SARGODHA Oct 31: Sumera Malik who was disqualified as MNA for having a fake graduation degree, has now launched a campaign for her son Malik Uzair Khan for NA-69 (the seat fell vacant after her disqualification).

She is of the view that she will continue legal battle but will not leave the field open for her political opponent Umer Aslam Awan. She said she had defeated him thrice in general elections and now her son would defeat him for the fourth time.

On the other hand, supporters of Umer Aslam Awan are celebrating their court victory and are optimistic of his win in by-poll.

Political analysts say getting PML-N ticket again will not be easy for Sumera. They say that MNA Malik Shakir Bashir Awan is also striving for getting party ticket for his group. Even if Sumera succeeds in getting PML-N ticket for her son, the internal rift among various groups of the party and families of Soan Valley will create problems for her camp.

Atta Muhammad, a staunch supporter of Sumera Malik, said that the people were disappointed with the SC judgment. He said now they would ensure the success of her son.

According to him, though the PML-N has its vote bank in Khushab, Sumera Malik and her family have a large following. A PML-N leader of Khushab told Dawn the fake degree issue has tarnished the image of PML-N and the leadership should have to be careful in awarding ticket for by-poll.