By-elections in the NA-151 constituency, for the seat vacated by ex -prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani after his disqualification would be held today (Thursday). Ten candidates are contesting these elections, with nine being independent candidates and Gilani’s son contesting on a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) ticket. Abdul Qadir Gillani faces tough competition from Shaukat Hayat Boson, who is the younger brother of former federal minister and leader Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sikandar Hayat Boson.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not announce a candidate but its leaders are said to be supporting Boson. During his campaign, Boson reiterated PML-N and PTI’s stance against PPP. Former PM Gilani, supporting his elder son addressed a campaign saying that his disqualification had disgraced the mandate of the people, adding that, “We again came to the court of the masses; who would cast their vote in favour of his son.” “If all institution remained in their domain, there would b no confrontation among institutions,” said the former PM.
