In Balochistan, the upcoming elections will feature 16 constituencies for the National Assembly, with a focal point being NA-263 in Quetta, the capital of the province. Quetta boasts three National Assembly constituencies, but NA-263 stands out as the epicenter of a major electoral contest.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP), is a key contender in this critical constituency. Strong opposition is anticipated from Mir Maqbool Lehri of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) and independent candidate Salar Khan, supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
With a population exceeding 821,000, NA-263 is home to 18,279 registered voters, including 234,772 men and 183,507 women. The constituency hosts 282 polling stations, underscoring its electoral significance.
While NA-263 has not been historically dominated by any single party, the PMAP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) candidates have secured victories twice. On the other hand, the PPP and PML-N candidates have each won once in this constituency.
In the 2018 elections, Qasim Khan Suri of PTI clinched victory with 25,973 votes, defeating Balochistan National Party’s (BNP) Nawabzada Lashkari Raisani, who secured 20,389 votes.
This time around, the competition in NA-263 is expected to be fierce, with candidates expressing optimism about their chances. However, the real test lies in delivering on campaign promises and addressing the pressing issues faced by the constituency.
Challenges such as unemployment, inadequate residential facilities, traffic congestion, and shortages of gas and water plague the densely populated area. Pending road expansion projects add to the list of concerns.
As the electorate places its faith in political slogans and claims, the focus remains on the candidates' manifestos and their ability to address the community's most significant problems.
NA-263 encompasses a diverse population, including Pashtuns, Balochs, Hazaras, Punjabis, Urdu, and Hindko-speaking communities, making it challenging for any single party to establish political dominance. As priorities shift within this dynamic constituency, the upcoming elections will determine whether any political fortress can be established in NA-263 Quetta.
