The Wazirabad by-election is poised to shake up the long-standing dominance of the Cheema family, as Bilal Tarar, brother of the federal minister, emerges as the expected contender for the PML-N ticket for NA-66, according to party sources.
With just ten days remaining before election symbols are allotted, heavyweight candidates are consolidating their positions both within the constituency and beyond, aiming to secure the party ticket, a prize considered highly coveted, especially with PTI deciding to stand down from the race.
However, PTI's withdrawal is limited to seats vacated due to parliamentarians' disqualifications. NA-129 does not fall into this category, and the party's candidate, Hamad Azhar, son of the late MNA, remains a contestant.
On the PML-N side, three heavyweights – Mehr Ishtiaq, Mian Nouman and Rana Mashud, who currently serves as chairman of the PM's youth programme – are in the fray.
According to some party leaders, Rana Mashud is seen as the frontrunner, given his proximity to the PM. However, Hafiz Mian Nouman's team has dismissed the claim, arguing that all contenders are jockeying to position themselves as the party's preferred choice.
They added that the final word will rest with the party leadership in the coming two to three days.
Hafiz Mian Nouman was the runner-up in NA-129, securing over 71,000 votes against veteran politician Mian Muhammad Azhar's tally of over 103,000 votes in the 2024 elections.
Given PML-N's tendency to rotate leaders in Lahore, long considered a party stronghold, the outcome is unlikely to spring major surprises.
However, Wazirabad presents a different scenario. Rumours suggest Bilal Tarar, brother of the federal minister, is the front-runner for NA-66. Since 2008, the seat has been a Cheema family stronghold, which had won four elections, including a by-election, up until 2024.
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