The issue of distributing party tickets within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) remains unresolved, with dissatisfied members voicing their concerns over the allocation process. Reports suggest that the party leadership is actively working to placate discontented members before finalizing decisions on ticket distribution.
According to sources, the PML-N leadership is in the final stages of deliberations on ticket allocation, with an announcement expected soon after convincing dissident members in certain constituencies. The careful consideration of constituencies where tickets have not been assigned indicates the party’s commitment to addressing internal dissent before making official declarations.
In particular, Maryam Nawaz, who has submitted nomination papers for National Assembly seats NA-119 and NA-120, is likely to contest from NA-119. Meanwhile, Hamza Shehbaz is anticipated to contest from NA-118, Saad Rafique from NA-122, Shehbaz Sharif from NA-123, and Rana Mubashir from NA-124. Furthermore, Saif Khokhar is expected to represent the PML-N from NA-125.
Maryam Nawaz’s decision to contest from NA-119 suggests that former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi may not stand from his ancestral constituency of NA-117. Although Abbasi has also submitted nomination papers for NA-117 and NA-118, the adjustment in seats is contingent upon decisions in the ongoing seat adjustments within the party.
However, PML-N has yet to finalize seat adjustments with its ally, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), adding a layer of complexity to the process. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s son, Abdullah Khaqan, is likely to secure a provincial seat in Punjab, benefiting from seat adjustments.
Notably, PML-N’s Iqbal MPAs in NA-121, Ayaaz Sadiq, and Rohail Asghar have expressed unanimous support for Iyaz Sadiq, signaling solidarity in their constituency.
Contrarily, PML-N’s spokesperson, Marriyum Aurangzeb, has clarified that the party has so far only issued tickets in Balochistan, emphasizing that decisions on ticket allocation in other regions are yet to be made. She affirmed that the party’s official announcement would follow the leadership’s formal decision in this regard.
As PML-N navigates internal dissent and strives for optimal seat adjustments, the careful deliberation underscores the importance of addressing party members’ concerns to present a united front in the upcoming elections. The intricacies of ticket distribution and seat adjustments within the party are indicative of the challenges political entities face in aligning diverse interests and ensuring a cohesive electoral strategy.
