Local issues main concern of NA-120 voters

The National Assembly constituency NA-120 covers a vast area in Lahore, primarily rural settlements facing challenges such as inadequate sewerage, water, transport, gas supply, electricity, education and health facilities.

In the constituency located along the eastern border area of Lahore, notable candidates in the coming general elections are Ayaz Sadiq from the Pakistan Muslim League-N, Chaudhry Munir of Pakistan People’s Party, Osman Hamza of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Rashid Karamat Butt of Tehreek-e-Labbaik. Candidates from the Markazi Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami and 17 independent contenders are also in the race.

The candidates are actively conducting their election campaigns.

The PTI had initially fielded Qaisar Butt, but after meeting former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, he declared his allegiance to the PML-N. Chaudhry Ejaz, the PTI contestant in the 2018 elections, has also joined the PML-N.

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The constituency's total population is approximately 894,000, with around 363,000 voters. Predominantly, the Rajput, Jat, Arain, Awan, Meyo and Kashmiri communities reside in the area extending from the Ring Road to the Indian border on the east and from Ravi Siphon to Bedian Road.

It includes Punjab Assembly constituencies PP-151 and 154, along with some union councils of PP-155.

Key areas in the constituency include Wagah, Dogri Kallan, Bhasin, Dayal, Manawan, Atoke Awan, Batapur Awan Dhaiwala, Minhala, Nathuki, Barki, Hadiara, Padana, Jallo and Korian.

A major problem faced by the population in addition to inadequate civic facilities is unemployment.

Open sewerage lines in the area have become a critical concern, impacting irrigation, while depletion of agricultural areas due to population growth has led to sewage being discharged into the BRB Canal, turning it into a polluted drain.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2024.