FAISALABAD, June 17: With the informal commencement of election activities, main political parties have started finalizing lists of interested candidates for the forthcoming general elections.

During a survey conducted by this correspondent, it was noticed that leaders of the PML (N) and PPP were holding meetings for awarding tickets to ‘loyal’ party workers and activists.

On the other hand, the PML (QA), PAT, PMP and Tehrik-i-Insaf are still waiting for some ‘directions’ about forming election alliances.

Some of the parties are also awaiting the government response about giving relaxation in the mandatory graduation condition for the contesting candidates.

Despite differences in its ranks, the local PML-N leaders are taking interviews of the interested candidates at party offices. The PPP has also reportedly sent a list of aspiring candidates to chairperson Benazir Bhutto for formal approval.

However, special attention is being paid in achieving the goal in accordance with the aspirations of the party central command and local leaders.

During the delimitation of constituencies, the Faisalabad district had been divided into 11 NA and 22 PA constituencies instead of its previous status of nine NA and 18 PA seats.

The PML-QA has also reportedly received hundreds of applications from the interested candidates, but its local leadership is still playing the role of a silent spectator.

Similarly, the PAT is also not in a position to prepare its own list of candidates because its central leadership will adjust the candidates in some constituencies with its like-minded political and religious parties.

BOY SHOT DEAD: A boy was shot dead on Monday over a minor dispute at Chak 63-GB in the limits of Thikriwala police station.