PML-N ramps up efforts in South Punjab ahead of general elections

LAHORE: With the general elections looming, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is intensifying its campaign in south Punjab, aiming to strengthen its position by relying on influential electables. This strategy echoes the party’s recent success in engaging with key figures in Balochistan.

According to Dawn.com, PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, speaking at a press conference, revealed the party’s focus on securing a substantial presence in the south. “Of the 46 National Assembly seats in the south, we have electables on some 35,” he stated. “We are feeling weak on 10 seats.”

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Sanaullah defended the practice of awarding party tickets to these politically influential individuals, emphasising that being an “electable” was not a negative term. He argued that people trust electables, and it is a political reality.

Earlier, in a post on the X, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique echoed support for electables, asserting that “crutches of electables are needed to form the government… and the PPP and PTI also do the same.”

Accompanied by PML-N Punjab Information Secretary Uzma Bokhari, Sanaullah confidently claimed that his party would secure a government with a simple majority.

Concerns about PTI participation

Sanaullah criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), questioning its eligibility to participate in the elections following the May 9 attacks.

“Shall a party that attacked military installations be allowed to take part in the polls? To me, it should not be allowed to do politics,” he remarked. However, he added that those distancing themselves from the May 9 events should be permitted to contest the polls.

Addressing the 103 PTI leaders and activists in military custody, Sanaullah suggested they apologise to the nation for “their sin” to be considered for pardon.

Responding to questions about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif being labeled as the establishment’s favorite, Sanaullah argued that Sharif earned the designation because “fake cases against PML-N [leaders] have been closed.”