Numerous candidates from various political parties have submitted their nomination papers nationwide. While the papers of many candidates have been accepted by returning officers, a considerable number have also faced rejection for various reasons throughout the country.
The window for appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is open until January 3. On the other hand, decisions on these appeals are slated to be unveiled by January 10, adding an extra layer of anticipation to an already charged political atmosphere.
The unveiling of the list of candidates on January 11 will herald a critical moment, allowing candidates a brief window until January 12 to contemplate withdrawal from the electoral race.
Meanwhile, the subsequent allotment of electoral symbols on January 13 will provide a visual identity to each contender, adding a visual dimension to the unfolding narrative of the political landscape.
Finally, the stage will be set for the grand performance on February 8, when polling booths will welcome voters.
Who gets the greenlight:
The nomination papers of several prominent political figures have received approval ahead of the upcoming elections.
Shehbaz Sharif secured approval for NA-123 and NA-242, while singer Abrar-ul-Haq’s nomination for NA-117 was also greenlit. Akmal Khan Bari of PTI and Ali Ijaz Nutter from Tehreek-e-Insaf were among those whose nominations from NA-117 were approved.
Nawaz Sharif’s nominations for NA-123 and all provincial constituencies in Lahore and Sargodha submitted by PML-N’s chief organizer, Maryam Nawaz, were also accepted. Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan’s national and provincial papers, along with Makhdoom Javed Hashmi’s from NA-149, received the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) nod.
Azam Khan Niazi and Bajash Niazi’s papers, as well as Rana Mashhood’s, were approved, adding to the list of accepted nominations. Former Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Ahmed Khan Buzdar secured approval from Taunsa Sharif.
In Sindh, Bilawal Bhutto’s nominations for NA-194, NA-127, and NA-196, along with Faryal Talpur’s for PS-10, were accepted. Rashid Soomro and Nasir Mahmood of JUI’s nominations for Larkana’s NA-194 and NA-196 respectively were also approved.
