Garhi Shahu: Independent credible challenge to PML-N

LAHORE: In UC 124, a tough competition is expected between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates and a panel of independent aspirants. The union council comprises Bargunza Quarters, Garhi Shahu Main Bazaar, Burney Road, Badar Street, Larex Colony, Tajammul Park and Survey Colony. There are 13,000 registered voters in the union council: 7,000 men and 6,000 women. Traditionally, the locality has been a stronghold of the ruling party. PML-N leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq hails from the area.

Talking to The Express Tribune, several residents of the area said that provision of safe drinking water, streetlights, maintenance of the area’s graveyard were their major concerns. PML-N candidate for chairman Rafiq Khan is a businessman. He was elected a general councillor in 2001. Candidate for vice-chairman Kashif Chaudhry is contesting an election for the first time. They said that they would work for improving the level of cleanliness in the union council. “We will establish filtration plants and arrange to lay new sewers,” they said.Independent candidate for chairman Mubeen Kamboh is contesting the elections for the first time. Candidate for vice Chairman Ishtiaq Ahmad has a paan shop. They said that the PML-N had failed to deliver. “The PML-N candidates are no longer representatives of the public. We are from among common people. We know what their problems are. Besides providing drinking water, we will take steps to improve the condition of the graveyard. Its boundary wall needs urgent repairs,” they said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2015.