With the upcoming general elections on the horizon, political fervor has taken center stage across Pakistan, particularly in the pivotal province of Punjab. The battle for supremacy in this crucial province is expected to significantly influence national politics.
In the midst of the political hustle, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has crafted a robust campaign strategy, setting the stage for a fierce competition against its primary rival, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP). The inclusion of independent candidates adds an element of unpredictability to the electoral landscape.
Lahore, the capital of Punjab, has become a focal point of intense political battles. The 14 constituencies of Lahore, from NA-117 in Shahdara to NA-130 at Bati Chowk, are witnessing heated contests as candidates vie for seats in the National Assembly.
One prominent figure in this political drama is Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N. His contest in NA-130, the final constituency in Lahore, against Dr. Yasmin Rashid, an independent candidate supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), has garnered significant attention. Dr. Rashid has previously faced defeats in the same constituency, adding an intriguing layer to the electoral dynamics.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid has been a three-time contender in NA-130 from 2013 to 2023, facing defeat on each occasion. Currently incarcerated for the past eight months due to involvement in the May 9 violent incidents, Dr. Rashid’s political journey unfolds in an area primarily dominated by urban settings, constituting three-fourths of the region, with a rural segment extending from the River Ravi to the borders of Gulshan Ravi.
The historical weight of NA-130 in Nawaz Sharif’s political career dates back to the 90s. Formerly known as NA-120, it underwent transformations after the 2002 elections, with subsequent victories for PML-N candidates. In the 2018 elections, despite tough competition from PTI, PML-N’s candidate, Malik Waheed, secured victory.
Nawaz Sharif’s recent return, having been acquitted of all charges after four years of treatment in London, positions him as a formidable contender. Anticipated to easily secure the constituency, Nawaz Sharif’s potential return to the prime ministership appears imminent.
NA-130, a constituency in Lahore, Punjab, has been a stronghold of the PML-N since 1990. The upcoming 2024 general election is expected to be a close contest between the PML-N and the PTI, reflecting the political dynamics and trends of the country. The PML-N, with its loyal voter base, seems to have an advantage, but the PTI, claiming support from the youth and urban middle class, presents a formidable challenge. The political landscape in NA-130 will undoubtedly unfold as a closely watched and competitive spectacle.
