Humayun Akhtar withdraws nomination for Imran’s sake

PTI chief is contesting elections from the same constituency

LAHORE: After joining Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), former federal minister Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Humayun Akhtar Khan has decided to withdraw his nomination papers for Lahore's NA-131 constituency from where PTI Chairman Imran Khan will contest elections on July 25.

On Monday, Humayun, through his counsel, submitted an application with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stating that he does not want to contest polls from the NA-131 constituency.  A couple of days ago, he expressed his confidence in the manifesto and leadership of the PTI chief. He called on Imran Khan at his residence and made the announcement of his joining the party. Humayun, who had held the portfolio of trade and commerce minister in Musharraf regime, later joined PML-N and is now with PTI.



According to the PTI media cell, he has already announced his full support and active participation in PTI's electioneering and the withdrawal of his nomination was an attempt to give clear ground to Imran Khan in NA-131.

Humayun was quoted as that the entire nation was standing behind Imran Khan and was united under his leadership for the sake of peace and prosperity.

According to a PTI spokesman, Imran Khan welcomed Humayun Akhtar Khan's joining, saying that the party would be further strengthened. Humayun had been elected to the National Assembly on four occasions and is the chairman of a think tank called Institute for Policy Reforms (IPR). He has also submitted his candidature for Lahore's NA-123 constituency.

The candidates contesting for NA-131 include PTI Chairman Imran Khan, PML-N's former federal minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asim Mahmood, Barabari Party Pakistan chief Jawad Ahmad, Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan leader Syed Murtaza Hassan, PTI-Gulalai's Muzaffar Ali, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan's Waqar Nadeem Warriach, Pakistan Muslim League's Zeba Ehsan and another five independents.

Tough competition is expected between Imran Khan and Khawaja Saad Rafique on July 25.  A survey of the constituency shows that PTI is trying to gather the support of the middleclass voters with its slogans of ‘change' and ‘a new Pakistan'. On the other hand, the former ruling party is gathering the support of the ‘elite' by holding corner meetings in posh areas, say political observers.

Although the former ruling party has done a lot of development works in the area during its rule in Punjab, voters are divided over the serious corruption allegations against the Sharif family and the conviction of ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law.



Speaking to The Express Tribune, several voters said corruption charges had never been proven against the Sharif family. A voter, Muhammad Rasheed, said the former ruling party has done a lot of work in this area while PTI has no track record of governance. “Imran has failed to deliver in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

On the other hand, PTI supporters believe that Imran Khan should be given a chance as he is the only person who can bring change in the country. A voter, Karim Ismail, said his entire family has decided to give the vote to bat, the election symbol of the PTI. "We are tired of the false promises of corrupt politicians. The country needs a major overhaul in all sectors and Imran has promised reforms," he said. He added if the PTI chief does not keep his promises to the people of Pakistan, voters will never support him again. “His fate will be no different to other parties such as PML-N and PPP who are struggling for survival.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2018.