The toughest competition for the running of NA-57 – Murree is between Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Sadaqat Abbasi. Here is a quick rundown of their political histories and mandates so each an every voter can make an informed choice in their respective voting zones.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Party: PML-N Highest Office Held: Prime Minister (from August 2017-May 2018)
Things You Need to Know:
Abbasi served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from 1988-1999 and 2008-2018. He took over as Prime Minister following Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification and stepped down at the end of a full term PML-N government this year. He was elected six times from NA-50 (Rawalpindi) constituency and will be running from Murree this time around. The highlight of Abbasi’s term in office was perhaps his handling of Pak-US relations. He was one of the most vocal opponents to Trump’s distasteful remarks on Pakistan’s stance on terrorism on several accounts during his office. This won him the public’s favor for some time as well. Domestically, however, Abbasi recently faced some trouble when PML-N workers expressed their grief when Abbasi arrived at Kahuta, Rawalpindi. This was the same seat he held at the NA-50 constituency. The workers expressed grief over his administration of the area. Lastly, Abbasi was debarred from contesting in the upcoming elections in Pindi on June 27, 2018. Two days later he was allowed to contest the election from NA-57, which is the seat he will be fighting Sadaqat Abbasi for in the upcoming elections.
Sadaqat Abbasi
Party: PTI Highest Office Held: Senior Member of the PTI
Things You Need to Know:
Sadaqat Abbasi claims to be an educationist with a keen interest in politics despite lacking any political background. After being elected, Abbasi became a campaigner for more than a year in PP01 in Murree and KotliSattian. Abbasi later joined Imran Khan and became an active and prominent senior member of PTI. He believes and stands firm that Khan is the only existing politician with a clear view of where he wishes to see Pakistan in the future. Speaking more of his mandate, he says PTI would establish universities, hospitals for the betterment of masses besides ensuring best infrastructure for the area.
Who Has a Greater Chance?
If experience in politics trumps a fresher mandate then chances are Khaqan Abbasi will take the seat. However, the population that falls under NA-57 is disturbed by policies such as load-shedding etc. in the region. They are looking for a change and in that regard, Saqadat Abbasi might just take the lead. Pictures circulating social media show quite a lot of support for Sadaqat in Murree, even though his grounds for contesting are more civil as opposed to political. Khaqan Abbasi gathering a similar crowd is no surprise owing to his experience. However, considering Sadaqat is relatively new to the game, the support he has garnered gives him a fighting chance to defeat the ex-PM for the NA-57 seat.