Pakistan 2024 elections: The clash of top 50 titans   

ISLAMABAD: In the heart of Pakistan’s political battlegrounds, where uncertainty looms large, the stage is set for an epic showdown in 50 pivotal constituencies across 16 cities. As the countdown to the February 8 election begins, the spotlight shines brightest on Lahore, leading the charge with seven major contests, followed closely by Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Karachi, each boasting five hotly contested seats.

In this political arena, titans clash in a high-stakes spectacle, with three powerhouses locking horns in Quetta, Gujrat, Sargodha, and Gujranwala. Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, and Sialkot follow closely behind, featuring two major battles. Nowshera, Larkana, Badin, and Pashin are not far behind, adding their unique flavour to the electoral mix. And in Swabi, a fierce contest awaits.

Hum Investigation Team has delved into the pulse of these constituencies, seeking to unravel the mysteries of voter sentiments. The air is thick with anticipation—who will emerge victorious, and who will bow out of the electoral arena? The answers will only be revealed on February 8, but a vivid picture of these political landscapes is already taking shape.

In one corner, it’s a faceoff between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and PTI’s Yasmin Rashid, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto squares off against PML-N’s Atta Tarar in another ring. Maryam Nawaz locks horns with PTI’s Sanam Javed, and Shahbaz Sharif faces the formidable Ziaul Haq elsewhere.

The battles are intense and varied — Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman takes on PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur in one constituency, while former president Asif Zardari engages in a political clash with GDA’s Sher Muhammad in another. IPP chief Jahangir battles PTI’s Amir Dogar, and former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani faces PML-N’s Ahmed Hasan.

The intrigue continues—PTI Parliamentarians’ chief Parviz Khattak is pitted against PTI’s Shahid Khattak, and PTI’s Salman Akram Raja challenges IPP’s Awn Chaudhry. Balochistan National Party’s Akhtar Mengal faces off against PML-N’s Haji Azar Rafiq, and PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah locks horns with Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Nisar Jatt. PML-N’s Khawaja Asif throws down the gauntlet to PTI’s Rehana Dar, while the independent candidate Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan faces Raja Qamarul Salam of PML-N.

As the political arena heats up, the nation watches, holding its breath for the grand spectacle that will unfold on February 8 — a day that will shape the future of Pakistan’s political landscape.”

Missing from the upcoming race are former prime ministers Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Imran Khan and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, all facing various hurdles that prevent their participation. Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), faces daunting legal battles that threaten to derail his political career. The PTI leader is embroiled in serious court cases, creating doubt over his political destiny. On the opposite end of the spectrum, political heavyweights such as former premiers Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Yousaf Raza Gilani, along with former president Asif Ali Zardari, former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif are ready to compete in the upcoming elections, leading their respective parties into the political arena. Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s PTI, struggling with the loss of its iconic election symbol, the bat, finds itself disbanded as a political force in 2024 elections. The PTI leadership faces a slew of legal challenges, with Khan personally facing accusations ranging from accepting state gifts as premier to hiding their proceeds and seeking improper favours from a real estate mogul. These accusations endanger not only his political status but also carry the risk of his prolonged disqualification and possible further imprisonment, as he is currently undergoing a jail term.

Amidst all politicking, critics say, the military’s influential role in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape will remain palpable. The fracturing of Khan’s party has given rise to the emergence of smaller political outfits in the politically charged regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), who could potentially become kingmakers to form the government after the elections.

The confluence of these factors sets the stage for the 2024 elections to be more intricate and contentious than ever in the country’s electoral history. A scenario looms where no single party may be in a position to form a government independently, necessitating a reliance on military support for political survival — a challenge Khan had grappled with during his term as the prime minister.

Despite his lately campaign, Nawaz Sharif appears to be in a position to mobilize voters especially in Punjab. Simultaneously, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto is making significant strides by addressing public rallies and influencing voters to rally behind his party. The evolving dynamics promise an election season fraught with complexity and high-stakes maneuvering.

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The ongoing speculation revolves around the notion that former premier Nawaz Sharif and ex-president Asif Ali Zardari might wield over political entities like the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) in Balochistan, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) in Sindh, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarian (PTI-P) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) in Punjab.

A prevailing curiosity also surrounds the future of the PTI as a political entity —especially in the aftermath of losing both its symbol and Imran Khan as party chairman —  in the upcoming elections. Political pundits say that PTI could reclaim its political momentum if its upper echelon effectively addresses the party’s setbacks over the past three months.

Commentators are also engaged in discussing the role of the influential establishment in either supporting a “favoured party” to form the government or maintaining a complete neutrality in the electoral process.

Looking back at history, the disqualification of both Sharifs during the 2008 elections, with courts playing a pivotal role, may reoccur. The pivotal role of Maryam Nawaz Sharif in the 2024 general election is anticipated as she aspires to become the first female chief minister of Punjab. Yet, the challenge lies in whether she will opt for a major role in Punjab or a significant position in the Center, given her lack of experience in holding any key position in the Parliament.

The speculation extends to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his potential candidacy for the premiership or whether he will maintain a low profile while his father, Asif Ali Zardari, again vies for the position of president of Pakistan.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl Rehman seems concerned over his party’s performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the uncertainties surrounding his role in the post-PDM government, which pose challenges to his party’s future aspirations.

The upcoming elections are clouded with uncertainty, but one certainty is that they will proceed without an indefinite postponement. Some predict that key political figures, particularly from PTI, might find themselves entangled in legal issues, potentially excluding them from the election race. Despite the electoral outcome, categorizing it as a fair election poses challenges due to recent state actions against the PTI, which have undermined the party’s electoral prospects. While PTI seemed poised for a strong return to power in previous months, challenges loom large with its top leaders facing incarceration, exiting politics, or aligning with the IPP.

