RAWALPINDI: Former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has thrown his hat in the ring for the upcoming general elections, announcing his candidacy as an independent candidate from two National Assembly constituencies in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Sources close to Nisar confirmed that his recommender, Malik Saeed Nawaz, submitted nomination papers on his behalf for both NA-53 and NA-54 constituencies. This move marks a significant development in the Pakistani political landscape, as Nisar previously held prominent positions within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.
Nisar’s decision to run as an independent candidate comes after a period of strained relations with the PML-N leadership. In 2018, he parted ways with the party citing disagreements with the Sharif family and contested the elections as an independent, winning a provincial assembly seat in Rawalpindi.
News reports suggest that Nisar will kick off his election campaign tomorrow with a rally in NA-53. His candidacy adds an intriguing dimension to the race in Rawalpindi, potentially splitting the vote and shaking up the traditional party dynamics.
Nisar’s political experience and popularity in Rawalpindi make him a formidable contender, and his independent campaign will be closely watched by political observers across the country. It remains to be seen whether he can garner enough support to mount a serious challenge to established parties or carve out a unique political space for himself in the upcoming elections.
