PML-N has stronger chance to win NA-120 by-poll

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League (N) has a stronger chance to win the by-elections of NA-120 from where the party had already won three times in the last two decades with a big margin. 

In the elections of 2002, PML-N’s Pervez Malik won from NA-120, whereas in 2008, Bilal Yaseen became MNA. In 2013, deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif defeated PTI’s Dr Yasmin Rashid. A survey of the constituency conducted by The News found that the PML-N still enjoyed the support of the majority of the people in the area and the rival PTI is still facing a tough challenge to overcome the majority support enjoyed by the PML-N. This support gets further strengthened by the public sympathies which PML-N has gained after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif through the judgment of Supreme Court. 

Most of the people from NA-120 said that they would cast their vote in favour of PML-N as Nawaz was not disqualified because of corruption charges. They maintained that he was punished because he was doing great for the welfare of country and its people despite the conflict with the establishment. 

A senior citizen Muhammad Shoaib of Sant Nagar said that he would exercise his right of franchise in favour of any candidate the PML-N would announce for elections in NA-120 as the PML-N has been serving the people of the constituency for the last 25 years and Nawaz lives in their hearts,” he added. 

He hailed the PML-N for development works and renovations in the constituency prior to the upcoming elections. Roads and streets are being repaired and faulty electric poles replaced, he observed. 

A youth Bilal said that CCTV cameras had been installed in the area of Bilal Ganj. He said they wanted political stability and prosperity in the country. Dispensaries and playgrounds had been established in the constituency and they had easy access to any hospital in the metropolitan city due to signal-free corridor. Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train were blessings for Lahorites, he added.

According to Hafiz Faiz, schools and colleges had been renovated and one new college for women had been established in Islampura.  Haji Malik Shahzad termed the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif an insult to the 18 crore people who elected the PML-N. He said a conspiracy had been hatched to kick out the prime minister. However, PML-N’s victory in the coming by-election would prove that PML-N was still close to hearts of people, he remarked. 

Muhammad Asif, a resident of Malipura, said there are 200 houses in the constituency. The senior citizens still vote for Pakistan People’s Party, while youths became shuttlecock between PTI and PPP. As time passed, things were cleared. Shah Mahmood Qureshi of PPP, Jahangir Tareen and other leaders joined PTI. As a youth we decided not to cast vote in the favour of PTI which is a party of turncoats, he added. 

It is pertinent to mention here that the PML-N, PTI, PPP and other parties have started their election campaign in the constituency. Corner meetings are being held over there. Placards could be seen in the streets and outside the offices of the parties. 

There were few streets where sewerage lines were being constructed. Main sewerage line in Abdali Chowk of Sant Nagar was changed. Because of its construction people’s movement seemed disturbed in the streets.Pervaiz Malik said the PML-N has been strong in NA-120 for the last 25 years and would win by-election with huge lead. He said the names of Khawaja Ahmad Hassaan, Kalsoom Nawaz, Numan Tariq and Shahbaz Sharif were under consideration as a candidate and they would start election campaign after finalising the name of the candidate. 

Talking to The News, Yasmeen Rashid of PTI said she would defeat the PML-N in NA-120 and their victory would prove to be a last nail in the PML-N’s coffin. The PTI will win the seat and rescue the people from the paw of Nawaz Sharif, she said, adding that Imran Khan would participate in the campaign.