48 candidates in the run for NA-233 Korangi

Contestants include 29 nominees of political parties and 19 independents

KARACHI:

Landhi, situated in NA-233 Korangi, holds memories of a tumultuous past marked by lawlessness. However, today, the residents breathe a sigh of relief as the area has witnessed significant improvement. Major landmarks in Landhi include Chiragh Hotel and Babar Market.

Most areas within this constituency are highly complex and densely populated, making it crucial from both a residential and business standpoint. The proximity to industrial areas ensures ample job opportunities, though the decline in cottage industries supplying small products to factories is visible.

The constituency, primarily comprising Urdu-speaking communities, endured a turbulent period after the MQM split into two factions - Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Mohajir Qaumi Movement - in 1991, facing gunfire, killings, and sieges. Historically, the Mohajir Qaumi Movement secured one National Assembly and one Sindh Assembly seat, but subsequent elections saw Muttahida candidates dominating.

The NA-233 constituency encompasses Bhutto Nagar, Babar Market, Landhi No. 6, Madina Colony, Korangi, Zaman Town, and other areas. It also hosts a significant Bengali and Burmese populace. Landhi Gymkhana and Rashid Latif Cricket Academy are prominent, with several football grounds. The late Test cricketer Taslim Arif also hailed from Landhi.

While the constituency lacks a university, it boasts numerous government schools and colleges. Unfortunately, some educational institutions suffer from dilapidated structures, broken rooms, and missing essentials. Government schools, in particular, lack attention compared to colleges.

Read: NA-232 Korangi springs up strange allies

Memon Industrial Technical Institute at Korangi No. 5 imparts technical education to thousands of girls and boys. Moreover, Korangi No. 5 hosts a large park and a zoo adjacent to Landhi.

Persistent issues in this densely populated area include clean drinking water supply, sewage problems, and prolonged power and gas outages. Depletion in underground water levels has forced residents to bore up to 160 feet for a continuous water supply. Tankers, another alternative, pose financial challenges for some families.

As many as 29 candidates, including Javed Hanif of MQM-Pakistan, Shehzada Shehbaz of TLP, Nida Asim of PPP, Abdul Jameel Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami, Zainul Abideen Ansari of PML-N, Muhammad Ishtiaq Khan Jadoon of JUP Imam Noorani, Mudassar Yaqoob of Central Muslim League, Hamza Tariq of Rah-e-Haq Party, and Syed Faizan Anees of Pakistan Muslim League, will be competing in the upcoming elections. Additionally, 19 independent candidates, including Muhammad Haris supported by PTI, are in the run.

The constituency's population stands at 1,031,170, with 548,665 registered voters, including 302,537 males and 246,128 females. Sindh Assembly seats PS-92 and 93 are fully within this constituency, with a portion of PS-94 also included.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^th, 2024.