As long as the PTI remains unbanned, there is potential for the party to perform well in the upcoming elections, especially considering the waning popularity of the former PDM ruling coalition, which struggled to address the economic crisis when it was in power. Political pundits say that while making definitive predictions is challenging, it seems unlikely that any party will secure a clear majority, paving the way for a potentially weak ruling coalition that could favour the establishment’s continued political influence.

Many political analysts in Pakistan are contemplating whether the 2024 elections will evolve into a two-way or three-way contest, and the outcome for the PTI is yet to be determined.

The role of religious parties is a significant in the upcoming elections, with attention focusing on the Tehreek-e-Laibak Pakistan (TLP), which has fielded over 607 candidates across Pakistan. The JUI-F has fielded candidates in Balochistan and KP, and the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Karachi and various parts of KP. The MQM’s position remains uncertain, while IPP and PML-Q struggle for grip in Punjab. The IPP and PML-Q could play a crucial role in shaping Punjab’s political landscape, mirroring BAP’s significance in Balochistan, making both parties influential at the national level. While MQM-P engages in politics in Sindh, it appears that Pervez Khattak may hold favourable cards for his new party.

In KP, where PTI still maintains a strong presence, the possibility of a new party emerging, akin to BAP in Balochistan or IPP in Punjab, is on the horizon. Many believe that Pervez Khattak could spearhead this new party, which will play a pivotal role in forming the government in KP.

Unfortunately, the electoral process in Pakistan is perceived as manipulated and engineered by the establishment, as highlighted by numerous pundits interviewed by the Hum Investigation Team. This manipulation, witnessed in 2018, is anticipated to repeat in the upcoming elections. The establishment’s objective is to undercut political leaders and parties perceived to challenge the military’s intervention in politics, evident in 2018 with the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and now in 2024 with PTI. Regarding the recent local elections in Karachi, it is expected to be a four-way contest between the PPP, the JI, the PTI, and the MQM-P, with the latter being considered the weakest due to organizational and party weaknesses.

Critics also cast doubt on the Election Commission of Pakistan’s capability to ensure a fair playing field for political parties in the upcoming elections. The consensus on establishing an interim, non-controversial setup raises numerous unresolved questions. Balochistan’s political landscape seems to adhere to the traditional pattern, where the party in the Center typically forms the government with its allies. This time, the PML-N may permit the PPP to hold a decisive stake in Balochistan.

The electables, where 43% candidates (former member Parliament including 107 PTI members) have changed their political loyalty in the past six months, will play a pivotal role in forming the upcoming government.

This incident compelled many politicians, such as Moonis Elahi, Fakhar Imam, Mohsin Leghari, Mian Shafiq, Hammad Azhar, Imran Ismail, Ali Zaidi, and many others, who have been ‘barred’ from contesting the upcoming elections. Commentators says that Imran Khan’s fan base remains intact, with no perceived decline in his popular support. However, after the Supreme Court endorsed the ECP’s verdict to withdraw PTI’s election symbol, the dynamics of electoral politics have changed significantly. After losing the bat symbol, over 859 PTI candidates contesting as independents struggle to make a winning impact on their voters. While incarcerated, Imran Khan is unable to organize a party rally, and his party’s second or third-tier leadership has not been as effective in mobilizing supporters as expected, despite using social media to rally voters in their favour.

This is a matter of concern for both the PDM and the establishment. Certain political analysts argue that since 1953, Pakistan’s establishment has consistently pursued a singular goal: preventing any civilian leader from consolidating a significant popular base of support. The targets have evolved over the years, ranging from HS Suhrawardy and Fatima Jinnah to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, and Imran Khan, but the underlying policy has remained unchanged. Politicians who pose a threat by amassing a coherent plurality of support, enough to establish a national electoral majority, are systematically marginalized. The divisions within the political class have played into the hands of the system engineers.

In 2022-23, Pakistan witnessed a constitutional crisis characterized by the reluctance of political actors to learn from history. The PTI’s attempt to undermine the vote of no-confidence and the PDM’s refusal to hold provincial elections in accordance with the Constitution, among other instances, have led to a collective bankruptcy in Pakistan’s politics. Parties are discredited, the Constitution is compromised, the electoral process is tainted, the judiciary relies on a “doctrine of necessity,” and the media has been subdued. In light of these circumstances, some critics argue that the 2024 elections have become somewhat meaningless in gauging the will of the people, particularly given the country’s top court’s decision to deprive the largest popular political party, the PTI, of its election symbol, the bat, just four weeks before the general elections.

Interestingly, out of the 342 members of the 2018 National Assembly, 143 have either entirely shifted their political allegiance or opted to run as independent candidates. Party-wise distribution shows that 107 former MNAs, constituting 65 per cent of their total strength, has left the PTI. Some 18 former PTI members have joined the PML-N, 13 have aligned with the IPP, and 11 have joined the PPP. The PTI has strategically chosen to introduce fresh candidates, with 75 per cent of its lineup being newcomers to the electoral arena. Out of the party’s 859 general candidates, 441 candidates are contesting on the national-level for the first time. The nomination papers of 77 per cent of the PTI-backed candidates for both national and provincial assemblies have been approved, while 23 per cent faced rejection. The data reveals that nomination papers of 1,996 out of 2,620 candidates endorsed by PTI were approved for 859 general seats in the 2024 general elections. This translates into 77 per cent acceptance rate for PTI-backed candidates.

