Lohari Gate: Estranged PML-N leader aspires for chairmanship

Rauf left party after being denied ticket

LAHORE:

A two-way contest is expected between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N’s) candidate and an estranged member of the party for the chairmanship of Lohari Gate Union Council-36 in the forthcoming local government elections.

Chaudhry Abdul Rauf, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI’s) candidate for the UC’s chairmanship, was previously elected as the naib nazim of the locality in 2005. He was also elected as the labour councillor of the UC in 2001 from the PML-N’s platform.

Muhammad Nazafat Chaudhry, his rival, is contesting the elections from the PML-N’s platform. Chaudhry, a seasoned politician, has won several local government elections.

He also holds the distinction of being appointed the first vice chairman of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA). Chaudhry is also a member of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and presides over the Said Mitha Hospital BoGs. He was defeated by Rauf in the 2001 and 2005 local government elections.

Chaudhry told The Express Tribune that he would focus on revamping cleanliness standards in the locality after being elected. He said over the last decade, the number of people involved in solid waste management in managerial positions had increased but that of those in the field had decreased.

Chaudhry said he would ensure the provision of electricians and sweepers in the locality.

He said the provision of clean drinking water was a pressing issue across the Walled City. Chaudhry said he would try to ensure the provision of safe drinking water in the UC.

Rauf told The Express Tribune he had parted ways with the party after not being awarded a ticket in September.

He said he would ensure the provision of safe drinking water, a better sewerage system, removal of perilous electricity wires and better cleanliness standards in the UC if he was elected.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2015.