Religious parties forge separate electoral paths

JUI(F), JI, and TLP grapple with non-adjustment of seats

LAHORE:

With the general election just 27 days away, religious parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), find themselves in a challenging position due to the failure to adjust seats with political parties.

The non-adjustment has led to religious parties nominating their candidates independently for both the national and provincial assemblies.

Notably, JUI(F) and TLP have struggled to find common ground with PML-N in Punjab, prompting workers of the religious wings to launch individual campaigns in their constituencies.

JUI(F), JI, TLP, and JUI (Nazaryati), Dr Ajmal Qadri group have put forth candidates for seats in the National and provincial assemblies nationwide.

Sources reveal that despite efforts, JUI(F) has been unable to secure an agreement with PML-N in Punjab for the distribution of seats. Consequently, JUI(F) has fielded candidates across the country, including Punjab.

Read: MQM, PML-N agree on seat adjustment

Similarly, JI has nominated candidates nationwide, covering both national and provincial assembly seats.

TLP chief Maulana Saad Hussain Rizvi has also declared candidates for seats across the country, formally initiating the political campaign for the upcoming general election.

In response to the ambiguity surrounding the allocation of election tickets, the religious wing workers, particularly those associated with PML-N, have initiated an independent election campaign for provincial-level contests. Displaying flags in the streets and actively engaging with voters, they aim to contest the election autonomously in the absence of a clear ticket distribution strategy.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2024.