PTI's Yasmin Rasheed to contest NA-120 election against Shahbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Devising a strategy in wake of Nawaz Sharif’s resignation from his post after Supreme Court’s historic verdict in the Panamagate case, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday has announced Dr. Yasmin Rashid as candidate contesting by-polls for National Assembly seat from NA-120 (Lahore) constituency, ARY News reported. 

Talking to reporters after a meeting chaired by party chairman Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the five-judges bench of the apex court has set a positive precedent for others.

He said the party has decided to field Dr. Yasmin Rashid against Shahbaz Sharif for NA-120 by-polls.

“The decision is taken unanimously during the meeting,” he asserted.

Qureshi said the political scenario following the prime minister’s resignation and the situation arising from the premier’s resignation were discussed during the meeting.

It is to be mentioned here that Nawaz Sharif was disqualified on July 28 (Friday) from holding public office by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its final judgment in the Panama Papers case.

Following the verdict, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson announced Nawaz Sharif had stepped down as the prime minister by acceding to the court orders despite having reservations, leaving the National Assembly seat vacant.

The election commission of Pakistan (ECP) is expected to announce schedule for holding NA-120 by-polls by next week after the premier’s resignation.

In the General Elections 2013, Nawaz Sharif had secured 91,683 votes by winning the seat against 52,354 votes of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s candidate Yasmin Rashid.

From Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP), former ticket holder Hafiz Zubair will be contesting the by-polls from the same constituency.