Early maturity in maize (Zea mays L.) is a desired quality because it facilitates timely crop rotation, allows evasion of terminal stresses, and can sustain productivity within stress-prone areas of Pakistan. The experiment was conducted in spring 2018 at the Malakandair Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, to assess 20 maize hybrids and four check varieties (two local and two imported). The experiment was structured as a randomised complete block design with three replications. Data was recorded on days to 50% tasseling, anthesis, silking, anthesis-silking interval (ASI), plant height, and ear height. Significant differences (P = 0.01) were found between hybrids concerning all traits considered, which indicated the coexistence of high genetic variation. Earliness was very high in hybrids PSHW-2321 and PSHW-2324, which had the earliest tasseling stage, anthesis, silking, good ASI values, and moderate plant and ear heights. Highest heritability estimates were found in ASI (61.42), flowering (43 and 50), and lowest in the plant and ear height. The findings showed that PSHW-2321 and PSHW-2324 were better earlier regarding maturity. Such discoveries give leverage to creating stress-tolerant, high-performing maize plants in Pakistan to enable the cultivation of climate-smart agriculture. Hence, it is concluded that PSHW-2321 and PSHW-2324 are early maturing and Pakistan’s climate-smart agriculture.