LAHORE (Daily Point) — Over 70 former members of the National Assembly have chosen not to participate in the upcoming general election scheduled for February 2024. Among them are influential politicians, including two former prime ministers.
Former PTI MNA Mohsin Khan Leghari expressed sadness over ongoing “political shenanigans” and decided not to file his nomination papers. Another ex-PTI MNA, Khusro Bakhtiar, also opted out of the contest.
ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan, a veteran politician, is not running due to health issues. His son will replace him as the candidate from his home constituency, as stated by ANP spokesperson Samar Bilour.
Former PPP MNA Ghaus Bux Mehar, a five-time winner, aims to leave politics, providing an opportunity for the younger generation. His son will run for his seat from Shikarpur.
Former Prime Minister and PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain is not participating due to illness, confirmed by a family member.
Ex-premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a senior PML-N leader, expressed dissatisfaction with the existing political and electoral systems, calling for a radical overhaul.
A research study by the Hum Investigation Team revealed that 98% of ex-MPs did not submit nomination papers by the December 22, 2023 deadline. The research also showed the deaths of four former members of the previous assembly.
Prominent figures not participating include former finance minister Miftah Ismail, veteran politician Javed Hashmi, former state minister Jamal Laghari, former MNA from Bahawalpur Rai Mujtaba Kharal, former National Assembly speaker Hamid Nasir Chatta, and former governor of Sindh Imran Ismail.
Others not in the race include Sumera Malik, Mian Shafiq, Asad Umar, Ali Zaidi, Khusro Bakhtiar, Amjad Niazi, Sadaqat Abbasi, Nusrat Sahar, and Ali Nawaz Awan.
The list also comprises Aamir Bakhsh Bhutto, Khurram Shahzad Awan, Faiz Kemuka, Mansoor Hayat, Chaudhry Jafar Iqbal, and Haider Thand.
Former women MPs not participating include Maiza Hameed, Mehnaz Aziz, Ishrat Ashraf, Manza Hassan, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Shireen Mazari, Andaleeb Abbas, Rida Khan, Shehzadi Umarzadi Tiwana, Ghazala Saifee, Aamra Khan, Asma Qadeer, Seemi Bukhari, Sobia Kamal, and Malaika Bukhari.
