MURREE/ISLAMABAD: The PML-N leadership directed former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Sardar Mehtab Khan Abbasi to file their nomination papers from NA-53 for contesting the elections against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan.

Both the leaders are expected to submit their nomination papers on Monday. According to sources in the PML-N, the former premier was first not willing to contest the elections from NA-53 but the party leadership had insisted that one of the two Abbasi leaders will contest the elections from this constituency.

The native constituency of Sardar Mehtab and former deputy speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi were merged into NA-15 and so Mehtab Abbasi may be adjusted in another constituency, possibly NA-53. PML-N needs a strong candidate against Imran Khan in NA-53.

On the other hand, local workers and PML-N organisations favour Sajid Abbasi, the general secretary of the party’s Islamabad chapter.

Workers on Sunday protested against senior PML-N leader Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, alleging that he had interviewed some candidates, which they said was illegal.

The protesting workers captured the PML-N offices for hours and raised slogans in favour of Sajid Abbasi. They said Sajid Abbasi has been loyal to the party and stood with it during the Musharraf era. They said they will continue with their protests if he was not awarded the ticket.

Meanwhile, former chief justice and head of Justice Party, Iftikhar Chaudhry told a private channel he will sue Imran Khan for lying about his alleged illegitimate daughter, under Article 62-f of the Constitution.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2018