The League is in a huddle right now. A comfortable one, though. Because the mass exodus of the electables that some were fearing didn’t quite happen. The PTI has announced its list and though it contains its share of Leaguers, it is still nowhere near what was being predicted.
Barring the prospect of an exodus of electables opting to become independents, the League looks set to have an impressive roster on its hands. Sort of like last time.
The PTI, on the other hand, is in a rut. Party workers thronged to the Kremlin at Bani Gala on Saturday, protesting against tickets being awarded out of merit. Though they were there to protest against Ghulam Sarwar Khan from NA-59 and not their guy, there were many others who were also miffed.
We had received more than four and a half thousand applications, Imran Khan had pleaded to his supporters in a video message. Please stay with us and support the party, he added.
Though it would soon be a similar situation for the League as well. Tough choices will have to be made. Lots of hearts – and promises – are broken come ticket season. Though the elder Sharif had a bit of fun, telling jokes and teasing them out of applicants, things are going to get uncomfortable soon.
This discomfort reared its head in the difference of opinion with the younger Sharif, the former chief minister, on whether or not to award Chaudhry Nisar a ticket. The elder, say sources, is against, while the latter is for.
Though the first daughter and heir apparent was widely thought to be squaring off against Dr Yasmin Rashid in a reprise of the (then) NA-120 by-poll, where Maryam did all of the legwork, while her mother was away, ill in London, this time the League is hedging its bets by giving her a Karachi ticket and “one other” as well.
Post-script: Take care, caretakers
Speaking in response to a question on khalaai makhlooq, the caretake chief minister of Punjab Dr Hassan Askari on Saturday used what (some) interpreted to be a flippant attitude towards “those who use this narrative.” Given the League’s objections to his appointment, perhaps he should exercise more restraint.