With extended caretakers in place in Punjab and KPK, a similar configuration could prevail at the Centre following the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) and the subsequent establishment of a caretaker setup. Regardless of whether elections are conducted, an intriguing post-election period awaits Pakistan, with the establishment playing a permanent role in influencing the removal and formation of governments in the country. While there was initial hope for change, the events of May 9 have reinforced the establishment’s traditional role, and over 14,000 political workers of the PTI were incarcerated, with thousands still facing court trials. In the upcoming elections, the establishment’s role may be limited to ensuring Imran Khan’s absence from the electoral contest and preventing him from returning to power or being an effective opposition, especially considering suspicions surrounding his alleged involvement in attacks on military installations and ‘troublesome’ actions.

The establishment may choose to let other parties determine the electoral outcome and allow voters to choose freely. Some political observers contend that elections in Pakistan have historically been managed both before and after the polls, especially since 1988. The making and breaking of parties and governments have been commonplace, from the PPP and the PML-N to MQM-P and now the PTI.

Observers note that the current situation places Nawaz Sharif, the supreme leader of the PML-N, in a position to launch a campaign for the party. This opportunity arises as the PTI, the prime opposition party, stands dissolved, and its top leadership is incarcerated. The political battleground primarily centers on Punjab, with the PTI, in its diminished form, competing against the newly established IPP party, reportedly backed by the establishment, along with the PML-Q, the PPP, and independent candidates. Some political commentators expressed skepticism about the popularity of former President Asif Zardari as a campaign leader. However, they acknowledge his understanding of the system and his ability to complete his previous term without significant controversy. Zardari’s influence may come into play in the event of a hung Parliament, suggesting that the 2024 elections, like past ones, may not be entirely free or fair.

Many observers predict that independents could become kingmakers, especially after the PTI lost its symbols, and its numerous candidates are contesting elections independently. If around 40 to 50 independent candidates win seats in the NA, the PML-N and PPP could find themselves in a new bargaining position, vying for the support of these independents. The independent winners would most likely emerge as the second parliamentary force in the upcoming elections.

Presently, the PML-N appears well-positioned to form the federal and Punjab governments, while Sindh is expected to remain under the control of the PPP. The KPK’s government may shape up as a coalition of the JUI-F, PML-N, PTI-P, and possibly the ANP and PPP, contingent on each party’s electoral performance if the PTI falls short of expectations. The PTI, however, still continues to earn huge support in the province with 29 ex MNAs and 56 ex MPAs who could also lead the party to form the government in the province if they win their seats again this time. Balochistan may witness a fragmented political landscape, with the chief ministership potentially going to the PML-N, PPP, BAP, or the JUI-F.

In the absence of Imran Khan, a new leader adopting a pragmatic approach could struggle to yield favourable results, given the immense pressure on the PTI due to the events of May 9. Notably, PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and former chief minister Punjab Parvez Elahi had demonstrated capability in this regard, potentially leading a majority of PTI remnants to maintain a presence in parliament and politics but it looks like they would remain in jail by the time elections are held. The upcoming elections may witness a resurgence of the PTI in the form of a resistance movement, or its independents could play a significant role in the post-election parliamentary battle.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2024 elections, they are scheduled to take place on 8th February 2024, as per some observers. The powerful establishment’s role in shaping the electoral landscape remains a crucial factor. While making grand predictions is challenging, it is evident that the elections will be closely monitored, with a new post-election period awaiting the country. The establishment’s influence on the elections remains a defining aspect, as seen throughout the country’s electoral history, the political commentators say.

2024 Elections’ Situation

Pakistan witnessed a record number of 28,626 candidates filing their nomination papers for this year’s elections. The ECP finalized 17,816 (16930 males and 882 females and 4 transgender) candidates who are contesting for 859 general seats. The current polls also feature 89 candidates who also had contested 1990 general election. As many as 1,873 (1780 males & 93 females) candidates, who have had party affiliation, and 3248 (3,027 males and 219 females and 2 transgender) independent candidates are contesting elections for 266 general NA seats. The 4158 candidates (3976 males, 182 females) with party affiliation and 8,537 (8147 males and 388 females and 2 transgender) independent candidates are contesting for 593 provincial assemblies’ seats in 2024 elections. The four transgender are also contesting 2024 elections.

For the 2024 elections, out of a total of 28,626 nomination papers collected, 3,240 candidates saw their papers rejected. This stands in contrast to the 2018 general election, where 9 per cent (1,893 candidates) faced rejection out of a total of 20,099 nomination papers submitted. In the 2024 elections, 68 per cent of the total candidates, comprising 2,235 out of 3,240, have submitted appeals. Official statistics reveal that in the 2018 elections, only 66 per cent, or 1,227 out of 1,893 rejected candidates, pursued appeals. Contrastingly, in the 2013 elections, merely 41 per cent, or 1,618 out of 3,916 rejected candidates, chose to file appeals.

A total of 5,234 candidates, or 29 percent, participating in the 2024 general election, are facing various cases and inquiries, according to data obtained by Hum Investigation Team. Of the 3,470 candidates under investigation, 985 are from Punjab, 535 from Sindh, 225 from Balochistan, and 19 from the federal capital, Islamabad. These candidates are implicated in cases including treason, murder, tax evasion, money laundering, bank default, corruption, rape, dual citizenship, and human smuggling. The investigations indicate that a total of 10,307 candidates, or 36 percent, have been completely eliminated from the election. Hum Investigation Team collected data from the State Bank, SECP, FBR, Anti-Corruption Establishment, NADRA, FIA, NAB, and returning officers regarding the cases and allegations against the candidates.

Around 28,626 candidates submitted nomination papers for the 2024 general elections scheduled for February 8. After screening, 18,319 candidates are currently participating in the election fray. 5,961 candidates withdrew their nomination papers, while 4,346 candidates were disqualified from the election race for various reasons.

The Hum Investigation Team has analyzed the top 100 out of 859 contested constituencies, where heavyweight candidates play a significant role in shaping the upcoming government. Here are their profiles, along with their previous election performances in 2018 and 2013.

