Trump says US-Iran talks to resume Monday

MIRPUR, July 26: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has accused political opponents of attempting to influence the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections before polling. Speaking to journalists in Mirpur, Memon alleged that buses worth Rs200 million were sent to the region a day before polling as part of an attempt to influence voters. He claimed that the move was aimed at creating an impression among voters and affecting their electoral choices. Memon also criticised the Election Commission of AJK. He alleged that the commission had failed to take timely action against what he described as pre-poll rigging. He said the PPP would oppose any attempt to manipulate the election process. The provincial minister also criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. He accused the party of ignoring what he described as unconstitutional and unethical actions. Memon said the final decision in the AJK elections would be made by the people of Kashmir. He urged federal ministers to focus on their official responsibilities. He also called on them to stay away from activities that could interfere with the electoral process. The Sindh minister alleged that attempts were being made to influence voters through buses and trucks before polling. He questioned whether the people of Kashmir could be persuaded through material incentives. Memon said the people of Mirpur were politically aware. He expressed confidence that voters would not be influenced by such offers. He said PPP leaders had reached Mirpur to monitor the election situation. According to him, the party wanted to prevent alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process. Memon also called on the Election Commission to examine the activities of federal ministers during the election campaign. He questioned why action had not been taken over alleged violations of the election code of conduct. The minister specifically asked why federal ministers involved in election campaigning had not faced action. Memon also highlighted the PPP’s position on the Kashmir issue. He said the party had consistently raised the issue at international forums. He praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for presenting the Kashmir issue before the international community. Memon said he expected voters to support the PPP in the elections. He claimed that voters would reject what he described as smaller political parties. The minister further said Kashmiri voters could not be bought through financial or material incentives. He said people in Kashmir would reject attempts to influence their decisions through such tactics. Memon also questioned why action had not been taken against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over alleged election-related violations. His comments came a day before the first phase of the AJK general elections. The polling process is set to begin on July 27 in the Mirpur division. The election campaign has intensified ahead of polling. Political parties are making competing claims about the electoral process, while authorities have warned against actions that could disrupt peaceful and transparent elections.

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.

RAWALPINDI: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was stopped from meeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Thursday. Afridi reached the Medicine Factory checkpoint on Adiala Road with several PTI leaders and lawmakers. Police stopped the delegation from moving towards the prison. The chief minister was accompanied by Mena Khan, Shafi Jan, Ahad Shah, Abdul Salam Afridi and Shahid Khattak. Police had earlier blocked Adiala Road from Gorakhpur towards the jail. Traffic was diverted to alternative routes. Afridi questioned the SHO Saddar Beroni about the restrictions. He also asked what instructions had been issued to the authorities. The chief minister remained at the checkpoint until the scheduled meeting time ended. He and the accompanying PTI leaders were not allowed to meet Imran. After the delegation left, police removed the barriers. Traffic on Adiala Road was restored. Speaking to the media, Afridi announced a protest call if he was not allowed to meet the PTI founder. He said PTI workers would come out across the country at 10pm. He urged them to gather at major intersections while carrying the national and party flags. Afridi also asked workers to stay focused on the party’s planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. He claimed that the PTI planned to bring two million people to Islamabad. He said the number could be even higher. The chief minister said the authorities should allow a meeting with Imran before September 28 if they wanted to reduce political tensions. Afridi also criticised the treatment of Imran and PTI since 2022. He accused the authorities of pushing the country towards instability because of political differences and stubbornness. He further criticised other political parties and questioned their role in the country’s political situation. The latest incident comes amid growing concern within PTI over Imran’s health and access to him. The party has repeatedly demanded that its founder be allowed to meet family members, lawyers and party leaders. Imran has remained incarcerated at Adiala Jail since 2023. His wife, Bushra Bibi, is also imprisoned. The PTI founder has faced several legal cases during his imprisonment. He and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case in December 2025. PTI has also raised concerns over Imran’s eyesight and medical treatment. Earlier this year, doctors from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences examined him at the jail. PIMS later confirmed that he had received an anti-VEGF injection for a condition affecting his right eye. A later medical examination indicated improvement in his eyesight following treatment. Imran’s sisters and PTI supporters have also held regular gatherings outside Adiala Jail on designated meeting days. However, access to the former prime minister has remained restricted in recent months. Afridi’s unsuccessful visit on Thursday is likely to further intensify the political confrontation between PTI and the authorities.