Former Engro CEO Asad Umar with PTI chief Imran Khan at a press conference at PTI Secretariat in Islamabad. PHOTO: SANA
Asad Umar, economist- turned politician and party vice president, is likely to be the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate for NA-48 Islamabad by-elections, sources said.
A party insider told the Express Investigation Cell (EIC) that PTI chief Imran Khan decided to field Umar in the by-polls for NA-48 after taking input from the party leaders who met him at Shaukat Khanum Hospital. A formal announcement to this effect will be made once the PTI parliamentary board endorses Umar’s nomination.
After a formal notification of the May 11 election winners, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will announce the schedule for by-polls in constituencies to be vacated by winners of more than one seat.
The NA-48 covers most of the urban areas of Islamabad. It contains 30% rural population and majority of its voters turn up on the polling day for exercising their right to vote.
As a party vice president, Umar enjoys a good reputation within and outside PTI. He had joined PTI last year after resigning from Engro Pakistan. He was the chief executive of the company.
Umar manages policy work of PTI for different key sectors like the economy.
Javed Hashmi of PTI had won from NA-48 in the May 11 general elections. He had also bagged a National Assembly seat from NA-149. Hashmi preferred to retain his home constituency --NA 149—and vacate his NA-48 Islamabad seat.
In general elections, NA-48 of Islamabad has emerged as a stronghold of PTI. Its vibrant and emotionally motivated workers had made a good show for party nominee in the May 11 elections and finally secured Hashmi’s win from this constituency.
In 2008 Anjum Aqeel Khan of PML- N had won the seat. Aqeel Khan’s defeat in the May 11 elections may compel PML-N leadership to bring a new face as its candidate for NA-48. Since NA-48 is one of the two seats of Islamabad, it matters more than any other constituency in general and by-elections. Other parties like PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami and the ANP will also field their candidates for NA-48 to show their presence in the capital.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2013.
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I would love to see people like Asad Umer in the parliament so as to say Pakistan, our beloved country is in the safe hands. Good luck God will help your, InshahAllah.
@PakArmySoldier: economics in school is all theory. One doesnt need to master in "economics" to be an economist. Being a CEO of a company and a corporate leader in general teaches more about the economy than any other degree that can in school
AOA, CHANGE, A new thought,a new election theme was launched by IK.It was the will of Allah to change the distention of the country.This time assembly will be much better as compare to pickpocketed persons, uneducated, with no vision as well ethic. Mr. Asad umar although I donot work with him bt being in this FMCG field and I worked too with MNC know him well.He is an assets where ever he go ,he ad value where ever he run the show. I bless him with lots of prayers to lead this country too. Khalid pervez
Please tell the EIC that its breaking news was out around a week ago: http://e.dunya.com.pk/news/2013/May/2013-05-17/GUJ/detailimg/35470796880770.jpg
No,this comment was not given before,please post it.
Voting for Asad Umar...means you are voting for honesty,integrity,competency & stability of Pakistan ! Go for that.............Good luck both to you,PTI & Asad Umar.
I voted for Pml-n on May 11 from NA-48 . Now since they have a strong mandate I will vote for Asad Umar beause I think our Lower Parliament needs a guy like him.
@awais
Asad Umar is a business person, not an ‘economist’.
He is a business person who understands economics better than economists.
@awais
Asad Umar is a business person, not an ‘economist’.
He is a business person who understands economics better than economists.
I wish PTI had a few more Asad Umars. Imran has the passion, integrity and Asad has the cool mind to make it happen. As long as PTI attracts people like him its future will continue to brighten. I wish MQM has learnt its lesson as well and it is time for it to grow as a national party if its shed its past. Because we need more parties that are not hierarchy based.
We should encourage people like Asad Umar in the Assembly. He is intelligent and sensible patriot Pakistani. I am sure this assembly will be 25% better than the previous and if the democratic process continues, in two or three elections we will not see people like Raja Pervez in the Assembly.
While happy for Asad Umar, concerned about the role he would be able to play while in opposition. I guess he would have contributed more as an adviser to the KP government. He's a great guy nonetheless, best of luck to him!
It seems to b a very wise decision,we need such capable personalities around.While listening to him one can see sincerity,capability and patriotism written all over his face.Can't wait to cast vote for him in NA 48.
Once I asked my CEO (who was an ex-collegue of Asad Umer at Engro), that what is so different about Asad Umer. He replied with a smile, " Had Asad been running a barber shop, it would have been the No.1 barber shop in Pakistan". Asad is surely an asset for Pakistan and I am sure he would do wonders while working for PTI too. Good luck and all the best !!
@Abdullah: Even tough that's not gonna happen but even if it happened, we will still back Asad Umar at any cost. He will prepare policies for KP and PTI anyway. :)
Anyone who has attended business school would tell you that "economics" is a major part of the curriculum; the logic being that one needs to understand economics to successfully run a business. Surely someone like Asad, who has at the helm of the growth and success of a conglomerate such as Engro, would have a sharp understanding of economics!!!!
Asad Umer, what a gem PTI has
Great choice and I hope Asad Umar wins NA-48. Ameen.
Pakistan is proud to have people like Asad umar. impressive personality
Asad umer should be designated above Javed Hashmi and shah Mehmod Qureshi. He deserve it.
I would not be surprised if PTI lose in by-election.
I hate to be nit-picky but I can't go this factual error unanswered: Asad Umer was an impeccable CEO but he is not an economist!
You cannot be an economist if you have had no training in economics. Please, either educate ET staff or do a better job editing articles.
Great choice! Asad led the Engro Group to new heights during his tenor; he surely understands business and economics, as one cannot do the former without a clear understaning of the latter.
As a person who voted with much enthusiasm for PTI in NA 48, I couldn't be happier with this decision. Asad Umar, you have what it takes to change this country and your honesty and sincerity shine through in all your interviews. May God give you the strength to do what you are so beautifully cut out to do. I have faith in you and your party. You guys care about our Pakistan and are not here to plunder it. May you all always remain Imaan-daar. Good Luck! Pakistan Zindabad!
We need more and more people like Asad Umer in our parliament and decision making circles. He is sober and skilled and is a great asset for PTI.
Asad Umar is a business person, not an 'economist'.
An excellent choice.......God bless you AU !!!
If people like Asad Umar are sitting in opposition, government has few tough years ahead of them.