Lyari grounds set for political showdown in NA-239 constituency

Daily protests continue in Lyari over lack of electricity, gas, water supply, and high unemployment rates

KARACHI:

NA-239, encompassing South Lyari, once a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stronghold, witnessed a significant political upheaval in the 2018 general elections when Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) Abdul Shakur Shad emerged victorious, defeating PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, thereby challenging the established political dynamics in the region.

The constituency covers Agra Taj, Darya Abad, Hungoora Abad, Khada Memon Society, Naya Abad, Baghdadi, Shahbeg Lane, Bihar Colony, Gulistan Colony, Gul Muhammad Lane, Rangiwara, Kalakot, Rexxar Lane, and other areas, boasting a total population of 783,497 people. Among them, 402,281 are registered voters, including 233,087 men and 188,994 women. Before 2018, Lyari was considered an invincible constituency.

However, not only did PTI's Abdul Shakur Shad defeat Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, but Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) candidate Ahmed Saleem Qadri also outperformed the PPP chairman. The historic constituency is the same place where the marriage ceremony of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari took place.

Lyari, the oldest area of Karachi, holds a rich history that includes renowned footballers and boxers. Despite significant improvements following the Karachi operation, challenges persist in terms of lifestyle and the provision of basic amenities. Daily protests continue over the lack of electricity, gas, water supply, and high unemployment rates.

Read ‘Previous rulers have given Lyari nothing except hollow promises’

For the upcoming February 8 elections, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari did not contest from Lyari, instead nominating Sardar Nabeel Ahmed Gabol. Other contenders include TLP's Sharjeel Goplani, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Fazlur Rehman Niazi, Jamat-eUlema Islam (JUI) Maulana Noorul Haq, GDA's Shaista Amir, and Central Muslim League's Hamza. Former PTI member Abdul Shakur Shad is running as an independent candidate, supported by PTI's Muhammad Yasir.

Out of 19 candidates, 13 are independents, with no candidates from MQM-P and PML-N. Lyari, known for its unpredictable responses, may pose challenges for the PPP on both national and provincial seats. PML-N and other parties also wield influence in the area, where votes are often cast based on community, nationality, and religion.

Despite the PPP's strategic ticketing, the Kachhi community's support remains divided, setting the stage for a tough competition between Nabeel Gabol and Abdul Shakoor Shad on the National Assembly seat.

The votes garnered by TLP, JI, and JUI candidates will significantly impact the outcome.