Mian Nawaz Sharif

PML-N’s Supremo Mian Nawaz Sharif is contesting from NA-130, Lahore, against his opponent Yasmin Rashid of PTI. PML-N’s Waheed Alam Khan won this seat, then constituency NA-125, in 2018 by defeating Yasmin Rashid. PPP-P’s Iqbal Ahmad Khan, MQM-P’s Samia Naz and JI’s Sufi Khalique Ahmad Butt are also in the race this time. Nawaz Sharif’s position looks towering as his key opponent, Yasmin Rashid, is behind bars, and her party lost the bat symbol and would not be able to mobilise her voters as much as the PML-N leadership can. 

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman, is going to contest the election from NA-127 Lahore-xx against the PML-N’s leader Attaullah Tarrar and PTI’s Zaheer Abbas Khokhar. Attaullah Tarrar has a slight edge in this constituency. Similarly, Bilawal is contesting from NA-196, Qambar Shuhada Kot-I, against the PTI’s candidate Habibullah. Bilawal apparently has the lead in this constituency. In the 2018 elections, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari contested from NA-200, district Larkana-I. He secured 84,538 votes, while his opponent from Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, Rashid Mehmood Soomro, obtained 50,910 votes. Bilawal won with a lead of 33,628 votes.

Asif Ali Zardari

PPP co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari is going to contest the elections from NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad-I against GDA’s Sardar Sher Muhammad Rind Baloch. In the 2018 election, the former president defeated him with a lead of 47,024 votes and this time again Zardari looks dominant in this constituency. PPP co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari contested the 2018 elections from NA-213, district Benazirabad-I. He secured 101,370 votes against his rival Sardar Sher Muhammad Rind Baloch of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), who obtained 54,346 votes. Zardari won with a lead of 47,024 votes. 

Shehbaz Sharif

Former prime minister and PML-N’s president Shehbaz Sharif is going to contest the election from NA-132 Kasur-II against PPP’s Shaheen Safdar. The PTI has not yet announced its candidate in this constituency. There seems to be a close contest in this constituency where Shehbaz Sharif has an edge over his opponent. Similarly, Shehbaz Sharif is contesting from NA-123 Lahore-7 against PTI’s Afzal Azeem Advocate and PPP’s Rana Zia ul Haq. Sharif also apparently has better mobilisation than his opponents. Prime Minister and PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif contested the 2018 elections from NA-132, district Lahore-X. He secured 95,864 votes against PTI candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Mansha Sindhu, who obtained 49,148 votes. Shehbaz Sharif won with a lead of 46,716 votes. 

Maryam Nawaz Sharif

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz Sharif is going to contest the election from NA-119 Lahore-II against PPP’s Ifthikhar Shahid. The PTI has named Shahzad Farooq first as its candidate in this constituency but later Farooq withdrew his papers in support of Sanam Javed, while TLP’s Muhammad Zaheer also filed his papers. Maryam Nawaz seems to be in a commanding position in this constituency. This will be her first election.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman

 JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is going to contest the election against PTI’s leader Ali Ameen Gandapur, PPP’s Faisal Karim Kundi and PML-N’s Waqar Ahmed Khan in NA-44. PTI’s Ali Amin apparently has an edge over his political rivals in Dera Ismail Khan. In the 2018 general election, PTI’s leader Ali Ameen Gandapur won this seat against JUI-F’s chief. Moreover, the JUI-F chief is also going to contest the general election from NA-265 Pashin. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is set to contest elections from Dera Ismail Khan, Tank or Bannu districts, most of which are his home or neighbouring constituencies. In 2018, Fazlur Rahman contested in two constituencies, NA-38 and NA-39, and lost both seats in DI Khan. He lost elections to PTI leaders Ali Ameen Gandapur and Yaqoob Sheikh.

Mehmood Khan Achakzai

Chairman of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PK-MAP) Mehmood Khan Achakzai is contesting from NA-263 Quetta-II against PML-N’s Jamal Shah Kakar, PPP’s Rozi Khan Kakar, PTI’s Salar Khan Kakar and JUI-F’s Mufti Rozi Khan. There seems to be a tough contest among the top three candidates. Moreover, from NA-266, Mehmood Khan Achakzai is contesting against PTI’s Nazar Muhammad Kakar, ANP’s Haji Abdul Manan Khan Durani and PPP’s Maulana Salahuddin Ayubi. This contest is also nail-biting. The PK-MAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai lost the 2018 elections from his constituency NA-263 Qilla Abdullah, Balochistan. He secured 19,989 votes, while ANP’s Asghar Khan Achakzai obtained 21,417 votes, defeating him by 1,428 votes. On the other hand, Mehmood Khan has officially withdrawn his nomination papers from the National Assembly Constituency NA-265 on Friday. The move, made on the final day for candidate withdrawals, signals a strategic decision in favour of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Asad Mehmood

JUI-F leader Asad Mehmood is going to contest the general election from NA-43 Tank-cum-Dera Ismail Khan-I against PTI’s Dawar Khan Kundi and PPP’s Anwar Saifullah Khan. The contest is tough and 8th February will tell who is the winner in this constituency. Asad Mehmood, a leader of the JUI-F, contested the 2018 elections from NA-37 in the Tank district. He secured 28,563 votes against PTI candidate Habibullah Khan, who obtained 16,659 votes. Asad Mehmood won with a lead of 11,904 votes.

