Pakistan’s 2024 general elections have taken the next step with the conclusion of the deadline for submitting nomination papers. The process, completed on Sunday, saw prominent politicians staking their claims in national and provincial constituencies across the country. As the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) gears up for scrutiny and finalizes candidate lists, tough electoral battles are expected in various locations.
Punjab: Lahore, with its 14 NA and 30 provincial seats, witnessed a flurry of activity, attracting nomination papers from over 600 candidates. Familiar names like Atta Tarar (PML-N), Ijaz Buttar (PTI), Asif Hashmi (PPP), Maryam Nawaz (PML-N), and Shehbaz Sharif (PML-N) were among those throwing their hats in the ring. Interestingly, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif himself filed papers for NA-130, setting the stage for a potentially challenging fight with PTI’s Dr Yasmin Rashid. While PML-N seems confident in its position, particularly in Sargodha’s absence of the PTI, other parties are preparing for vigorous campaigns. Hafiz Mian Nauman (PML-N) from Lahore’s NA-128 expressed unwavering confidence, even with PTI candidate Salman Akram Raja in the fray.
Rawalpindi: In contrast to the usual hustle and bustle, Rawalpindi saw a quieter nomination process. Most major party nominations occurred on the first two days, with PTI maintaining a low profile. Sheikh Rashid even submitted his papers through his nephew, a stark contrast to previous elections marked by large rallies. Although 228 individuals filed papers for seven NA and 13 provincial seats, the overall atmosphere remained calm. Despite this, a surprising twist came on the last day when two PML-N leaders submitted additional papers for provincial seats, adding an unexpected dimension to the race.
Sindh: Karachi, with its 22 NA and 47 Sindh assembly seats, received around 2,850 nomination papers. MQM-P emerged as a key player, with convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui contesting in three NA seats. JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and PTI leader Syed Firdous Shamim Naqvi also made their presence felt. In Hyderabad, PPP’s Syed Hussain Tariq Shah Jamote will face off against PTI’s Khawand Bux Jahejo in NA-218, while other constituencies like NA-219 and NA-220 witnessed multi-party competition.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: PTI leaders Azam Swati and Murad Saeed filed papers in Mansehra and Peshawar, respectively, setting the stage for crucial battles. The lone NA seat in Lakki Marwat attracted notable personalities like former ministers Salim Saifullah and Anwar Saifullah, while Swabi’s NA-19 saw Asad Qaiser (PTI) facing off against Maulana Fazal Ali (JUI-F) and Shahnawaz Khan (ANP).
Balochistan: With over 1,600 candidates vying for 16 NA and 51 provincial seats, Balochistan witnessed a strong showing. PkMAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai contested from three NA seats, while Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and BNP-M President Akhtar Mengal also threw their hats in the ring.
With nominations closed, the ECP will now scrutinize papers and finalize candidate lists. Meanwhile, appellate tribunals have been established to handle appeals against decisions made by returning officers. As the countdown to the elections begins, anticipation for competitive and crucial contests across Pakistan continues to rise.
