Tuesday, May 6, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 29, 1429    

Aitzaz, others in run for NA-55

Tahir Rashid

Rawalpindi—Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan and many other important leaders from different political parties have finally entered the arena for by-election from the constituency NA-55 Rawalpindi. Some political bigwigs filed their nomination papers. The constituency has become once again center of attention as some big shots are in the race.

Those who submitted nomination papers here on Monday included President Supreme Court Bar Association Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, Vice President of PML (N) Syed Zafar Ali Shah Advocate, Captain(R) Safdar, Son-in-law of PML(N) Quaid, Mian Nawaz Sharif, former District Nazim Raja Tariq Kiyani, local leader of PML(N) Ijaz Khan Jazi and Begum Naseem from PML(Q).

The Returning Officer of the constituency, Additional District and Sessions Judge Khalid Ranjha received the paper form the candidates. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be carried out according to schedule to be announced by Election Commission. The candidates came to submit nomination papers in processions of supporters.

The workers of PML (N) ignored the police and entered in the court complex forcibly. The police deployed there moved aside by seeing the mood of the mob and let them go.

Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan reached the court to file his nomination papers amid hundreds of lawyers, who lifted him on their shoulders. They also showered rose petals on their leader. They chanted slogans for the restoration of judiciary.

Some lawyers recited the famous poem, written by Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan during his house arrest. The poem has become landmark in the movement of lawyers.