The much awaited Election Day is upon us and the country looks forward to democratic transition in its 71-year history stained by military revolution. Pakistanis are hopeful to have the leaders that will help Pakistan flourish.
Many political parties have presented celebrities from showbizas their candidates. Stars like Qavi Khan, Kanwal Nauman, Tariq Aziz and Mustafa Qureshi have contested elections in the past as well. In this general election of 2018 following celebs are contesting the election.
Gul-e-Rana
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has given the TV actress the party ticket for PS 94, Landhi area. According to her, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his party were the only ones who had the ability to award tickets to members of the entertainment industry and that too to a female.
Mother of the popular singer, Asim Azhar Gul-said she wishes to work for the wellbeing of artists and culture as she considers them the identity of Pakistan.
Abrar-ul-Haq
The famous singer, Abrar-ul-Haq is the candidate of Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Abrar is facing off Ahsan Iqbal in Narowal’s NA-78 constituency. Abrar is also quite well known for his social welfare activities. In order to develop the vote bank, the “Preeto” singer has been going to local ‘naan’ shops, barber shops and tailor shops in low-wage areas.
Ayub Khoso
Pakistan People Party (PPP) has awarded the party ticket to the veteran actor Ayub Khoso. He is contesting election from provincial assembly seat PS-101 which comprises of areas of Gulistan-e-Johar and Abul Hassan Isphanai Road. Khoso says that rather than focusing on local issues he would work on issues related to education, water and health.
Sajid Hassan
Sajid is contesting for NA256 Karachi. He shared the news of joining PPP via his twitter account. He said, “Before a celebrity, I’m a common man and I could see a solution to everything either small or big.”
Sajid further added, “PPP has also taken the first positive steps towards introducing artists in mainstream politics.”
Jawad Ahmed
Founder of Barbari Party Pakistan and pop singer Jawad Ahmed is contesting against Bilawal Bhutto, (PPP) Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif (PML-N) and Imran Khan (PTI).
The musician says, “The reason for forming my own political party ‘Barabri’ is to make an effort to get the people their due rights. There is not a single political party working for labourers and peasants. 70-year history of Pakistan vindicates that politics and elections are just a profitable business for these parties.”
Abbas Jafri
Abbas Jafri known for his modelling and good looks is contesting election from PS 125 on PTI ticket. Jafri will challenge rivals in a MQM 9-Zero zone in Karachi.