Election 2024: PTI has chosen to part ways with Sheikh Rashid

Sheikh Rashid, the leader of the Awami Muslim League and a former interior minister, has decided to cut company with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Numerous seats, particularly in Central Punjab, are empty as a result of the PTI’s announcement on Friday on the party tickets awarded for the National Assembly seats.

In the constituencies where Sheikh Rasheed, a former party ally, is running for office, the PTI is making a run for the seat. Notably, Shahryar Riaz has drawn quick attention as the PTI’s nominee in NA-56 against the seasoned politician.

Adding a twist to the political landscape, PTI has endorsed Samabia Tahir for NA-57, showcasing a diverse lineup for the upcoming elections.

Read More: PML-N decides not to award ticket to Talal

Interestingly, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Sheikh Rashid’s nephew, did not secure a PTI ticket, and Aleem Khan’s constituency in NA-117, Lahore, remains without a nominated candidate.

Senior PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari was unable to obtain a ticket from NA-50, and the party did not support Dr. Babar Awan of Islamabad.

Shehbaz Sharif, the president of the PML-N, is scheduled to run in Kasur’s NA-132 constituency, where the suspense remains in several other seats.

Read More: PTI releases list of candidates for NA seats across the country

Since PTI has not yet revealed its candidates, the future of four Lahore constituencies—NA-117, NA-119, NA-120, and NA-125—hangs in the balance.

There are also unresolved decisions regarding NA-74 Sialkot, NA-82 Sargodha, and NA-94, which further clouds the political picture.

Shafqat Mahmood, the leader of the PTI, made the decision to revoke his nomination. Mahmood declared he was pulling out of the race and will not be running for office in any constituency in a post on X.