Javed Hashmi of PML-N is the best candidate for PM of Pakistan. I hope sheeda Tulli aka Lota, will lose his security money in this fight. In present circumtances javed Hashmi is the best candidate for the Prime Minister, he deserves it. What do you think?
Hottest run between Sheikh and Hashmi
By Amin Ahmed
RAWALPINDI, Dec 23: The contest between Sheikh Rashid Ahmad of Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Javed Hashmi of Nawaz League (PML-N) for NA-55 is being considered as the ‘hottest’ as it serves as a test case for the vote bank of Nawaz Sharif’s party which had been describing Rawalpindi as one of its strongholds.
PML-N had suffered a leadership vacuum in local politics during the post-October 1999 period which had shrank or neutralised the party vote bank that now the return of Nawaz Sharif has filled infusing new life in its workers. Still what the party needed to confront the former railways minister and the PML-Q at the hustling was someone more charismatic and prominent than the run of the mill candidates who have been facing the Sheikh. In Javed Hashmi, who has headed the party during his exile, Nawaz Sharif has found the man who can revive the party in this lost bastion.
While Sheikh has been campaigning all along through his position as a federal minister and a member of the ruling PML-Q, Mr Hashmi kicked off his campaign in Rawalpindi on Thursday afternoon in what looks like a tough task reclaiming the vote bank from the ‘Farzand’. Mr Hashmi is not new to the people of Rawalpindi. He had a good rapport with Mr Ahmed in the early 1970s. While Javed Hashmi was President of Punjab University Students’ Union, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad was President of Gordon College Students’ Union. Hashmi, a popular student leader, used to get rousing welcome by students of Rawalpindi. Together, they led protest rallies against Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Rawalpindi. But now friends have become foes and would be election rivals from different platforms.
It will be a tough bout between the two heavy weights and all eyes in Rawalpindi will focus on the results of this contest. The public has been showing keen interest in the coming election which is the talk of the town since Nawaz Sharif has entered the contest. Sheikh Rashid has already stated that this will be his last election. In politics there is no final word. In any case he will remain in politics till 2012 if elected; otherwise he plans to do social work.
After having been denied the ticket by PML-N in 2002 elections, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad had publicly declared that he would contest the elections as an independent candidate and if he won he would gift the seat to Nawaz Sharif. However, instead of fulfilling his promise, after winning the election, he ensconced himself in the lap of PML-Q. There is no doubt, Sheikh was one of the popular ministers in the cabinets of Jamali, Shujaat, and Shaukat Aziz. He was more comfortable as the federal minister for Railways than in his role as the government’s spokesman. Even as the Railways minister he kept stealing the lime light and his plebeian views were sought on all affairs. He used his two ministerial positions to develop cordial relations with the presidential camp which made him an important figure.
Sheikh Rashid Ahmad secured funds from the government to set up schools and colleges particularly for girls in Rawalpindi. Enjoying strong support of President Musharraf, Sheikh Rashid announced to build an expressway between Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the Leh nullah. The President performed the inauguration of the Rs20-billion-project which is considered as the costliest project after Islamabad-Lahore Motorway built by Nawaz Sharif. The expressway project carries less economic benefits as compared to the motorway. It would only provide facility to commuters between the twin cities.
Public opinion is not favouring the expressway project on the ground that over 1500 houses located in different parts of the city would have to be demolished to pave the way for the expressway. Owners of all such houses which have been marked to be demolished are angry and not ready for the demolishment of their houses. The project seems to have diminished his popularity. Critics say it would turn into a ‘white elephant’ if carried out. The project would die if government at federal level is not formed by PML-Q.
Mr Hashmi, who was elected as MNA in 2002 elections from Multan spent most of his time in jail in the treason case. While in jail, his sympathisers within the parliament and in the masses increased tremendously as reflected from the receptions he received in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Voters are now more aware than ever before thanks to the media, particularly electronic. But only a free and fair election can show the change.
NA-55 Rawalpindi-VI
Location/Boundary: Constituency NA - 55 (Rawalpindi - VI) of
Rawalpindi district is bounded on the north by
Hairpur district, on the north east by Attock,
Haripur & Islamabad district, on the east by
Rawalpndi tehsil (Part), on the south by
Chakwal district and on the west by Attock
district.
Population density: 7,227 (population per square kilometre)
Urban rural spread: 55.92% urban population
Literacy rate: 65.43%
Prosperity index
Housing structure: 11.38 (combined percentage share of
semi-pacca and kacha housing units)
Housing utilities: Electricity: 91.54% Water: 42.52%
Voters turnout in 2002: 38.76% Registered voters in 2002:
0.254 million Winner (2002) Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (Independent)
Runner up Agha Riazul Islam (PPP)
Winning margin 11,764 votes