Position still not clear in Sargodha

Published September 16, 2002

SARGODHA, Sept 15: Despite withdrawal of candidates from various constituencies, the party position is still not clear in the district except in two national assembly constituencies.

In NA-64, Sargodha-I, there will be a fight between Inamul Haq Piracha (PPP), Chaudhry Muhammad Ali (PML-QA) and Muhammad Ibrahim Shah (PML-N).

In NA-65, Sargodha-II, PPP nominee Mehr Khaliq Yar Luk is enjoying the support of most of the groups, including the PML-N. Khaliq Yar Luk’s brother Mehr Muhammad Yar Luk is also contesting as an independent candidate. In this constituency, the PML-QA nominee is ex-MNA Ghias Ahmad Mela while the PML-N nominee is Aitesham Ahmad Cheema.

In NA-66, Sargodha-III, the PPP has so far not finalized its candidates both for NA and PA seats. Its nominee for national assembly seat, Tasneem Ahmad Qureshi, has not settled his dispute with PP-33’s nominee Malik Shoaib Awan and he will help Mirza Afzaal Ahmad (Independent). Similarly, PML-N nominee Chaudhry Hamid Hameed has failed to settle his differences with the nominees for PP-33 and PP-34. PML-QA nominees have the similar problem, and if the differences continued, MMA nominee Dr Arshad Shahid will avail the maximum benefit.

In NA-67, Sargodha-IV, the fight is between Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema (PML-QA), Shams Naveed Cheema (MMA) and Hafeezullah Cheema (PPP). Political parties have joined hands against Anwar Cheema but still he is in a winning position.

In NA-68, Sargodha-V, Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema has not withdrawn his nomination papers to maintain a pressure on former district Naib Nazim Mazhar Ahmad Qureshi who has fielded Asghar Hayat Kalayar (Independent) against PML-QA nominee Muhammad Ali Raza Lehri in PP-37. Mr Lehri is the son of the Sahiwal tehsil Nazim with whom Mr Mazhar Qureshi has a personal grudge.

This dispute may cause an immense loss to PML-QA nominees, but they are feeling relaxed because the PML-N has made a seat-to-seat adjustment with the PPP on the provincial seat, and PPP candidates have been forced to withdraw in favour of Ahmad Ishaq Tiwana in PP-38.

However, the PML-QA is confident of its victory with the ‘blessings’ of bureaucrats.

Opinion

Editorial

Token austerity
Updated 11 Mar, 2026

Token austerity

The ‘austerity’ measures are a ritualistic response to public anger rather than a sincere attempt to reform state spending.
Lebanon on fire
11 Mar, 2026

Lebanon on fire

WHILE the entire Gulf region has become an active warzone, repercussions of this conflict have spread to the...
Canine crisis
11 Mar, 2026

Canine crisis

KARACHI’S stray dog crisis requires urgent attention. Feral canines can cause serious and lasting physical and...
Iran’s new leader
Updated 10 Mar, 2026

Iran’s new leader

The position is the most powerful in Iran, bringing together clerical authority and political and ideological leadership.
National priorities
10 Mar, 2026

National priorities

EVEN as the country faces heightened risks of attacks from actual terrorists, an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi...
Silenced march
10 Mar, 2026

Silenced march

ON the eve of International Women’s Day, Islamabad Police detained dozens of Aurat March activists who had ...