PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has announced his candidacy for the upcoming general elections in Karachi’s NA-242 constituency. In the previous elections, he contested in NA-249 and lost to PTI’s Faisal Vawda. Contrary to earlier reports, the MQM-P denied any seat adjustment with PML-N in NA-242, stating that Mustafa Kamal would be their candidate.
During a press conference in Karachi after meeting MQM-P leaders, Shehbaz promised to address the city’s public transport issues if Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N supremo, was elected on February 8. He expressed gratitude to MQM for their cooperation in the past and discussed seat adjustment matters, with a committee expected to convene in the coming days.
Shehbaz emphasized the need to transform Karachi, resolve basic issues, and end water scarcity under Nawaz’s leadership. He acknowledged the challenges faced during his 16-month coalition government, admitting they couldn’t significantly reduce inherited inflation. Despite Karachi’s significant tax contributions, he criticized the inadequate provision of water by the tanker mafia and the city’s dilapidated infrastructure.
Promising to strengthen ties with MQM, Shehbaz outlined plans to construct the Karachi-Hyderabad motorway and improve public services if Nawaz Sharif became the prime minister. He questioned the delayed Green Line project compared to Lahore’s Metro Bus, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to address Karachi’s challenges.
Nawaz Sharif’s Nomination Papers Accepted For NA-15 In Mansehra
Meanwhile, in Lahore, the approval of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers for NA-15 in Mansehra.
However, decisions on objections to the nomination papers of PPP Chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former Premier Imran Khan in Lahore were pending.
Objections against Nawaz Sharif in NA-15 were raised by PTI leader Azam Swati, represented by Shahid Rafiq, a local party leader. Despite objections, the respective returning officer initially cleared Sharif’s papers after dismissing the objections.
PTI’s argument centered on the Supreme Court’s lifetime disqualification of the PML-N leader, contending that the RO lacked the authority to approve Sharif’s nomination papers. However, Sharif’s papers were ultimately accepted.