The National Assembly constituency NA-237, which has been reshaped due to recent delimitations, is currently experiencing robust election campaigns.
This constituency encompasses diverse areas such as Akhtar Colony, Azam Basti, Baltistan Mohalla, Ibne Sina Lane, Chanesar Goth, Defence View, Jacob Line, Jutt Line, Lines Area, Karachi Admin Society, Manzoor Colony, Mehmoodabad, PECHS, Taj Complex, Jacob Line, and other regions. In the 2018 elections, these areas were part of NA-244 but now fall under NA-237.
The population is a melting pot of various communities, including Punjabi, Pashtoon, Hazarawal, Kashmiri, and various minority groups. Urdu-speaking and Memon communities wield a significant voting influence in PECHS and adjoining areas.
Read: NA-236 - constituency of affluent people
NA-237 has a population of 989,666, while the number of registered voters is 413,942, comprising 226,178 males and 187,764 females. A range of candidates from different parties, such as Abdul Rauf Siddiqui (MQM-Pakistan), Asad Alam Niazi (PPP), Rehan Qaiser Sheikh (PML-N), Irfan Ahmed (Jamaat-e-Islami), Muhammad Shahid (TLP), Ahmed Zaman (ANP), Babar Siraj Mirza (Muhajir Qaumi Movement), SM Yousuf Ali Bhatti (Markazi Muslim League), Zanaira Rehman (Istehkame Pakistan Party), and Zahooruddin Mehsood (PTI-backed), are vying for this seat. Predominantly, this seat witnesses a fierce competition between MQM, PML-N, and ANP, while PS-104 and PS-105 present intricate electoral dynamics.
The areas in this constituency encounter challenges such as water supply issues, deteriorating sewerage systems, power outages, and sanitation problems. The constituency also grapples with drug peddling and a rising drug use epidemic.
Votes from the Gujjar, Marwat, Kashmiri, and Hazara communities hold particular significance, especially in PS-105, where Irfanullah Marwat and Saeed Ghani are engaged in a one-to-one contest.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2024.
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