LAHORE: Lahore’s political scene is buzzing with by-election talk, with five constituencies already slated for polls and potentially more on the horizon. Key decisions by the newly formed government will determine the final count.
Shehbaz Sharif’s dual National Assembly seats in Lahore and Kasur pose a dilemma. His nomination for Prime Minister necessitates vacating one, triggering a by-election in either NA-131 (Lahore) or NA-140 (Kasur).
Further complicating matters, Maryam Nawaz’s possible appointment as Punjab Chief Minister would require her to vacate the NA-119 seat, leading to another by-election. Additionally, there’s speculation that Hamza Shehbaz might relinquish his PP-147 provincial seat, sparking yet another electoral contest.
The final number of by-elections hinges on strategic choices. Keeping Hamza Shehbaz in the National Assembly strengthens their presence there, while utilizing him in the Punjab Assembly serves another purpose.
Regardless of the final count, Lahore residents can expect a flurry of electoral activity in the coming days as the new government and its decisions set the stage for these by-elections.
