As Pakistan gears up for the general elections on February 08, all eyes are on Karachi’s National Assembly constituency of Lyari (NA-239), known for its unique voting dynamics. Traditionally a stronghold for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Lyari witnessed a surprising turn of events in the 2018 elections when a lesser-known figure, Shakoor Shad, secured victory on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ticket, dealing a significant blow to the PPP.
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s defeat in the previous election marked a major setback for the party in this densely populated area. Despite this setback, the PPP has nominated political veteran Nabil Gabol for the upcoming elections, aiming to reclaim its historical dominance in Lyari. Gabol, a former MNA, had previously won from the area in the 2002 and 2008 elections and secured victories in provincial constituencies multiple times.
The constituency, marred by issues such as a lack of infrastructure, roads, and drainage problems, has remained a PPP stronghold. While the PPP has dominated Lyari in recent municipal elections, concerns over unaddressed civic issues persist.
In NA-239, a diverse range of candidates is vying for victory. TLP has fielded Sharjeel Gopalani, Jamaat-e-Islami supports Fazlur Rehman Niazi, and Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl has endorsed Noorul Haq Qadri, who enjoys the backing of both PML-N and MQM-P. Shakoor Shad, addressing the challenges faced by Lyari, expressed concerns about the impact of drugs on the youth in the area, turning them into thieves and beggars. He highlighted the emergence of a new class of petty merchants dealing in stolen goods, exacerbating the local situation. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, leading an election rally from Tower to Lyari, assured the people of Lyari that she and Bilawal Bhutto are committed to being their voice.
She pledged to address the issues facing the constituency and urged the residents to support Bilawal Bhutto for the prime ministerial position by voting for the ‘Arrow’ symbol on February 08. In the midst of this politically charged atmosphere, MQM-P has strategically fielded candidates in various constituencies, with the exception of three seats in the National Assembly. Notably, the Lyari seat NA-239 has become a focal point where both the PML-N and MQM-P are backing Noorul Haq Qadri of JUI.
