RAWALPINDI: After the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) announced candidates for various constituencies in Rawalpindi, including the ones on which its former ally, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, is contesting, the disappointed former interior minister withdrew his nomination papers from one of the two constituencies that he had been vying for.

Mr Ahmed had submitted papers for NA-56 and NA-57 constituencies, but withdrew from NA-57 whereas his nephew, Sheikh Rashid Shafique, withdrew his papers from NA-56 and would be contesting from NA-57. Both uncle and nephew will contest from the platform of Awami Muslim League (AML).

Though Sheikh Rashid Ahmed tried to get the support of the PTI, the party decided to field its own candidate who will face PML-N’s Hanif Abbasi, PPP’s Sumaira Gul and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. He had distanced himself from the PTI when he surfaced after remaining missing for 34 days.

Following the announcement of general elections, he tried to convince PTI to support him and not field any candidate against him. A few days ago, PTI leader Latif Khosa was seen supporting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in a video that was circulating on social media. He was seen speaking in favour of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on his insistence, but it did not work, and PTI announced its own candidates from the two constituencies of the garrison city.

The PTI awarded party tickets for NA-55 cantonment areas to Raja Basharat, has fielded Shahryar Riaz from NA-56 and Seemabia Tahir from NA-57 constituency. On the other hand, the PML-N’s candidate for NA-55is Malik Abrar Ahmed, NA-56, Hanif Abbasi; and NA-57 Daniyal Chaudhry.

The PPP has fielded Babar Sultan Jadoon from NA-55, Sumaira Gul from NA-56 and Mukhtar Abbas from NA-57.

It is likely to be a tough election for the eight-time winner who has remained in the National Assembly from 1985 to 2018.

When contacted, AML chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was unavailable for comments, however, his nephew, who is also a former MNA, Sheikh Rashid Shafique, told Dawn that Sheikh Rashid would contest the election from NA-56 while he contest from NA-57 constituency.

“We will contest the election on the AML election symbol ‘Pen and Inkpot’ and will go to people’s court with our work for the common man,” Mr Shafique said.

He said we had done a lot for the residents of the garrison city, and people know who had worked day and night for their welfare, adding that we did not give any interview against any party or its leaders and continued our work for the welfare of the people.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2024