FIA Gujranwala zone arrests 17 alleged human traffickers

ISLAMABAD: A 25-year-old man died while taking part in a physical test for recruitment into the Islamabad Police. The deceased was identified as Ishaq. He had travelled from Sarai Naurang in Lakki Marwat to participate in the recruitment process. According to police, Ishaq was taking part in the running test when he suddenly collapsed. He reportedly became unconscious during the physical activity. Police officials immediately arranged an ambulance to take him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Ishaq was shifted to the hospital’s emergency department for medical assistance. However, doctors said that he had already died while being transported to the hospital. The young man could not be revived after reaching the medical facility. The incident occurred during the physical testing stage of the Islamabad Police recruitment process. The test requires candidates to take part in physical activities as part of the selection procedure. The sudden death of the young candidate has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, police have not yet provided further details about the exact cause of death. It was also not immediately clear whether Ishaq had any previous medical condition or whether he had undergone a medical examination before taking part in the physical test. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further information may emerge after the relevant medical and official procedures are completed. The death has brought attention to the physical demands placed on candidates during police recruitment tests. Candidates are required to meet prescribed physical standards before progressing to further stages of the selection process.

India has allegedly stepped up efforts to promote the narrative of a banned committee in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after the group failed to gain wider public support, according to security sources. The sources claimed that Indian forces played videos linked to the banned Public Action Committee in the Keran sector on August 13 and 14. The alleged move was aimed at creating anti-Pakistan sentiments among people living near the Line of Control. Security officials said the videos were used to highlight the committee’s narrative and influence public opinion. Experts believe the alleged move raises questions about possible links between the banned group and India. They said the promotion of the committee’s material from the Indian side could indicate an attempt to exploit political and social issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Defence analyst and retired Major General Zahid Mahmood said people were already aware of claims regarding foreign involvement in the activities of the banned Action Committee. He said information about alleged external support had previously emerged through what he described as reliable sources. Mahmood said efforts had been made to develop a specific narrative about Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, the objective was to damage the broader Kashmir freedom movement and create divisions among the people. He alleged that India and other international actors were playing a role in shaping narratives related to Kashmir. The retired general also claimed that some international forces and media groups were helping promote these narratives. He said such efforts could be aimed at influencing public opinion and weakening support for the Kashmir cause. Security sources maintained that the alleged circulation of the videos was part of a broader attempt to provoke anti-Pakistan sentiments. They said the use of material associated with the banned committee could also be intended to create political unrest and confusion among the public. The allegations come amid continued tensions surrounding political developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are closely monitoring activities along the Line of Control and the dissemination of material they believe could fuel unrest.

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.