Lahore:
The Wazirabad election is ready to shake the long-standing dominance of the Cheema family, as Bilal Tarar, brother of the federal minister, appears as the expected challenger to the PML-N ticket to NA-66, according to party sources.
With only ten days left, before electoral symbols are awarded, consolidate heavyweight candidates their positions both within the constituency and beyond aiming to secure a party ticket, a price considered as much sought after, especially with PTI, who decides to stand down from the race.
However, PTI’s withdrawal is limited to seats that have been vacated due to the disqualifications of parliamentarians. NA-129 does not fall into this category, and the party’s candidate, Hamad Azhar, the son of the deceased MNA, is still a participant.
On the PML-N side are three heavy-weight-Mehr Ishtiaq, Mian Nouman and Rana Mashud, who are currently serving as chairman of PM’s youth program-in battle.
According to some party leaders, Rana Mashud is seen as the Frontrunner considering his proximity to the Prime Minister. However, Hafiz Mian Nouman’s team has rejected the claim and argued that all challengers are challenging jockeys in order to place themselves as the party’s preferred election.
They added that the last word will rest with party leadership in the next two to three days.
Hafiz Mian Nouman was runner-up in NA-129 and secured over 71,000 votes against veteran politician Mian Muhammad Azhar’s figures of over 103,000 votes in the 2024 election.
Given PML-N’s tendency to rotate leaders in Lahore, long considered a party fortress, the result is unlikely to have more surprises.
However, Wazirabad presents another scenario. Rumors suggest that Bilal Tarar, brother of the federal minister, is the front runner of NA-66. Since 2008, the seat has been a Cheema-Familyborg, which had won four elections, including one election, up to 2024.
