SIALKOT, Sept 8: Political activities are gradually gaining momentum in both Sialkot and Narowal districts.
However, the PML-QA candidates, said to have the support of the government, are violating the code of conduct set by the election commission.
The wall chalking of PML-QA’s candidate Ali Asjad Malhi for NA-113, who resigned from the seat of Sialkot district Naib Nazim, can be witnessed on both sides of 22 kms long Daska-Pasrur Road and along all link roads. Giant electoral banners are also being displayed in various towns of Sialkot and Narowal districts.
Criticizing the double standard of the government, other political parties have urged the election commission to take action against the PML-QA for electoral violations.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) took lead among political parties by holding its workers’ convention here at the district level on Sunday.
Speaking at the convention, the local PAT leadership urged the government to ensure the holding of free, fair and transparent elections according to the schedule.
ADJUSTMENTS: As of now, the PML-J has failed to make adjustment with the PML-QA for the Variyo family candidates on two national assembly seats, NA-113 and NA-114. However, the electoral adjustment has been reached between the two parties for the Variyo family candidates on two provincial assembly seats.
Under this ‘government-backed’ electoral adjustment, the PML-QA will support ex-MPA Chaudhry Khush Akhtar Subhani for PP-125 and Chaudhry Armughan Subhani for PP-127.
The PML-J’s strong candidate and former MNA, Chaudhry Abdul Sattar Variyo, now under the NAB custody, will contest against PPP’s Col Sultan Sikandar (retired) and PML-QA’s Ali Asjad Malhi for NA-113.
In NA-114, the PML-QA has fielded Zahid Hamid, ex-bureaucrat and the elder brother of former Punjab governor Shahid Hamid, against Chaudhry Abdul Sattar Variyo for NA-114.
The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) has made an electoral alliance with PML-N for NA-112. Now the PML-N will support MMA’s candidate Prof Ameen Javaid, the father of Sialkot district Nazim Mian Naeem Javaid.
In NA-111, the PML-N has fielded ex-MPA Idrees Ahmad Bajwa against PML-QA’s candidate and former MNA Chaudhry Ameer Hussain.
At least 17 union council Nazimeen, 10 in Sialkot and seven in Narowal districts, are contesting elections after resigning from their offices.