NA-236 - constituency of affluent people

The National Assembly constituency NA-236 District East holds a significant position in Karachi, marked by its affluent population, numerous educational institutions, and a substantial presence of private hospitals. The upcoming elections witness a bevy of candidates, with a total of 36 contenders. Out of these, 10 represent various political parties, while 26, including those backed by PTI, are running independently.

Prominent candidates in the electoral fray include Hasan Sabir from MQM-P, Muhammad Usama Razi from Jamaat-e-Islami, Muhammad Muzamil Qureshi from PPP, Parveen Basheer from PML-N, Muhammad Luqman from TLP, Babar Siraj Mirza from MQM, Syed Mushtaq Hussain from GDA, Imran Ali from Markazi Muslim League, Dawood Ahmad Fakhri of the Conservative Party, and Shakeel Ahmed from Rah-e-Haq Party. Former National Assembly member Alamgir Khan is also contesting as an independent with the support of PTI.

Read: NA-235 may see low turnout of voters

The total population of the constituency is 958,292, with 542,409 registered voters, including 280,363 males and 262,046 females. It is a hub for leading universities, colleges, and modern private hospitals. In addition to the University of Karachi, NED University, and Urdu University, several small and large private hospitals contribute to the district's significance. The presence of a government medical university's hospital and a semi-government facility focusing on infectious diseases further enhances the area's importance.

People from all corners of the city are drawn to NA-236 for education and medical services. Moreover, the constituency houses major shopping centres and landmarks such as the National Stadium, expansive parks, and the Expo Centre of the Trade Development Authority. In the 2002 elections, the MMA candidate secured victory in this constituency, which covered similar areas. However, MQM-P candidates claimed victory in 2008 and 2013.

In the 2018 elections, former prime minister Imran Khan won from this constituency but did not retain the seat. PTI's Alamgir Khan emerged as a candidate in the subsequent by-elections.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2024.