PML-N's Fierce Lobbying Frenzy Sweeps Islamabad Ahead of Senate Polls

Strategic Insights -

In the two days leading up to the submission of nominations for the Senate polls, Islamabad was abuzz with a frenzy of lobbying as candidates from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vied for tickets to secure a spot in the Senate. With the prime minister holding a meeting with applicants, the competition was particularly fierce in Punjab and Islamabad, where the PML-N is confident of winning all contested seats. The ruling party's main ambition is to emerge as the single largest party in the Senate, which would grant it control over key positions such as chairman and deputy chairman.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PML-N is expecting to secure all 11 seats from Punjab and is confident of winning both seats from Islamabad, where the PTI is not contesting.
  • The party has received a total of 17 applications for tickets in Islamabad alone, including names like Irfan Siddiqi, Sartaj Aziz, and outgoing Senator Zafar Ali Shah.
  • PML-N senior leader Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has applied for tickets from both K-P and Islamabad.
  • The party is also expecting tough competition in Punjab as its leading names from Sindh have applied for tickets from the province.
  • The prime minister held a meeting with applicants from his party for the March 3 Senate polls, with all applicants being considered for their "exceptional qualities".

Statistics:

  • 104-member Senate: Half of the members will retire after completing their six-year term and will be replaced by new members.
  • 17: Number of candidates vying for a party ticket in Islamabad.
  • 11: Number of seats the PML-N is confident of winning from Punjab.
  • 2: Number of seats the PML-N is expected to secure from Islamabad, as PTI does not contest.

Sources:

  • The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2015.