Pakistan
Hafeez Sheikh clears scrutiny, papers accepted for contesting senate seat
Islamabad: The nomination papers of Federal Minister for Finance, Hafeez Sheikh, have been accepted after scrutiny by the Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday, paving the way for him to contest for a senate seat from the federal territories.
Talking to the media after the scrutiny of his papers, Hafeez Sheikh said that he was hopeful Pakistan tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will win in the senate. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has only one agenda; the betterment of ordinary man’s life.
When asked about the deal signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday night, Hafeez Sheikh said that the deal will benefit Pakistan’s exports and aid in economic progress.
In answer to a question, Hafeez Sheikh said that in a democracy, everyone is free to contest elections.
The Finance Minister will likely face off with former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani for the federal seat in what is turning out to be the most eagerly watched contest in the upcoming senate polls, scheduled for March 3. Gillani, a member of Pakistan People’s Party and a joint candidate of opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement, has registered his vote in Islamabad, to contest a seat where a potential win could signal political trouble for the federal government.
Gillani’s papers are yet to be cleared by ECP.