Maryam Nawaz cites mother’s condition to change constituency

In a significant development, Maryam Nawaz has refused to contest in one of Lahore’s key constituencies, NA-125.In keeping with her decision, Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif has awarded the NA-127 ticket to Maryam after withdrawing her from NA-125, which was awarded to her on Saturday.The PML-N had earlier awarded NA-127 ticket to party’s Lahore head Pervaiz Malik, who convincingly won the seat against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate in the 2013 general election.“The prime reason behind her change of mind is Maryam Bibi is not in a position to run a campaign for NA-125, which she thinks is a constituency she cannot win while she is in London. And it is not possible for her to return immediately, leaving her ailing mother unattended,” an aide to Nawaz said.He added: “Maryam has to make this decision with a heavy heart as she did not want to stay away from a constituency where her father Nawaz Sharif and mother Begum Kulsoom Nawaz won in the past, and she remained on the forefront to run their campaign in the 2013 general election and 2017 by-poll, respectively,” he said.PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that it was the party leadership’s decision to change Maryam Nawaz’s constituency.“The leadership considers it better to field Maryam Bibi on NA-127,” she added.Asked whether Malik would now contest NA-125, she said: “The leadership will take a final decision in this regard.”Responding to the development, Malik said: “The whole of Lahore is considered the PML-N stronghold. I had requested Maryam Bibi to contest from my constituency and it’s an honour for me that she has decided to do so.“I will wholeheartedly run her campaign and ensure her victory with a significant margin.”As for the question from where he would like to contest now, the former federal commerce minister said: “Whatever decision the party leadership takes, I will accept it.”A source, however, said Malik might not opt to contest NA-125.“There are consultations under way to field Malik either on NA-133 or NA-123 on his request,” the source said.The party has already awarded tickets to Waheed Alam and Malik Riaz for NA-133 and NA-123, respectively.Earlier, Bilal Yasin, a relative of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, had asked the party leadership to consider him for the NA-125 ticket if Maryam Nawaz opts for the other seat.Yasin was elected in 2013 polls on a provincial seat falling in NA-125 (previously NA-120).He, along with Nawaz, had run a vigorous campaign for Begum Kulsoom last September.