rarely makes impulsive decisions. Instead, he carefully plans, builds consensus and prepares the ground long before the political battle begins. Having observed Nawaz Sharif’s politics closely over the past two decades, including during his years in London, I have found that patience and long-term planning remain his greatest political strengths. Today, Nawaz Sharif is supported by two of the strongest pillars within the party. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif continues to lead the federal government at a time when Pakistan has emerged from severe economic challenges. His government has worked to restore macroeconomic stability, rebuild investor confidence and improve Pakistan’s international standing. Equally important has been his unwavering loyalty to his elder brother. Throughout decades of political highs and lows, Shehbaz Sharif has stood firmly beside Nawaz Sharif, rejecting opportunities that could have divided the party and instead prioritising unity. Alongside him is Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has evolved into the party’s most influential leader of the next generation. During PML-N’s years in opposition, she became the face of the party’s resistance, leading rallies, energising workers and keeping the party politically active during its most difficult period. Since assuming office, she has focused on governance, launching development and welfare initiatives that her supporters believe are reshaping Punjab. With Shehbaz Sharif managing the federation and Maryam Nawaz governing Punjab, Nawaz Sharif appears free to concentrate on what has always been his greatest strength—building the party organisation. His meetings with legislators, workers and local leaders suggest that organisational consolidation is now at the heart of his strategy. The AJK campaign may therefore be remembered as the beginning of a much larger political roadmap. Rather than waiting for the next general election to be announced, Nawaz Sharif appears to be rebuilding PML-N from the ground up, strengthening party structures, reconnecting with workers and preparing candidates well in advance. It is a strategy that has defined many of his previous political successes. Critics who predicted the end of Nawaz Sharif’s political career may need to revisit their assumptions. Pakistan’s political history has repeatedly shown that experienced leaders cannot be measured solely by temporary setbacks. Nawaz Sharif has returned before, and each comeback has reshaped the country’s political landscape. The message emerging after the AJK elections is unmistakable: Nawaz Sharif is looking beyond a single electoral victory. His focus is firmly fixed on preparing PML-N for the next national political contest. Whether one agrees with his politics or not, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: Nawaz Sharif is once again thinking several steps ahead. If history is any guide, that is when he has proved to be at his most politically effective.

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will hold a major march towards Islamabad on September 27, claiming that two million people will participate in the demonstration. Speaking at the launch of a large-scale tree plantation campaign in Spin Khak, Nowshera, Afridi said PTI would continue its political struggle despite pressure and challenges. He maintained that government positions, wealth and political power were not the party’s ultimate objectives. According to him, PTI remained committed to the political vision of its founding chairman, Imran Khan. Afridi said the party had entered politics to promote the rule of law and uphold the Constitution. He added that the struggle would continue until these principles were achieved. The chief minister urged residents of Spin Khak and surrounding areas to participate in the September 27 gathering and support the party’s political campaign. During the event, Afridi also highlighted the provincial government’s environmental initiatives. He said authorities had initially set a target of planting 1.4 million saplings across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in one day, but the campaign ultimately resulted in around 1.7 million saplings being planted. He praised the Forest Department for exceeding the plantation target and said public resources were being invested in projects designed to benefit future generations. Afridi said communities in forest areas were also receiving financial benefits from forest-related income. He cited Garhi Chandan as an example, where local residents had received Rs70 million from such revenues. Referring to recent flash floods and cloudbursts, the chief minister directed authorities to expand plantation activities across the province. He said increasing forest cover could contribute to environmental protection and help address climate-related challenges. He also instructed the Forest Department to establish tourist huts in forest regions to promote tourism. Afridi suggested encouraging international visitors to plant trees during their visits, with the trees registered in their names

HYDERABAD: Female students have secured several top positions in the Class X annual examinations conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Hyderabad, with the results being announced after a delay of nearly one month. The results for both Science and General groups were released late Thursday, providing students with the long-awaited outcome of their examinations. In the Science Group, Sarah, daughter of Nisar Ahmed, from Foundation Grammar High School, Tando Allahyar, claimed the top position by securing 991 marks. Aswad Amir of Government High School No 1, Matli, stood second with 986 marks, while Mukarrama Abid of St Mary’s Convent Girls Higher Secondary School, Hyderabad, secured third position with 982 marks. A total of 78,935 candidates had registered for the Science Group examinations. Of these, 77,703 students appeared. Among the candidates who took the examination, 10,799 achieved A1 grade, while 40,769 secured A grade. Another 17,248 students obtained B grade, 3,816 received C grade and 239 were placed in D grade. The board declared 4,781 candidates unsuccessful. Results of 32 students were withheld because of reported use of unfair means and other reasons. The General Group also produced strong performances by female students. Wajihullah Khan of Deaf Reach Higher Secondary School secured first position with 873 marks. Habiba from Government Girls High School, Latifabad Unit No 6, Hyderabad, secured second position with 865 marks. Her schoolmate Halima stood third with 861 marks. The General Group had 1,570 registered candidates, of whom 1,488 appeared in the examinations. Three candidates achieved A1 grade, while 332 obtained A grade. A total of 808 students secured B grade, 227 received C grade and 18 were placed in D grade.