MULTAN: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Monday announced that it was boycotting the by-election for NA-149 (Multan-II), a seat that fell vacant after Javed Hashmi’s resignation and its subsequent acceptance.

PTI’s senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi, through a statement, announced that his party will not be contesting by-elections for the seat.

Hashmi’s resignation from NA-149 was accepted when he made an appearance in the National Assembly following his address to the press where he made “disclosures” regarding the PTI leadership’s allegedly anti-democracy designs.

Hashmi had distanced himself from the protest sit-ins organised by PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek in Islamabad when the two parties decided to mount a march on the official residence of the prime minister.

Also read: Profile: Javed Hashmi, the perennial rebel

Hashmi may again contending for the seat for which only one independent candidate has filed nomination papers so far. September 22 (tomorrow) is the last date for filing nominations and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is also likely to field a candidate for the seat.

The by-election for NA-149 is scheduled to be held on October 16.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...