About twelve counsels have received party tickets from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to run for seats in the Sindh Assembly and National Assembly in the upcoming general elections in Karachi.
Four provincial assembly seats and seven NA seats in the city will be contested by PTI attorneys. In contrast, on February 8 across the megalopolis, competitions will be place for a total of 22 NA and 47 SA seats in the general elections.
The following candidates are running: Advocate Zahoor uddin, the president of the Insaf Lawyers Forum Karachi; Shujaat Ali Khan (NA-243) (Keamari-II); Khalid Mehmood (NA-231) (Malir-III); Advocate Haris Meo (NA-233) (Korangi-II); Attaullah Khan (NA-245) (West-II); Barrister Fayaz (NA-247 (Central-I); and Barrister Uzair Ghauri (NA-249 (Central-III).
Ashraf Samoo PS-89 (Malir-VI), Barrister Ali Tahir PS-101 (East-V), Advocate Ali Palh PS-103 (East-VII), and Rana Imran PS-123 (Central-II) are among the candidates running for provincial assembly seats.
The party has also fielded attorneys in other jurisdictions. The most well-known among them are Sher Afzal Marwat (Lakki Marwat), Salman Akram Raja (Lahore), Shoaib Shaheen (Islamabad), Latif Khosa (Lahore), and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan (from Buner).
After going through a lot since May 9, the party claims it has rewarded the attorneys for their assistance and dedication to pursuing lawsuits against employees and leaders during difficult times.
Political observers, however, also believe that relying on advocates is a wise move due to their cohesiveness and the support of attorneys.
“Attestants handled the cases of party leaders, including as Imran Khan, and stood by the PTI throughout difficult times. PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman remarked, “They truly deserved [party tickets],” in an interview with The News.
“Their steadfast devotion and ceaseless efforts were rewarded. However, employees held between 70 and 85 percent of the seats. Lawyers ought to have been involved in seat distribution much more, in my opinion.”
Following the May 9 events, prominent PTI figures left the Imran Khan-led party. After being apprehended or picked up, they later came out to denounce the violence on May 9 and leave the party. Some even gave up on politics completely.
