Bilal Farooq Tarar. Photo (file)
LAHORE:
The PML-N secured victory in NA-66 after its candidate, the younger brother of Federal Information Minister Ata Tarar, was declared the unopposed winner.
Bilal Farooq Tarar, the PML-N candidate from NA-66, was declared elected unopposed on Saturday after all other candidates gradually withdrew from the race. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released Form 32 for this purpose.
It is pertinent to mention that the PTI had officially decided not to contest the elections, leading to its candidate withdrawing. The PPP also withdrew in favor of the PML-N as part of a broader agreement on seat adjustment.
The only remaining party with the potential to attract a significant vote bank – the TLP – has been effectively shut out by the Punjab government, with much of its leadership either on the run or behind bars. Although the ban was imposed for religious reasons, in practice it functioned as a blanket restriction.
The TLP had received the third highest number of votes in this constituency in previous elections, and some political observers speculate that the crackdown on the party, following its attempt to organize a pro-Palestinian rally, was aimed at eliminating a potential political challenger in Punjab.
Even as the election became a one-horse race, difficulties within the party remained a concern, as rejected candidates often ran as independents. However, this issue has also been resolved. The seat – long associated with the Cheema family, who had represented the party in the last three elections – was allocated to Bilal Tarar to help the Tarar family build its political base.
Nisar Cheema was reportedly asked to support Bilal Tarar by promising him future rewards. Even if Cheema had chosen to break ranks, sources suggest he might not have been able to contest the elections.
Moreover, in NA-96, Nawab Sher Waseer reportedly refused to step down in favor of Bilal Bader Chaudhry, brother of Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. Police raids were reportedly carried out to pressure Waseer to resign, apparently on the minister’s instructions.
