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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.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said the country’s current political system has lost the confidence of the public and requires a complete reset to restore democratic credibility. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Barrister Gohar said that instead of forming more governments under the existing circumstances, the leadership should return to the people and seek a fresh public mandate. He claimed that a key coalition partner had publicly described the prime minister as the beneficiary of a rigged election. According to Gohar, such a statement should have prompted the prime minister to immediately seek a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. The PTI chairman argued that the prime minister failed to obtain a vote of confidence and had therefore lost the moral legitimacy to continue in office. He added that the prime minister’s silence on the issue reflected a loss of political support and public confidence. Barrister Gohar further alleged that the government’s administrative structure had effectively collapsed. He claimed the government had lost its constitutional, legal and democratic standing, making the continuation of the current system increasingly difficult. He said the time had come for the existing political system to come to an end, adding that the Constitution provides a legal mechanism for moving a vote of no confidence. He said PTI would consult its allies before deciding its future course of action. The PTI chairman also said he believed the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had emerged from a disputed electoral process. Calling for a political solution, Barrister Gohar urged all stakeholders to develop a national consensus to resolve the country’s ongoing political crisis. He stressed that Parliament should seriously address the public demands coming from all provinces.

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has alleged that party leader Aaliya Hamza was attacked by fellow inmates inside Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail. Aaliya Hamza is currently imprisoned at the facility. PTI leaders claimed that she faced a physical assault following a dispute over access to water in a jail toilet. According to the party, one female inmate and several other prisoners were involved in the incident. PTI representatives alleged that the situation became serious when the inmates allegedly tried to strangle Aaliya. They described the incident as an attempt on her life. The allegations have raised concerns within the party about her safety and security while in custody. PTI leaders Sanam Javed and Falak Javed were also present in the jail, according to the party’s account. They allegedly intervened during the incident and helped protect Aaliya from the other inmates. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party had received disturbing information about the alleged incident. He called on the Punjab government and jail authorities to ensure Aaliya’s safety. Raja also demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the matter. He said officials found responsible for negligence should face action. He also called for legal proceedings if any jail staff were found to have failed in their duties. Raja said the party would consult Aaliya’s family about further legal steps. He added that a petition could be filed in court seeking a medical examination and additional protection for the jailed leader. However, prison authorities have rejected PTI’s account of a physical assault. Punjab Inspector General Prisons Mian Salik Jalal said there was no physical clash between the prisoners. He said the inmates had only exchanged heated words over fetching water from a toilet. The conflicting accounts have created questions about what exactly happened inside the jail. The PTI has called for a formal inquiry, while prison authorities maintain that no physical confrontation took place. Aaliya was arrested by Punjab police in March. Authorities had alleged that she was evading arrest and organising gatherings involving PTI lawmakers, election candidates and party workers outside Adiala Jail. She was later transferred to Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore. Her arrest took place while she was in Lahore visiting family members during Eidul Fitr. She was initially taken to Shadman Police Station before being moved to jail. The PTI has strongly criticised the cases against Aaliya. Party leaders have repeatedly described her arrest and legal proceedings as politically motivated.