Feb 8 elections: PML-N asks candidates to file nomination papers before ROs on 20th

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) has asked all applicants seeking its ticket to contest ensuing National and provincial assemblies’ elections to submit their nomination papers before their respective returning officers on Wednesday (December 20).

The parliamentary board that is reviewing the process of assessing situation of every constituency separately couldn’t complete its work in last three weeks due to the large number of candidates for each constituency on tentative deadline.

Highly placed sources in the PMLN told ‘The News’ on Sunday that the exercise for review would be completed tomorrow (Tuesday December 19). After two days leadership discussions, the final list of the ticket-holders for both the echelons of the assemblies would be announced on Thursday and the ticket would be awarded the same day.

The sources added that the applicants, who would have filed their nomination papers, would be asked to withdraw as they will be accommodated subsequently in other distinguished slots including Senate and offices to be filled by the executive, if they are not given the ticket. PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif and party President Shahbaz Sharif will make public the list of ticket-holders after having consultations with other senior leaders.

The parliamentary board had its 12 marathon sessions for reviewing the constituencies, which were jointly chaired by PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif and party president Shahbaz Sharif. The recommendations of the board were compiled upon the conclusion of every sitting. The announcement about the ticket-holders was withheld because seat adjustment and arrangements with the likeminded parties had to be worked out, the sources reminded.

The sources said the parties are keen to have adjustment with the PMLN on higher number of the seats. The PMLN has made up its mind to make such adjustment on comparatively at higher scale in KP, Sindh/Karachi and Balochistan. The PMLN would be following a meticulous formula in the case of Punjab constituencies. It wouldn’t surpass seven to 10 percent of total seats in the province, viewed as traditional stronghold of the PMLN, the sources said.

The PMLN election manifesto committee convenor Senator Professor Irfan Siddiqui, who has choreographed initial draft of the manifesto, has traveled to Lahore. He will be submitting the same to Nawaz Sharif and it is likely that right after announcement of the list of ticket-holders, the manifesto would be made public. The 40-member manifesto committee has included the issues of public interest but it has been articulated on realistic basis after mustering massive input from the masses and party workers, the sources added.

The sources said in the meanwhile, 9-point agenda based on the manifest has been compiled which would broadly become source for highlighting the PMLN’s future planning after winning the polls. The election campaign of the party would revolve around the 9-point agenda. The agenda includes massive reforms in the judicial system and provision of justice for the common man. In addition, it would ensure curtailing of governmental and administrative expenditures. The income of the common man and national exchequers revenue would be increased, while the tax system would be reformed drastically. The steps for increasing exports would be taken on fast track and without any delay. The tariff for information technology (IT), energy, electricity and gas would be slashed. The public sector organisations which are experiencing huge losses would undergo administrative scrutiny, the sources added.

The sources further said that under the 9-point agenda, the youth and women will be provided new opportunities for income. The agriculture would be revolutionised through the use of sophisticated technology.

The sources pointed out that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) that was setup by Shahbaz-led government would continue to work. It was a facility to act as a “single window” to facilitate investors, establish cooperation among all government departments, and fast-track project development.

Senator Professor Irfan Siddiqui had discussed the 9-point agenda with PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif and party’s President Shahbaz Sharif, the sources added.