Chaudhry Sarwar mulls contesting polls from Nankana Sahib in next elections

Chaudhry Sarwar mulls contesting polls from Nankana Sahib in next elections

Chaudhry Sarwar mulls contesting polls from Nankana Sahib in next elections

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar. Image: File

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LAHORE: Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has decided to contest the next general elections from NA-117 Nankana Sahib-I, reliable sources confirmed to Bol News on Friday.

According to sources privy to the development, Sarwar has been holding meetings with the Arain community and other castes of the constituency for the past few days. It is also believed that the governor has gotten funds released for setting up water filtration plants, improving road infrastructure and other development works in the constituency.

Governor Sarwar also promised to the locals of the areas that in the second phase, by January, Sehat Insaf cards will be issued to the people of the constituency. He has also promised that during this time measures will be taken to provide the best health facilities to people who are suffering from hepatitis and other disease.

Sources revealed that Sarwar is making all-out efforts to address the basic problems of the constituency.

The Punjab governor has also arranged for a free eye camp for the people of the constituency in the Shahkot area where people were provided treatment free of cost.

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Sarwar recently also held a meeting with Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brigadier (retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah in this regard in which he had taken the later into confidence that he will be contesting the next general elections from Nankana Sahib. He had sought the minister’s guidance as Shah had won elections from NA-118 Nankana Sahib-II.

According to political insiders, MPA Muhammad Atif, who was elected from PP-132, a provincial assembly constituency which falls under the NA-117 was awarded party ticket by Governor Sarwar before 2018 general elections. He also hails from the Arain community which is very influential in the constituency and is currently looking after the development work being carried out in NA-117.

Read more: Sikh pilgrims converge in Nankana Sahib to celebrate birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak

Can Governor Sarwar emerge victorious?

According to political pundits of the constituency winning will remain an uphill task for the governor despite spending billions in the development and infrastructure of the constituency.

“It won’t be easy for Sarwar to defeat PML-N’s veteran leader and former federal minister Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir from this constituency who emerged victorious from here in 2008, 2013 and 2018 general elections and Tariq Mehmood Bajwa, an independent candidate,” a political insider from the area told Bol News.

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In the 2018 elections, PML-N leader Muhammad Barjees Tahir emerged victorious from this constituency after securing 71,891 votes followed by independent candidate Tariq Mehmood Bajwa. Bajwa had secured 68,995 votes and Chaudhry Bilal Ahmed Virk, who contested the elections on PTI’s ticket, stood third with 66,994 votes.

In the 2008 and 2013 elections, PML-N’s loyalist and veteran politician Barjees emerged victorious by securing 46, 739 and 82,150 votes respectively.

Read more: Inflation, governance real challenge, says Punjab governor

Two years ban on governor?

There are differing views from the legal fraternity whether Sarwar can contest the next general elections or is it mandatory for him to wait for two years after holding a government office.

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According to legal experts, this is a controversial subject that could be conclusively addressed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Legal experts are also not on one page as they are not sure of a provincial governors duty falls under the definition of “service of Pakistan”.

According to the said law, anyone classified in “services of Pakistan” cannot contest any elections for two years after leaving the office or position.

However, Sarwar has claimed time and again that the Constitution does not prohibit him from contesting elections and he does not have to wait for two years after leaving office to contest the polls.

In a recent meeting, in his constituency, the governor also expressed that the government will make Nankana Sahib, an exemplary district for the rest of Pakistan.

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