PML-N names for reserved seats upper hand of Maryam Nawaz

Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Maiza Hameed, Umarzadi Tiwana, Ayesha Rajab, Samina Matloob among notable omissions

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has submitted its list of candidates for reserved seats for women in the National Assembly, revealing a potential preference for female politicians aligned with

Maryam Nawaz over those associated with Shehbaz Sharif's faction, analysts noted on Monday.

All political parties have submitted their priority lists for the 60 reserved seats for women and 10 seats for minorities in the National Assembly, as well as 95 seats for women and 24 seats for minorities in the four provincial assemblies, to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The Constitution dictates the allocation of reserved seats through a party list system based on proportional representation, giving higher-ranking names greater chances of becoming lawmakers.

According to PML-N sources, the list of its candidates was submitted on Sunday evening with the ECP.

PML-N sources indicated that the submitted list was primarily composed of individuals seen as close to senior party leader Maryam Nawaz, rather than former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

For instance, the PML-N's National Assembly candidate list prominently features Maryam Aurangzeb and her mother Tahira Aurangzeb at the top. Musarat Khawaja, the wife of party stalwart Khawaja Asif, is also among the leading names.

Read Sanam Javed to take on Maryam Nawaz in elections

Shaza Fatima, Asif's niece, secured a prominent position in the list, known for an interview in which she candidly shared her unexpected journey from applying for a provincial assembly seat to becoming a member of the National Assembly (MNA).

Shaza Fatima is the second female of the Khawaja family to be included in the list.

Notably absent from the list are figures such as Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, former minister of state for finance under the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government, Tehmina Daultana, and Shakeela Luqman.

Former federal minister Tehmina Daultana remains absent from the list once again. Conversely, Shakeela Luqman has been positioned 31st in the provincial assembly candidates instead of the national assembly.

The list also features Ameera Khan, daughter of former MNA Mian Mahmood, at the 44th position for the provincial assembly. Saba Sadiq, a four-time MPA, has transitioned to the MNAs' list. Returning candidates include Asia Naz Tanoli, Ifat Naeem, and Farah Naz Akbar.

Political observers highlight the absence of Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, who previously held the position of minister of state for finance in the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government. Other notable omissions are Maiza Hameed, Umarzadi Tiwana, Ayesha Rajab, Samina Matloob, and Rida Khan, daughter of former senator Mushahidullah Khan.