Despite the absence of conventional excitement in electioneering, which could be attributed to persistent rumors surrounding a potential postponement of the February 8 general elections in Pakistan, the pace of campaigning has now intensified. Here, we examine high-stakes seats that shed light on the intense competition across constituencies. This analysis is based on a report from Dawn.com, which meticulously scrutinized the 272 National Assembly (NA) seats available for contention.
NA-130 Lahore: Nawaz Sharif vs Yasmin Rashid – A Pivotal Contest
NA-130 Lahore in Punjab emerges as the most high-stakes contest, where Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif will face off PTI’s Dr. Yasmin Rashid. Nawaz Sharif’s return in October 2023 to NA-130 Lahore, his political stronghold, after facing challenges, including imprisonment and self-imposed exile, marks a significant political comeback.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s Triple Contest
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari contests three NA constituencies, including his electoral debut in Punjab’s NA-127, facing PML-N’s Ataullah Tarar and independent Chaudhry Shabbir Gujjar.
Maryam Nawaz’s Political Landscape
Maryam Nawaz contests Lahore’s NA-119 seat, positioned as PML-N’s senior vice president and a potential front-runner for the position of provincial chief minister in Punjab.
NA-122 Lahore – A Tough Match
Expectations of fierce competition on NA-122 in Lahore between PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafiq and PTI-supported Sardar Latif Khosa, a former PPP member.
Karachi’s Electoral Battles
In NA-241 Karachi, Dr. Farooq Sattar of MQM-P faces off against PTI Karachi president Khurram Sher Zaman, while Sattar also contends in NA-244 against former PTI MNA Aftab Jahangir.
Rawalpindi’s Historic Rivalry
In Rawalpindi’s NA-56, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid revives a long-standing rivalry with PML-N’s Hanif Abbasi, further complicated by the entry of PTI’s Shahryar Riaz.
Varied Contestants and Regions
Diverse contests include Ali Musa Gilani vs. Mehr Bano Qureshi in NA-151 Multan, and in NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan, a three-way contest among Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Faisal Karim Kundi.
PTI’s Challenges and Leadership Dynamics
While other major political parties persist in their campaign efforts and organize election rallies, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has witnessed numerous leaders resigning from the party. This exodus is a result of a crackdown following the May 9 violence. Additionally, the party’s founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan, has faced disqualification due to convictions in various cases, primarily involving allegations of corruption.
(With PTI Inputs)