Pervez Khattak

Pervez Khattak is going to his first election as the chief of a political party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarian (PTI-P) from NA-33 Nowshera-I against PTI’s Syed Shah Ahad Ali Shah, ANP’s Khan Pervez (Khan Baba), PPP’s Saleem Khokar, and JI’s Inayat Ur Rehman. Voters will see a nail-biting contest among all the contestants in this constituency. Pervez Khattak, a former leader of PTI parliamentarians, contested the 2018 elections from NA-25, Nowshera-1 district. He secured 82,208 votes against PPP candidate Khan Pervez Khan, who obtained 35,661 votes. Pervez Khattak won with a lead of 46,547 votes.

Amir Haider Hoti

Amir Haider Hoti of ANP is going to contest the general election from NA-22 Mardan-II, against PTI’s Atif Khan, JUI-F’s Niaz Ali, PPP’s Abid Ali Shah, and JI’s Syed Kaleem Bacha. Mr. Haider Hoti took the lead with just 152 votes over PTI’s Atif Khan in the 2018 election. A nail-biting contest is expected here and election day will tell who is the winner. Amir Haider Azam Khan, leader of ANP and former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contested the 2018 elections from NA-21 in Mardan-II district. He secured 79,151 votes against PTI leader Muhammad Atif, who secured 78,999 votes. Mr. Haider Hoti took the lead with just 152 votes. 

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan

Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan is going to contest the general election from NA-53 Rawalpindi-II against PTI’s Col (retd) Ajmal Sabir and PML-N’s Raja Qamar ul Islam. Similarly, he will contest the election from NA-54 Rawalpindi-III against PTI’s Malik Taimoor Masood and PPP’s Qamar Abbas. There is a fierce competition between Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Raja Qamarul Islam in NA-53, while NA-54 is witnessing a close contest among the aforementioned three candidates. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, a seasoned politician, won the elections of the Punjab Provincial Assembly as an independent candidate from PP-10 (Rawalpindi-V) in the 2018 general election. Khan secured 53,212 votes, defeating Naseerul Husnain Shah, an independent politician who obtained 22,263 votes.

Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui

Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui is going to contest the general election from NA-248 Karachi against PTI’s Arsalan Khalid, PPP’s Muhammad Hassan Khan and JI’s Muhammad Babar Khan. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has an apparent edge over his opponents. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the MQM-P convener, contested the 2018 elections from NA-255 in Karachi Central-III district. He secured 59,781 votes against PTI leader Mahmood Baqi Maulvi, who secured 50,135 votes. Siddiqui won with a margin of 9,646 votes.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf is contesting the election from NA-52 Rawalpindi-I against PTI’s Tariq Aziz Bhatti Advocate and PML-N’s Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas. There is a tough contest between Pervaiz Ashraf and Javed Ikhlas and both will witness a tough contest on 8th February. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, a former prime minister and a PPP leader, contested the elections from NA-58 in Rawalpindi-II district. He secured 125,480 votes against PTI candidate Chaudhary Muhammad Azeem, who secured 97,084 votes. Ashraf took the lead of 28,396 votes.

Qamar Zaman Kaira

PPP’s Qamar Zaman Kaira is contesting from NA-65 Gujrat-IV against PML-N’s Ch. Naseer Ahmad Abbas Sidhu. PTI has not yet announced its candidate in this constituency. A tough contest is expected in this constituency too. PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira lost the elections to PTI Syed Faiz ul Hassan in NA-70, district Gujrat-III in the 2018 elections. PTI leader Syed Faizul Hassan secured 95, 415 votes against PML-N candidate Chaudhry Jaffer Iqbal who secured 67, 293 votes. Kaira secured third position by securing 42, 550 votes. 

Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah

Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah is going to contest the election from NA-201 Sukkar-II against PTI’s Sattar Chachar, JUI-F’s Maulana Saleh Muhammad and JI’s Sultan Lashari. Khurshid Shah is apparently leading over his opponents at this stage of time. PPP leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah contested the election from NA-206, district Sukkur-I, Sindh, in 2018. Shah secured 84,708 votes against PTI candidate Syed Tahir Hussain Shah, who obtained 58,767 votes. Shah took the lead of 25,941 votes against his political opponent.

Rana Sanaullah Khan

Rana Sanaullah Khan is going to contest the election from NA-100 Faisalabad-VI against PTI’s Dr. Nisar Jatt and PPP’s Sidra Saeed. There is a tough contest between Jatt and Rana Sana but PML-N has a little edge in this constituency. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah Khan contested the elections from NA-106, Faisalabad-VI, in 2018. He secured 106,137 votes against PTI candidate Nisar Ahmed, who received 103,899 votes. Sanaullah took the lead of 2,238 votes.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif

Khawaja Muhammad Asif is going to contest the election from NA-72 Sialkot-II against the PPP’s Khawaja Awais Mushtaq, and PTI’s Rehana Imtiaz Dar, who is the mother of Usman Dar. A nail-biting contest is expected in NA-72 Sialkot as it occurred in the past 2018 elections. PML-N leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif contested the elections from NA-73, Sialkot-II, in 2018. He secured 117,002 votes against PTI’s candidate Muhammad Usman Dar, who obtained 115,596 votes. Asif took the lead of 1,406 votes in Sialkot.

Ahsan Iqbal

Chaudhry Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry of PML-N is going to contest the election from NA-76 Narowal-II against PTI’s Col. (retd.) Javed Kholoon and PPP’s Sakhawat Masseh. Ahsan Iqbal is enjoying dominant support in this constituency apparently. PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal contested the election from NA-78, district Narowal-II, in 2018. He secured 160,020 votes against PTI’s candidate Abrar-ul-Haq, who obtained 115,596 votes. Ahsan took the lead of 71,331 votes against his political opponent.

Abdul Aleem Khan

The IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan is going to contest the election from NA-117 Lahore-I against PPP’s Syed Asif Hashmi, PTI’s Ali Ejaz Buttar. The PML-N has announced to support Aleem Khan in this constituency. Abdul Aleem Khan is a quite strong candidate with a possible projection of a victory in this constituency. In 2018, Khan lost the 2018 elections against his opponent PML-N’s Ayaz Sadiq in NA-129, Lahore. 

