In Rawalpindi's NA-57 constituency, a significant electoral showdown is anticipated on February 8th. The key contenders include Daniyal Chaudhry from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), independent candidate Seemabia Tahir, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq representing Awami Muslim League, Mukhtar Abbas from the People's Party, and Khalid Mehmood Mirza of Jamaat-e-Islami. A total of 26 candidates are vying for victory in this electoral contest.
The constituency boasts a total of 431,511 voters, with 209,077 male voters and 222,434 female voters expected to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections. The electoral region covers various Metropolitan Corporation areas, including Noor Khan Airbase, Muslim Town, Rahmanabad, Waris Khan, Chaklala Scheme 3, Dhok Khaba, Murir, Amarpura, Gracie Lines, Jhanda Chichi, Askari, Ayub Park, Defence Colony, Falcon Complex, Al-Noor Colony, Shakriyal, and some areas of Chaklala Cantt. Additionally, the constituency encompasses Punjab Assembly seats PP-18 and PP-19.
As the election date approaches, political dynamics in NA-57 are set to unfold with candidates intensifying their campaigns to secure the support of the diverse electorate in the region.
In the upcoming NA-57 elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has nominated Daniyal Chaudhry, son of Chaudhry Tanveer, as their candidate. Additionally, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, the nephew of the chief of the Awami Muslim League, and Seemabia Tahir are also prominent contenders in the constituency.
Formerly known as NA-62 in 2018, the constituency witnessed Sheikh Rashid Shafiq's victory with the support of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), defeating PML-N's Sajjad Khan.
During the 2018 elections, Daniyal Chaudhry contested against Sheikh Rasheed and is now poised for a competitive re-election bid, aiming for a substantial victory margin this time.
NA-57 is home to diverse communities including Abbasi, Raja, Sheikh, Chaudhry, Kayani, Malik, Rajput, and Awan. The constituency faces various challenges including the lack of gas availability during winter, inadequate access to clean drinking water, sewage issues, healthcare deficiencies, sanitation problems, deteriorating roads, illegal encroachments, and traffic congestion. These issues remain significant concerns for the constituents.
In addition to navigating party affiliations, voters in Constituency NA-57 will contend with various challenges in their daily lives. Historically, the areas comprising NA-57 have remained a stronghold of the PML-N since 1988.
However, in 2013, the seat was won by the founding member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), only to be vacated later. Hanif Abbasi, representing the PML-N, then reclaimed the seat. In the upcoming 2018 elections, PTI has set its sights on NA-57 once again, where contenders like Daniyal Chaudhry, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, and Seemabia Tahir are expected to clash on February 8th.
