Irfan Siddiqui
In the world of Pakistani politics, where loyalty is often fleeting and principles are frequently compromised for personal gain, some individuals stand out for their steadfast dedication to a cause. Mian Aftab Ahmed, a senior leader from Peshawar, is one such rare name who aligned his life and struggle with the vision of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the ideology of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). His journey is marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty—yet sadly, it is also a story of neglect and injustice.
Early Political Inclinations
Mian Aftab Ahmed’s political journey began during his school years when most teenagers are focused on academics or sports. At an early age, he was drawn to the leadership qualities and vision of Nawaz Sharif. He officially joined PML-N during his youth, believing in the party’s pro-development agenda and the values of democracy and national unity.
Growing up in Peshawar, a city traditionally dominated by nationalist and religious political forces, it was not easy to align with a party whose base was primarily in Punjab. Yet Mian Aftab believed that national politics must transcend ethnic lines, and threw himself wholeheartedly into promoting PML-N’s message across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Years Abroad – Still Serving the Cause
In 2004, due to economic pressures and personal responsibilities, Mian Aftab migrated to Dubai in search of better opportunities. For most, this would have meant a break from politics. But for Aftab Ahmed, his commitment to PML-N remained strong even while living abroad.
From 2004 to 2013, he worked tirelessly to organize and mobilize the PML-N overseas chapter in the UAE. He built networks among expatriate Pakistanis, organized events to support the party, and acted as a vital bridge between overseas Pakistanis and the leadership in Pakistan. His efforts helped in shaping a positive image of the party at a time when it was facing difficult circumstances during General Pervez Musharraf’s military rule.
His dedication did not go unnoticed. Nawaz Sharif himself acknowledged Aftab’s role, often stating that “Aftab has served the party with his heart, soul, and resources.” Such praise from the top leadership reflected the deep trust that had developed between the leader and his worker.
Return to Pakistan and Rise in KP Politics
In 2013, with democratic transitions underway in Pakistan, Mian Aftab returned home. His commitment to the party led to his appointment as the Senior Vice President of PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In this new role, he undertook the difficult task of reviving the party’s base in a province where PML-N had been struggling to gain political ground.
He traveled extensively throughout the province, organizing local units, engaging with youth, and acting as a vocal advocate for Nawaz Sharif’s development and democratic agenda. At a time when the party faced an uphill battle against PTI’s growing popularity in KP, Aftab remained one of the few consistent voices supporting the PML-N narrative.
However, this period was not without hardship. Due to his bold and public stance in favor of democracy and against dictatorship, Mian Aftab was imprisoned during Musharraf’s era. He shared prison cells with prominent leaders like Ahsan Iqbal and Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, further solidifying his place among the party’s most courageous and ideologically motivated leaders.
Politics of Neglect and Disappointment
Despite years of loyalty, hard work, and personal sacrifice, Mian Aftab Ahmed found himself increasingly sidelined as internal politics and power struggles took over within PML-N’s KP chapter. The party, which once recognized him as a central figure in the province, began ignoring him in decision-making processes and key appointments.
With the decline of PML-N in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, many grassroots workers became disillusioned. Mian Aftab was no exception. However, what hurt the most was not the electoral setbacks, but the lack of recognition for his unwavering loyalty. He was one of those who stood by the party in its most difficult years—during exile, during dictatorship, during jail time—but today remains disappointed by the party’s silence towards his contributions.
He is still hopeful. He still believes that Nawaz Sharif, known for his political wisdom and memory, will recall the sacrifices of workers like him and give them the opportunity to serve again—this time not as an afterthought, but as part of the party’s core leadership.
A Message to the Leadership
Mian Aftab Ahmed’s story is not just his own; it is the story of thousands of loyal political workers across Pakistan who believe in values, not benefits. They do not seek power for personal gain, but rather for public service and ideological continuity. Their loyalty must not go unnoticed.
For the leadership of PML-N, especially Nawaz Sharif, now is the time to rebuild the party by bringing back such forgotten soldiers. These are the people who never abandoned the party, even when it had nothing to offer. Their voices are pure, their intentions clean, and their loyalty proven.
Recognizing and empowering workers like Mian Aftab Ahmed will not only strengthen the party but also restore faith in a political culture that honors commitment over convenience.