Khurram Dastgir Khan

PML-N leader Khurram Dastgir Khan is contesting from NA-78 Gujranwala-II against PPP’s Haris Miran and PTI’s Mubeen Arif Jatt in this constituency. Khan has had an edge over his political rivals in his constituency, as it looks like at this stage. He contested from NA-81, district Gujranwala-III, in the 2018 elections and secured 130,978 votes against PTI leader Chaudhry Muhammad Siddique, who secured 88,506 votes. Dastgir took a heavy lead of 42,472 votes against Siddique.

Mir Lashkari Raisani

Mir Lashkari Raisani is contesting from NA-263 Quetta-II against PK-MAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, PML-N’s Jamal Shah Kakar, PPP’s Rozi Khan Kakar, PTI’s Qasim Suri/Salar Khan Kakar and JUI-F’s Mufti Rozi Khan. All candidates are strong enough and there could be a surprising result in this constituency. There seems to be a tough contest among the top three candidates. In 2018, BNP (Mengal) leader Mir Lashkari Raisani lost the elections against PTI leader Qasim Khan Suri in NA-265, district Quetta-II, in 2018. Suri secured 25,979 votes against Mir Lashkari Raisani, who secured 20,394 votes. Suri took a lead of 5,585 votes and served five years on a court’s stay order.

Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti

Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, the Jamhoori Watan Party chief, is going to contest the general election from NA-253 against the PML-N’s Mir Dostain Khan Domki, JUI-F’s Haji Naseer Ahmad Kakar and PMAP’s Sardar Taimoor Khan Musa Khel. The toughest contest is expected between Bugti and Domki in this constituency. He contested from NA-259, Dera Bugti district, during the 2018 elections and secured 22,787 votes against an independent candidate who obtained 21,566 votes. Bugti won with a nominal margin of 1,221 votes against his opponent.

Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa

Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa is contesting elections as an independent candidate from DG Khan from NA-184, against the PML-N’s Abdul Qadir Khan Khosa, and PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khalul. A nail-biting contest is expected in this constituency. In 2018, an independent candidate, Muhammad Amjad Farooq Khan Khosa, won against Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa in NA-190, DG Khan-II. Amjad Khosa secured 72,300 votes against Khosa, who secured 72,171 votes. Amjad Farooq Khan Khosa took a lead of 129 votes.

Ghulam Sarwar Khan

Ghulam Sarwar Khan is going to contest the election from NA-54 Rawalpindi-III against PTI’s Azra Masood and PPP’s Qamar Abbas. A tough contest is expected as PML-N has not fielded its candidate following a deal with IPP in this constituency. In 2018, Ghulam Sarwar Khan won elections against Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, an independent candidate, from NA-59, district Rawalpindi-III, in 2018. Ghulam Sarwar secured 89,520 votes against Chaudhry Nisar, who secured 66,782 votes, with a lead of 22,738 votes.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed

Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is contesting elections from NA-56, Rawalpindi against his rival Hanif Abbasi of PML-N. Hanif Abbasi seems to be in a better position at this stage of time. Sheikh Rashid had contested the election from NA-62, district Rawalpindi-VI, in 2018 where he secured 119,362 votes against Danial Chaudhry, who received 91,879 votes. Rashid took a lead of 27,483 votes.

Omer Ayub Khan

PTI leader Omer Ayub Khan is going to contest the general election against JUI-F’s Muhammad Ayub and PPP’s Syed Zawar Hussain Naqvi in the NA-18 constituency. Omer Ayub Khan has an edge on his opponents at this stage in the constituency. He contested the election from NA-17, district Haripur, in 2018 and secured 173,125 votes against Babar Nawaz Khan of PML-N, who secured 133,158 votes. Ayub took a lead of 39,967 votes.

Khawaja Saad Rafique

PML-N’s leader Khawaja Saad Rafique is going to contest the general election from NA-122 Lahore-VI against PTI’s Sardar Latif Khosa and PPP’s Ch. Atif Rafiq. Saad Rafique is in a better position in this constituency this time. In 2018, PTI leader Imran Ahmed won in NA-131, district Lahore-IX, in 2018 and later on vacated the seat. Saad Rafique won the by-elections in the same constituency.

Senator Manzoor Ahmed

BAP’s Manzoor Ahmed is contesting from NA-262 constituency of Quetta against People’s Party’s Haji Muhammad Ramzan Achakzai, Muslim League (N)’s Nawab Salman Khilji and PTI’s Saifullah Kakar. A tough contest is expected here in this constituency among all contenders.

Jahangir Khan Tareen

IPP Chairman Jahangir Khan Tareen is going to contest the elections against Malik Amir Dogar of PTI from NA-149 Lodhran in Multan. The IPP chairman is also contesting against Siddiq Baloch of PML-N from NA-155 in Lodhran. A tough contest is expected in both constituencies.

Salman Akram Raja

Raja Salman Akram Raja is going to contest in NA-128 Lahore in general elections 2024 against People’s Party’s Adeel Ghulam Mohiuddin and IPP’s Awn Chaudhry. Salman Akram Raja has a slight edge over his opponent, as it looks like in this constituency.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani

Former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani of PPP is the opponent of PML-N’s Ahmed Hussain Dehar and PTI’s Taimur Malik in the 2024 general elections from NA-148 Multan. MNA Ahmad Hussain Dehar of PML-N is his toughest opponent. There is a tough call in the constituency.

