Political heavyweights receive nominations
With the backdrop of the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024, the electoral stage is now set, casting a spotlight on the district courts, commissioner, and deputy commissioner’s offices. The once familiar halls have been transformed with the addition of Returning Officers’ desks, adorned by walk-through gates at their entrances.
In the second phase of this electoral hustle, the submission of candidates’ nomination papers has commenced, marked by a subdued yet palpable enthusiasm. On Wednesday, December 20, former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed made his presence felt by submitting nomination papers for two National Assembly constituencies, NA-55 and NA-56 of the city. His nephew, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, also entered the fray, submitting nomination papers for the provincial assembly seat of PP-19 and additional NA constituencies.
Read Candidates flock to get nominations
The first day witnessed 35 candidates submitting papers for seven NA and 14 PA seats in the Rawalpindi district. The election deposit for the NA seat is Rs30,000, and for the PA seat, it is Rs20,000. The issuance of nomination papers will continue until the final day.
A procession of former members of the national and provincial assemblies, including Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, Ghulam Sarwar, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Hanif Abbasi, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhary, Malik Abrar, Engineer Qamarul Islam, Chaudhary Naeem, and others, showcased their democratic spirit by receiving nomination papers.
In total, 292 candidates, including 29 lawyers, have collected nomination forms.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2023.