Old guards bid adieu, new blood comes in

ISLAMABAD:

 

Surprising as it may sound, several prominent figures from the previous National Assembly have chosen not to participate in the upcoming elections, creating space for new entrants.

Former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, along with former ministers and party chiefs, including Miftah Ismail, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Shireen Mazari, Khusro Bakhtiar, and ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan, are among approximately six dozen politicians stepping back from parliamentary politics.

This decision reflects diverse reasons ranging from health concerns to dissatisfaction with the prevailing political system. The void left by these seasoned politicians creates an opportunity for new blood to enter the realm of politics.

This collective decision impacts approximately six dozen politicians who held key positions in previous governments.

While the withdrawal of these experienced politicians may cast a shadow over the political landscape, it simultaneously opens doors for a new generation of leaders, provided they secure victory in the elections scheduled for February 8.

The absence of political stalwarts like Chaudhry Shujaat and Asfandyar Wali Khan reflects a changing of the guard and prompts questions about the evolving dynamics within political parties.

Chaudhry Shujaat, the chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), has confirmed that he will not contest the elections. This decision was conveyed to this correspondent by his son Chaudhry Salik Hussain.

Asfandyar Wali Khan, the ANP President, has opted out of the electoral race citing health concerns, with his son stepping in to fill his shoes.

These transitions mark a generational shift and raise expectations for the new leadership to navigate the challenges of Pakistani politics.

Ghaus Bux Mehar of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a seasoned five-time winner, has expressed his desire to step aside, providing an opportunity for the younger generation to take the reins in Shikarpur.

In contrast, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the prevailing political system. His concerns about the lack of a level playing field and advocacy for a radical overhaul have led him to announce that he will not be contesting in the upcoming polls.

Abbasi's decision highlights the challenges and concerns faced by experienced politicians in navigating a political landscape that may not align with their vision for a fair and transparent electoral process.

Reportedly, around 70 former lawmakers have refrained from submitting their nomination papers for various reasons. The list includes several women who were not nominated for reserved seats by their parties. Additionally, it has been reported that four former members of the previous assembly have passed away.

Read General elections Code of Conduct: salient features

Notable figures abstaining from the polls include Javed Hashmi, Jamal Laghari, Mujtaba Kharal, Hamid Nasir Chatha, Imran Ismail, Mian Shafiq, Asad Umar, Ali Zaidi, Amjad Niazi, Sadaqat Abbasi, and Ali Nawaz Awan.

Former women lawmakers not contesting this time include Sumera Malik, Nusrat Sahar, Maiza Hameed, Mehnaz Aziz, Ishrat Ashraf, Munaza Hassan, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Shireen Mazari, Andaleeb Abbas, Rida Khan, Umarzadi Tiwana, Ghazala Saifee, Aamra Khan, Asma Qadeer, Seemi Bukhari, Sobia Kamal, and Malaika Bukhari.

It is noteworthy that a substantial number of politicians, including those who held portfolios during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, are abstaining from the polls after bidding farewell to active politics following the events of May 9.

The political chessboard underwent a drastic change after PTI workers and supporters allegedly attacked the country’s civil and military installations on May 9. The state responded swiftly against the attackers, resulting in a re-evaluation of political strategies and allegiances.

Scrutiny process

The scrutiny process for the upcoming elections is underway, with over 28,000 nomination papers being scrutinized.

This process is set to continue until December 30. On the first day of scrutiny, the returning officer for NA-207, Nawabshah, accepted the nomination paper of former President Asif Zardari.

The second day saw the acceptance of nomination papers for PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for NA-130, Lahore. No objections were filed against Nawaz's papers, and legal obligations were deemed fulfilled.

In Hyderabad, the nomination papers of Qaumi Awami Tehreek chief Ayaz Latif Palijo for PS-60 Qasimabad were also accepted. The scrutiny of nomination papers in Karachi, covering more than 800 candidates, resulted in the approval of papers for candidates from MQM-P, PPP, and PML-N, while some nominations were rejected, leading to disputes among political leaders.

The nomination papers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Aminul Haq for NA 246 West, Sheikh Salahuddin for NA 248 Central, Shabbir Qaimkhani for NA 233 Korangi, and Javed Hanif for NA 233 Korangi have been accepted.

Shakoor Shad, a former National Assembly member from Lyari, also had his nomination papers approved for NA 239 South. In the same district, the nomination papers of PPP candidate Salim Mandvi for NA 241 South were declared valid.

However, PTI leaders Haleem Adil Shaikh and Firdous Shamim claimed that their nomination papers were rejected. In contrast, PTI’s former Sindh Assembly member Khurram Sher Zaman stated that his papers for NA 241 South had been accepted.

On the reserved seats, the nomination papers of MQM-P’s Asia Ishaq, PPP’s Mehtab Akbar Rashidi, and minority seat candidates Rana Amir Singh of the PPP and Mahesh Kumar of the PML-N have all been approved.