As the deadline for filing nomination papers for the upcoming 2024 general elections in Pakistan approaches, prominent political figures are making strategic moves by submitting their candidacies in various constituencies.
Maryam Nawaz, Chief Organizer and Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has submitted nomination papers for Lahore’s NA-119 and NA-120 constituencies, signaling her active participation in the electoral process.
The founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, who is currently serving as the Prime Minister, has chosen to contest elections from NA-122 in Lahore after previously announcing his candidacy from Mianwali.
Shahbaz Sharif, President of the PML-N, has submitted nomination papers for NA-242 in Karachi. Additionally, Mustafa Kamal and Qadir Mandokhel will be contesting from the same constituency.
In another significant development, Maryam Aurangzeb, a prominent leader of the PML-N, has secured nomination papers for the reserved seat for women in the Punjab Assembly, further solidifying her role in the political arena.
The head of the Awami National Party (ANP), Asfandyar Wali Khan, and the JUI-F’s Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman have submitted their nomination papers, showcasing the broad-based participation of political parties in the upcoming elections.
Notably, the process has not been without its challenges. Pervez Elahi’s wife, Kausar Elahi, faced an unsettling incident during the filing of nomination papers when an individual attempted to snatch the papers while she wore a mask for safety.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is actively involved in the nomination process, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s sister, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, filing papers for a reserved seat in the Punjab Assembly. Additionally, Sherry Rehman and Rukhsar Parveen have submitted their nominations for NA-46 and NA-47, respectively.
The political landscape is becoming increasingly vibrant as key figures across various parties secure their places on the electoral chessboard. With the final day for filing nominations quickly approaching, the political tempo is expected to rise, setting the stage for a compelling and closely watched electoral contest in 2024.
