Nawaz Sharif extends PML-N UK leadership tenure until 2027

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif in Lahore to discuss security concerns in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the nation's economic hurdles, and the government's reform initiatives. The gathering, held at Jati Umra, encompassed an in-depth examination of national political matters and strategies to bolster the economy. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were among the attendees.

Meanwhile, K-P residents braced for another electricity price hike, as NEPRA announced a Rs2.36 per-unit increase, effective Sunday, under the fuel cost adjustment for September. This surge, coupled with pricey LNG imports and supply unpredictability, threatened to burden consumers further. Experts warned that fuel price adjustments could escalate two to three times between December and February, owing to surging international LNG and coal prices and dwindling hydropower generation during winter.

The meeting came in the aftermath of the declaration of emergency and governor's rule in K-P on October 11, following President Asif Ali Zardari's endorsement of the summary on Shehbaz's advice under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The move was justified by deteriorating law and order conditions and a surge in terrorist attacks. Under the proclamation, the provincial leadership ceded power to the governor, who assumed federal-assigned responsibilities.

Security forces continued to contend with terrorist attacks, with an 195% increase in incidents between March 2024 and September 2026. The reports documented 170 drone attacks against police and security personnel in 2026, a stark contrast to the zero incidents recorded in 2024.