Syed Ali Musa Gilani

PPP’s Syed Ali Musa Gilani is going to contest the general election from NA-151 Multan-IV against PML-N’s Abdul Ghaffar Gogar and PTI’s Mehar Bano Qurashi. A tough contest is expected here. Syed Ali Musa Gilani, a PPP leader, contested from NA-157, Multan-IV, during the latest by-elections of 2023. He secured 107,327 votes against PTI candidate Mehar Bano Qureshi, who obtained 82,141 votes. Musa took the lead of 25,186 votes against his political opponent. 

Akhtar Mengal

Balochistan National Party (Mengal) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal is going to contest the general election against independent candidate Shafiq Mengal and Nawab Israr Ullah in NA-256. A tough contest is expected there. Mengal contested the 2018 elections from NA-269 Khuzdar district and secured 53,183 votes against the leader of the Balochistan Awami Party, who managed to gather 19,797 votes. Mengal won with a lead of 33,386 votes against his opponents. 

Dr Fehmida Mirza

Former National Assembly speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza is contesting from NA-223 Badin-II. She is facing PPP’s Haji Rasool Bakhsh Chandio and PTI’s Azizi Ullah. Dr Mirza appears to have a good contest in this constituency. Dr Fehmida Mirza, a senior leader of the GDA, contested the 2018 elections from NA-230 in Badin-II district. She secured 94,988 votes against PPP leader Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, who secured 93,991 votes. Mirza won with a lead of 997 votes.

Jam Kamal Khan

Jam Kamal Khan of PML-N is going to contest the election from NA-257 against Independent Candidate Aslam Bhootani, PPP’s Abdul Wahab Bazenjo and JUI-F’s Mir Aalam Nausherawani and PTI’s Mir Ali Ahmad Zehri. There is a tough contest between Aslam Bhootani and Jam Kamal as the local surveys suggest. Jam Kamal Khan on the ticket of BAP won the election against an independent candidate, Nasrullah, in PB-50, district Lasbela-II, in 2018. He secured 38,885 votes against Nasrullah, who secured 26,050 votes.

Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo

PPPP’s Abdul Qadoos Bizenjo is contesting against Khair Jan of NP, Muhammad Ibrahim of TLP, Khalid Nazar of JUI-F, Meharullah Hasni of BAP. A tough contest is expected among Bizenjo and Khalid Nazar and Meharullah Hasni. Abdul Qadoos of ex BAP won the election against Khair Jan of the National Party, from PB-44, district Awaran-cum-Panjgur, in 2018. He secured 8,055 votes against Khair Jan, who secured 5,963 votes.

Syed Murad Ali Shah

Syed Murad Ali Shah of PPP is contesting against Roshan Ali Buriro from GDA in PP-77, Jamshoro, Sindh. Murad Ali Shah is enjoying reasonably good support compared to his political opponents in this constituency. In the 2018 elections, Syed Murad Ali Shah of PPP secured a victory against Abdul Sattar Rajpar of GDA in PS-34, district Naushahro Feroze-II. He garnered 51,419 votes, leading with a significant margin of 19,034 votes, as Abdul Sattar Rajpar obtained 32,385 votes.

 Mahmood Khan

PTI-P leader Mahmood Khan is going to contest the election from NA-4 Swat-III against PTI’s candidate Kamal Khan Advocate, ANP’s Dr Muhammad Saleem Khan, and JUI-F’s Raheem Ullah. If Murad Saeed does not contest the election, then Kamal Khan Advocate will contest in Murad Saeed’s place with the stated candidates. Mahmood Khan, representing PTI, emerged as the winner in PK-9, district Swat-VIII, in 2018, defeating Muhammad Ayub Khan of ANP. Mahmood Khan secured 25,697 votes, while Ayub Khan secured 11,509 votes.

Dr Farooq Sattar

Dr Farooq Sattar of MQM is going to contest the election from NA-241 Karachi against PTI’s Khurrum Sherzaman and PPP’s Dr Mirza Akhtar Baig. Farooq Sattar did not contest last time while Khurram Sherzaman of PTI won the elections against Syed Najmi Alam of PPP in PS-110, district Karachi South-IV, in 2018. Khurram Sherzaman secured 38,884 votes, while Syed Najmi Alam secured 14,049 votes.

Haleem Adil Sheikh

PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh is going to contest the election from NA-238 against PPP’s Zafar Jhandeer, PML-N’s Rehan Qaiser and MQM-P’s Sadiq Ifthikhar. Haleem Adil Sheikh secured a victory against Shahab Uddin of PPP in PS-99, district Karachi East-I, in 2018. He secured 6,029 votes, while Shahab Uddin secured 5,402 votes.

Sheram Khan Tarakai

PTI’s Sheram Khan Tarakai is going to contest the election from NA-20 Swabi-II against ANP’s Waris Khan, JUI-F’s Abdur Rahim and PPP’s Usman Khan Tarakai. This constituency is quite complicated to predict as it has thousands of swing voters. So, there is a challenging contest for all the contenders. Sheram Khan Tarakai of PTI won the elections against Ameer Rehman from ANP in PK-47, district Swabi-V, in 2018. He secured 34,851 votes, while Ameer Rehman secured 21,161 votes.

Muhammad Atif Khan

PTI leader Atif Khan is going to contest the election from NA-22 Mardan-II against ANP’s Amer Haider Khan Hoti, JUI-F’s Niaz Ali and PPP’s Abid Ali Shah. It’s a tough call for all the contesting candidates. Atif Khan secured a victory against Haroon Khan of ANP in PK-50, district Mardan-III, in 2018. Atif Khan secured 25,888 votes, while Haroon Khan secured 11,814 votes.

