LAHORE: A meeting of Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leaders and federal and Punjab cabinet ministers was under way in Raiwind under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashood and a number of other party members were in attendance.

Inspector General Punjab Police Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera and the province home secretary were also attending the meeting.

The meeting is aimed at discussing options at hand for convincing Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) to abandon the idea of the 'Azadi' march.

The meeting was also discussing options regarding the consequences of the march reaching the capital on August 14.

Earlier today, sources had said that the meeting would also include retired army officers who are currently members of the PML-N to reflect on the situation from a possible military perspective.

A meeting of the Corps Commanders was also under way at the general headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The developments are taking place at a time when Prime Minister Sharif is under immense pressure to step down over alleged corruption and election rigging. Speculations are rife in the country about an impending political change.

— * Shiraz Hasnat contributed to reporting*

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...