The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has released the list of its candidates for the upcoming by-elections in Punjab for both provincial and national assembly seats. The announcement was made by Hammad Azhar, the acting president of the PTI’s Punjab chapter.
The PTI revealed the names of its endorsed candidates set to contest the by-polls scheduled for April 21 on six National Assembly (NA) and twelve Provincial Assembly (PA) constituencies in Punjab.
However, there remains ambiguity regarding whether the PTI-endorsed candidates will vie in the by-elections as independent contenders or under the umbrella of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
Following the February 8 elections, wherein PTI-backed independent candidates clinched victories, the said individuals opted to join forces with the SIC in pursuit of reserved seats. This strategic move was prompted by the loss of the PTI’s trademark ‘bat’ electoral symbol, a consequence of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the party’s intra-party polls, which were deemed “unconstitutional” by the Election Commission.
The list of PTI-backed candidates set to contest the April 21 by-polls includes:
- NA-119 (Lahore): Shahzad Farooq
- NA-132 (Kasur): Sardar Muhammad Hussain Dogar
- PP-32 (Gujrat): Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi
- PP-149 (Lahore): Hafiz Zeeshan
- PP-158 (Lahore): Moonis Elahi
- PP-164 (Lahore): Yousuf Meo
- PP-139 (Sheikhupura): Aijaz Bhatti
- PP-22 (Chakwal): Hakim Nisar
- PP-54 (Narowal): Owais Qasim
Earlier this month, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) unveiled the schedule for the by-polls, encompassing 23 nationwide assembly seats where polling was postponed on February 8 or the seat became vacant following the general election.
The schedule outlined a timeline, including the filing of nomination papers from March 16 to 18, scrutiny by the returning officers (ROs) on March 21, with the deadline for appeals against nomination rejections or acceptances set for March 25.
The appellate tribunal is tasked with resolving appeals by March 28, following which the revised candidate list will be published. Withdrawals from the by-election are permitted until March 29, with the allotment of election symbols scheduled for the subsequent day.
I am an accomplished graduate of Strategic Studies, driven by a fervent dedication to comprehending global affairs and devising impactful strategies. Equipped with a comprehensive skill set encompassing research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication, I possess a distinctive viewpoint and an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making processes. As a versatile individual, I excel in collaborating with diverse groups in various settings, leveraging my strong interpersonal abilities to adapt seamlessly to new environments and surmount any challenges that arise. With a passion for contributing to strategic initiatives, I am eager to leverage my expertise and drive to effect positive change within the field.
