ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Friday declared his candidacy for the upcoming general elections from Karachi’s NA-242 constituency.
He had previously contested from the NA-249 constituency of Karachi in the last general elections but lost to the then-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda by a narrow margin.
On December 23, Muttahida Qaumi Movemment-Pakistan (MQM-P) stated that no decision had been made regarding seat adjustment with the PML-N over the NA-242 constituency in district Keamari.
The party’s spokesperson refuted all claims about seat adjustments with Shehbaz Sharif-led party in the said constituency, labeling them as “unfounded.”
The spokesperson added that MQM-P Senior Deputy Convenor Mustafa Kamal is the party’s candidate for the seat.
After a meeting with MQM-P leadership in Karachi, Shehbaz addressed a news conference, emphasizing that resolving the public transport issue in Karachi would be prioritized if PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif secured victory on February 8.
Shehbaz mentioned, “Under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership after February 8, the transport issue will be permanently resolved. It’s crucial for the people to ensure Nawaz Sharif’s success through votes.”
He discussed political circumstances, election-related affairs, and other pertinent matters with the MQM leadership, expressing gratitude to the Karachi-based party for its support during the previous government. Sources indicated that a committee would deliberate on the seat adjustment matter between PML-N and MQM within two to three days.
Pledging to overhaul Karachi and address residents’ fundamental problems once PML-N assumes power, Shehbaz assured that Nawaz Sharif would tackle the water scarcity issue. He stressed that the upcoming election would determine Pakistan’s future.
He highlighted Karachi’s significance as the city of lights and the gateway to Pakistan, urging collective efforts to confront the challenges. Shehbaz questioned why the Green Line project took several years while the Metro Bus in Lahore was established within 11 months.
The PML-N president acknowledged their government’s failure to curb the “inherited inflation” during their 16-month rule. He reiterated his frequent visits to Karachi and stressed the city’s right to due attention.
The former premier noted Karachi’s substantial tax contributions but criticized the tanker mafia for supplying water to citizens and highlighted issues with the Karachi to Hyderabad motorway, promising its reconstruction if Nawaz Sharif assumes the prime ministerial position.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
