Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has decided not to contest the 2024 general elections from Lyari, a constituency that was once a traditional stronghold for the party. Instead, he will be running from NA-128 (Lahore-XII), NA-194 (Larkana-I), and NA-196 (Qambar Shahdadkot-I), having submitted nomination papers for these constituencies.
Political analysts speculate that this decision indicates either a lack of interest from PPP in the Lyari constituency, given its loss to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the 2018 polls, or a failure to regain the confidence needed for reclaiming the seat in the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.
However, PPP refutes these notions, asserting a strong position in Lyari based on its performance in previous local elections, where PPP candidates secured a majority of seats and the leadership of the Lyari Town municipality. Sindh PPP General Secretary Waqar Mehdi emphasized that the party is in a robust position in Lyari, and PPP anticipates victory not only in Lyari but also in other areas of the city.
Despite the party’s claims, some political analysts believe that PPP’s decision not to field Bilawal in Lyari suggests a lack of confidence in winning the constituency. After Bilawal’s defeat in the 2018 election, where he contested on workers’ insistence, the party may be cautious about risking another loss in Lyari.
The decision to focus on other constituencies where PPP believes Bilawal could secure a win may indicate the party’s strategic approach to the upcoming elections. Analysts also note that PPP’s urban political dynamics in Sindh may play a role in such decisions. Lyari, once a PPP bastion, has seen changes in political dynamics, and the party’s assessment may guide its electoral strategy.
Local sentiments in Lyari reflect grievances over basic amenities like electricity and gas shortages. Some residents express disappointment in the PPP’s apparent loss of interest in the constituency and feel that it has been handed over to local workers while senior leadership remains less engaged.