MQM-P withdraws candidate in favour of Shehbaz Sharif

In a significant political development, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has decided to withdraw its candidate in favor of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif for the upcoming general elections. This strategic move is part of a broader seat adjustment between the two political parties.

The seat adjustment includes three National Assembly (NA) constituencies, with Shehbaz Sharif contesting from Karachi’s NA-242. The former prime minister was recently cleared by the election tribunal to participate in the elections. The MQM-P, once a stronghold in the district Keamari of Karachi, is now supporting Shehbaz Sharif’s candidacy.

In addition to NA-242, PML-N will field its candidates in five other NA constituencies, including NA-229, 230, and 239, along with 11 provincial assembly seats within these constituencies. The MQM-P, in return, will contest elections for the national and provincial assembly seats from Malir’s NA-231 constituency.

Read more: Shehbaz Sharif skips inquiry commission hearing in Faizabad sit-in probe

The seat adjustment also involves the PML-N contesting for NA seats in Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, and Sukkur. The parties are expected to issue a joint statement to announce the final decision regarding the seat adjustment for NA-242 after further consultations.

This strategic alliance marks a noteworthy collaboration between MQM-P and PML-N in key constituencies, setting the stage for an interesting political landscape in the upcoming elections.

Read more: NAB closes inquiries, including the Sharif Trust Case against Nawaz and family