Asad Qaiser

PTI leader Asad Qaiser is contesting elections against his two prominent opponents from NA-19, Swabi. His opponents are Shahnawaz Khan of ANP and Maulana Fazal Ali of JUI-F. Asad Qaiser apparently enjoys good support from locals as he also won this constituency by securing 78970 votes in 2018. His opponents Fazal Ali secured 34217 votes, Sajjad Ahmad of PML-N secured 26,664 votes and Muhammad Islam of ANP secured 26,427 votes.

Ijazul Haq

Ijazul Haq of PML-Zia is contesting against PML-N’s Malik Abrar in NA-55, Rawalpindi-IV. There seems to be a good contest among all the contenders. Locals, however, say, Malik Abrar is in a good position as compared to his political opponents in this constituency.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq

PML-N’s leader, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, is set to contest the election from NA-120 Lahore-IV against PPP’s Munir Ahmad and PTI’s Usman Hamza Awan. Ayaz Sadiq, locals say, appears to be in a favorable position compared to other political opponents in this constituency. In the 2018 elections, the former speaker of the National Assembly and PML-N leader contested from NA-129, district Lahore-VII. Sadiq secured 103,091 votes against PTI’s candidate Abdul Aleem Khan, who garnered 95,065 votes, resulting in Sadiq taking a lead of 8,026 votes.

Riaz Hussain Pirzada

PML-N’s Riaz Hussain Pirzada is gearing up to contest the election from NA-164, Bahawalpur-I, against PTI’s Ijaz Ghaddan and PPP’s Syed Irfan Ahmad Gardezi. Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada previously secured 99,306 votes against PTI’s candidate Choudhary Naeem ud Din Warraich, who obtained 88,519 votes in NA-171, district Bahawalpur-II, in the 2018 elections. Pirzada took a lead of 10,787 votes.

Ali Amin Khan

PTI’s leader, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, is entering the electoral fray from NA-44, DI Khan-I, against JUI-F’s chief Maulana Fazal Ur Rehman and PPP’s Faisla Kareem Kundi. In the 2018 elections, Ali Amin Khan contested from NA-38, district DI Khan-I, securing 81,032 votes against JUI-F chief in DI Khan-I, who managed 45,796 votes. Ali Amin took a lead of 35,236 votes.

Mian Mohammad Azhar

PTI’s leader, Mian Azhar, is contesting elections against PML-N’s Hafiz Muhammad Nauman and PPP’s Aurangzeb Burki in NA-129 Lahore. He entered the race after Hammad Azhar was disqualified by the court. In the 2018 elections, Mian Azhar’s son, Hammad Azhar, won from NA-126, district Lahore-IV, securing 105,825 votes against PML-N’s Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad Anwar, who grabbed 102,700 votes. Azhar took a lead of 3,125 votes.

Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar

Independent candidate Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar is contesting his political opponents PML-N’s leader Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and PTI’s Shoaib Shaheen and Ali Bokhari in NA-47 and NA-48 in federal capital. It’s a tough call indeed in the capital.

Sardar Mehtab Abbasi

Independent candidate Sardar Mehtab Abbasi is in titan collide with his PML-N’s candidate Murtaza Javed Abbasi and Ali Asghar Khan of PTI in NA-16, Abbottabad. In Elections 2018, Murtaza Javed Abbasi won this constituency with a reasonably good margin against his opponents.

Aftab Khan Sherpao

Qaumi Watan Party’s Aftab Sherpao is contesting against his political opponents namely PTI’s Anwar Taj, PML-N’s Jalal Khan and JUI-F’s Haji Zafar Ali Khan and others in NA-24, Charsadda-I.  Anwar Taj of PTI won 2018 elections by grabbing 59371 votes against Aftab Khan Sherpao. It looks like a tough contest this time again.

Ghulam Ahmad Bilour

In the 2024 general election, ANP candidate Ghulam Ahmad Bilour is contesting against PTI’s Asif Khan and JUI’s Hussain Ahmad Madni in NA-32, Peshawar-V. A hot cotest is expected between all the three candidates in this constituency.

Tehmina Daultana

PML-N leader Tehmina Daultana contests 2024 elections against her opponent Tariq Iqbal Chaudhry of PTI in NA-158, Vehari. Tariq Iqbal Chaudhry defeated Tehmina Daultana with a margin of over 14,000 votes in the 2018 general election. Again there seems to be a tough competition between the two arch political rivals in this constituency.

Sirajul Haq

In the 2024 general election, Jammat Islami chief Sirajul Haq is going to contest from NA-6 Lower Dir-I against PTI’s Bashir Khan, ANP’s Haji Bahadir Khan and JUI’s Muhammad Sher Khan. A hot contest is expected between Sirajul Haq and Bashir Khan, who had won the 2018 general election on a PTI ticket.

Eman Tahir

Eman Tahir, the PTI-backed candidate, is currently vying for victory in NA-50, Attock. She is engaged in a fierce competition, with her main rival being PML-N’s Malik Sohail Khan Kamriyal. The electoral battle in this constituency is intensifying.

Shahzada Iftikharuddin

Tough contest is expected among Shahzada Iftikharuddin of PML-N, Senator Mohammad Talha Mehmood of JUI-F, Abdul Latif of PTI, Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali of JI, Fazle Rabbi of PPP and independent candidates Assadur Rehman, Mohammad Javed Khan and Mukhtar Nabi in NA-1, Chitral. Locals say it looks like a titan colliding among all the candidates. In the 2018 elections, Maulana Abdul Akbar defeated Abdul Latif with a good margin of votes.

Reporting by Zahid Gishkori, Editor Investigation Hum News Pakistan.

Additional reporting by HIT correspondent Abobakar Khan

Graphics and art work by Asif, Junaid Afridi and Debaj Kazmi

Edited by Zafar Ali Khan, senior editor Hum News English Desk

Additional Input by Shams Ul Haq, senior executive producer Hum News and Ghazanfar Abbas, senior producer Hum News