NA-148: Former PM Gilani Faces Tough Contest Against Dehar

APP
Multan: With the upcoming February elections drawing near, the electoral landscape is heating up in NA-148, where a fierce competition is anticipated between former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Ahmed Hussain Dehar.
In the crucial constituencies of Multan, especially NA-148, significant developments have unfolded in the weeks leading to the polls. This constituency is of paramount importance, featuring a three-way race involving Yousaf Raza Gilani, PML-N candidate Ahmed Hussain Dehar, and independent candidate Barrister Taimur Altaf Mahay.
The electoral battleground spans from Bosan Road to Sher Shah, covering areas such as Nawabpur Road, Qadirpur Ran, Chowk Kamaraan, Moza Muzaffarabad, Qasim Bela, and others. While the majority of the constituency is rural, around 20 percent comprises an urban population.
In the previous elections, Ahmed Hussain Dehar clinched victory in NA-148 on a PTI ticket but later distanced himself from the party during a no-confidence motion. In the 2018 elections, Abdul Qadir Gillani contested on the PPP ticket.
Renowned political analyst Sarfraz Ali Ansari noted that this was the former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s old constituency, setting the stage for a challenging competition. Despite expectations favoring Yousaf Raza Gilani, who holds a strong influence in the constituency, Ahmed Hassan Dehr has also gained support from crucial tribes in the area.
Having previously served as the elected Prime Minister from this constituency, Gilani has initiated numerous developmental projects in the region. Another analyst, Nasir Zaheer, pointed out that both parties are actively engaged in their electoral campaigns, with Yousaf Raza Gilani intensifying his efforts. However, a tough competition is anticipated, he added.