Multan by-polls: Hashmi vs Dogar - close contest likely in NA-149
PML-N supporting Hashmi unofficially, while Dogar enjoys tacit backing of PTI
ISLAMABAD:
All eyes are on Multan, where by-elections are taking place today for the National Assembly constituency NA-149. The seat had fallen vacant after former president of PTI Makhdoom Javed Hashmi had resigned in line with the decision of his former party.
However, Hashmi is again in the race as an independent candidate against Malik Aamir Dogar, who is also contesting as an independent candidate.
The ruling PML-N is said to have been engaged in an aggressive campaign to get Hashmi re-elected. On the other hand, the PTI has thrown its weight behind Dogar.
According to sources, the PML-N with its 42 seasoned lawmakers and a public affairs unit has been carrying out a shadow campaign for Hashmi since October 9. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is directly monitoring the by-election, apprised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a recent meeting that the PML-N team could easily carve out Hashmi’s victory if they could get 10 more days for campaigning, sources said.
The PML-N’s team and the PAU – led by Hamza Shahbaz Sharif – relied on a Special Branch’s survey which had earlier predicted that Dogar was the hot-favourite and might defeat Hashmi with a big margin.
After the survey, the PML-N started working in the constituency and later when the Special Branch held its second survey on October 12, it was discovered that Hashmi’s position had considerably improved and now a neck and neck contest was expected between Dogar and Hashmi, they added.
According to sources, the CM informed the premier that Hashmi is targeting the Seraiki vote which constitutes 60% of the constituency, opposed to Dogar, who is attracting Mohajirs, who make up 40% of the total voters.
Federal Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid confirmed that the ruling PML-N was unofficially supporting Hashmi – but he said that he was not aware of any massive campaign by the party in favour of the veteran politician. “Our support for Hashmi is due to his principled stance as he first resigned from his seat and party and then decided to the contest as an independent candidate. Hashmi has introduced a good culture in Pakistan’s politics,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2014.
All eyes are on Multan, where by-elections are taking place today for the National Assembly constituency NA-149. The seat had fallen vacant after former president of PTI Makhdoom Javed Hashmi had resigned in line with the decision of his former party.
However, Hashmi is again in the race as an independent candidate against Malik Aamir Dogar, who is also contesting as an independent candidate.
The ruling PML-N is said to have been engaged in an aggressive campaign to get Hashmi re-elected. On the other hand, the PTI has thrown its weight behind Dogar.
According to sources, the PML-N with its 42 seasoned lawmakers and a public affairs unit has been carrying out a shadow campaign for Hashmi since October 9. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who is directly monitoring the by-election, apprised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a recent meeting that the PML-N team could easily carve out Hashmi’s victory if they could get 10 more days for campaigning, sources said.
The PML-N’s team and the PAU – led by Hamza Shahbaz Sharif – relied on a Special Branch’s survey which had earlier predicted that Dogar was the hot-favourite and might defeat Hashmi with a big margin.
After the survey, the PML-N started working in the constituency and later when the Special Branch held its second survey on October 12, it was discovered that Hashmi’s position had considerably improved and now a neck and neck contest was expected between Dogar and Hashmi, they added.
According to sources, the CM informed the premier that Hashmi is targeting the Seraiki vote which constitutes 60% of the constituency, opposed to Dogar, who is attracting Mohajirs, who make up 40% of the total voters.
Federal Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid confirmed that the ruling PML-N was unofficially supporting Hashmi – but he said that he was not aware of any massive campaign by the party in favour of the veteran politician. “Our support for Hashmi is due to his principled stance as he first resigned from his seat and party and then decided to the contest as an independent candidate. Hashmi has introduced a good culture in Pakistan’s politics,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2014.