Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party leaders Aleem Khan and Aun Chaudhry have reportedly received positive news from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) regarding seat adjustment.
On Friday, it was announced that the PMLN has opted not to field candidates against Chaudhry in Lahore’s NA-128 and against Khan’s NA-117.
In a further show of cooperation, PMLN will also refrain from contesting the Punjab Assembly’s constituency PP-149, making way for IPP candidates.
The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, having put forward a total of 18 candidates for the upcoming general elections, has been actively seeking seat adjustment agreements with the PMLN.
Despite facing resistance from the PMLN in Lahore, traditionally considered a stronghold for the party, the recent decision marks a notable development in their collaboration.
Established in 2023, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party primarily consists of disenchanted former members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The agreement on seat adjustments underscores the evolving political landscape and alliances in the lead-up to the elections.
NA-242: Shehbaz Sharif withdraws from election in Karachi
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has decided that Shehbaz Sharif will not participate in the elections from Karachi.
Initial reports indicated that Mustafa Kamal, the leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan, would withdraw his candidacy from NA-242 to make Shehbaz enter the electoral race.
The returning officer had approved Shehbaz’s candidacy for NA-242 just four days prior.
Challenges to Shehbaz’s nomination papers were raised by Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Masood Khan Mandokhail, citing the undeclared salary received during his tenure as prime minister.
In November, a delegation from MQM, including Kamal met with Nawaz Sharif in Lahore, announcing a joint participation in the elections. However, it later surfaced that the specifics of a seat adjustment formula had not been finalized.
