By Imtiaz Hussain Abro:
ISLAMABAD: Feb 8 elections: PML-N asks candidates to file nomination papers before ROs on 20th.. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) has requested all individuals applying for its ticket to contest the upcoming National and provincial assembly elections to submit their nomination papers to their respective returning officers by Wednesday (December 20).
Due to the large number of candidates for each constituency, the parliamentary board, which is reviewing the situation of each constituency individually, was unable to complete its work within the past three weeks, according to well-placed sources within the PMLN. These sources informed ‘The News’ on Sunday that the review process would be concluded on Tuesday, December 19. After two days of internal discussions, the final list of candidates for both the national and provincial assemblies will be announced on Thursday, and the tickets will be distributed on the same day.
The sources added that applicants who have filed their nomination papers but are not awarded the ticket will be asked to withdraw, with the possibility of being accommodated in other prominent positions, including the Senate and executive appointments. The list of ticket holders will be made public by PMLN leader Nawaz Sharif and party President Shahbaz Sharif after consultations with other senior leaders.
The parliamentary board, chaired jointly by Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, held 12 extensive sessions to review the constituencies. Recommendations were compiled after each session, but the announcement of the ticket holders was delayed due to the need to finalize seat adjustments and arrangements with like-minded parties, as the sources mentioned.
The parties are eager to enter into seat adjustments with the PMLN on a larger number of seats. The PMLN has decided to engage in such adjustments to a greater extent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh/Karachi, and Balochistan. In the case of Punjab constituencies, the PMLN will follow a meticulous formula, not exceeding 7 to 10 percent of the total seats in the province, which is considered the party’s traditional stronghold, according to the sources.
Senator Professor Irfan Siddiqui, the convener of the PMLN election manifesto committee, who has prepared the initial draft of the manifesto, has traveled to Lahore. He will submit the draft to Nawaz Sharif, and it is likely that the manifesto will be made public shortly after the announcement of the list of ticket holders. The 40-member manifesto committee has incorporated public interest issues, basing it on a realistic approach after gathering extensive input from the public and party workers, the sources added.
In the meantime, a 9-point agenda based on the manifesto has been compiled, which will serve as a broad outline for highlighting the PMLN’s future plans after winning the elections. The party’s election campaign will revolve around this 9-point agenda, which includes significant reforms in the judicial system and the provision of justice for the common people. Additionally, it aims to reduce government and administrative expenses, increase the income of the general public and national revenue, and undertake comprehensive tax reforms. The agenda also emphasizes expediting measures to increase exports, reducing tariffs for information technology (IT), energy, electricity, and gas, and conducting administrative reviews of public sector organizations facing significant losses, according to the sources.
Furthermore, under the 9-point agenda, the PMLN intends to create new income opportunities for youth and women, as well as revolutionize agriculture through the use of advanced technology.
The sources highlighted that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), established during Shahbaz Sharif’s tenure, will continue its work. The SIFC serves as a “single window” to facilitate investors, promote cooperation among government departments, and expedite project development.
Senator Professor Irfan Siddiqui has discussed the 9-point agenda with PMLN leader Nawaz Sharif and party President Shahbaz Sharif, the sources concluded.
