SARGODHA, April 20: PML-N workers are unhappy at award of tickets to PPP defectors as the party has fielded deserters in eight out of 11 provincial constituencies of Sargodha.
Mehr Ghulam Dastgir Lak, who had quit PPP, joined PTI but just a few weeks ago moved to PML-N, has been awarded ticket from PP-29 while Mr Rabnawaz Lak who retained the constituency in two previous elections consecutively was ignored. Rabnawaz has announced contesting the election from PML-Q platform.
PPP’s Dr Nadia Aziz, who was returned to provincial assembly from PP-34 and considered a staunch worker, quit the party after long association and joined PML-N just a month or so. Dr Nadia, daughter of PPP Sargodha divisional coordinator, has been awarded ticket and workers expressed resentment over party’s decision.
Other aspirants for PP-34, including Dr Liaquat Ali Khan, former MNA Haji Aslam Katchela, are annoyed at party’s decision. Though they are not openly expressing their support to Tasneem Qureshi of PPP, internally they have reached some understanding for PPP hopeful.
According to political observers, the participation of seasoned PPP worker Asif Khan from PP-34 in election has paved the way for better contesting position for Tasneem Qureshi, who was facing opposition from the electorate for alleged corruption in development works, issuance of arms licences and kickbacks in giving employments.
So far Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf is concerned, it has won sympathies of a majority of the people of urban and rural areas but failed to field suitable candidates in city and other constituencies.
For NA-66 (Nasneem’s constituency), PTI had awarded ticket to ex-chairman of National Vocational and Technical Training Commission of Pakistan Mumtaz Ahmad Kahilon. The election tribunal disqualified Kahilon and consequently PTI awarded ticket to a new face, Mansoor Hayat Lak.
For PP-31, Muhammad Aslam Midhyana was not permitted to contest election by the returning officer and the election tribunal. Some insiders said Midhyana had entered into some deal with PML-N nominee Mian Manazir Ranjha, who was facing opposition from his brother, niece and party men as nobody is happy with him being a party hopper.
Sardar Kamil Shamel Gujar, who was elected from PP-35 from PPP platform, has been awarded ticket by PML-N against wishes of party workers.
Ex-MPA from PP36 on PPP ticket in 2008 election Rana Munawar Ghaus has been awarded PML-N ticket and workers have refused to accept him.
