Intriguing updates in NA-232, 233 as Elections 2024 draw nearer

– 48 aspirants vie for victory in one constituency
– PPP backs MQM-P candidate on a highly competitive seat

KARACHI: In the electoral battleground of NA-233 Korangi, a fierce contest is underway with a total of 48 candidates throwing their hats into the ring. The diverse pool comprises 29 nominees fielded by various political entities and 19 independent contenders.

The constituency is strategically vital, encompassing densely populated and intricate locales, making it crucial both residentially and commercially. Proximity to industrial hubs ensures abundant employment opportunities, although signs of a decline in small-scale industries supporting factories are evident.

PPP awards ticket to first non-Muslim female candidate

NA-233 spans Bhutto Nagar, Babar Market, Landhi No. 6, Madina Colony, Korangi, Zaman Town, and other areas. It accommodates a substantial Bengali and Burmese demographic. Notable establishments like Landhi Gymkhana, Rashid Latif Cricket Academy, and the late Test cricketer Taslim Arif’s roots add to the constituency’s character.

However, persistent challenges plague this densely populated region, including issues of clean water supply, sewage problems, and prolonged power and gas outages. This upcoming election has brought in 48 candidates, each offering a solution to these chronic issues faced by the people living in the area.

Notable contenders include Zainul Abideen Ansari of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nida Asim of Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP), Javed Hanif of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Shehzada Shehbaz of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and Abdul Jameel Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). In addition, 19 independent candidates, including Muhammad Haris backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), join the electoral fray.

Severe fog leads to motorway closures and flight disruptions

The constituency, with a total population of 1,031,170, houses 548,665 registered voters, comprising 302,537 males and 246,128 females. Notably, Sindh Assembly seats PS-92 and 93 fall entirely within NA-233, with a portion of PS-94 also included in its boundaries. The impending elections promise a riveting contest in this pivotal constituency.

Moving to the neighbouring constituency, the PPP has thrown its weight behind a candidate from a component party of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in the race for the NA-232 Korangi constituency. The move places them in direct competition with various contenders, including the MQM-P.

This National Assembly constituency spans Model Colony, Kala Board, Malir Halt, Khokhrapar, Jamia Millia, Green Town, Natha Khan Goth, Punjab Town, Al Falah, and other areas. A total of 38 candidates are vying for victory in this electoral arena. The constituency’s population exceeds one million, with over 0.5 million registered voters, comprising 315,000 males and 278,755 females.

Key players in this electoral battleground include Asia Ishaq from MQM-P, Taufiquddin Siddiqui from JI, Tariq Mehmood Qadri from Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and Fayaz Ahmad Tabassum from Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT). Notably, PPP has withdrawn its candidate Zartash Malik from contention.

Elections 2024: 47 women candidates to contest in KP

The electoral landscape sees the absence of PML-N and JUI. Aleem Adil Sheikh, sibling to former opposition leader from PTI Haleem Adil Sheikh in the Sindh Assembly, runs as an independent candidate under the symbol of a racket.