Canada elections: Record number of Pakistani-Origin candidates running

(Web Desk): Federal elections in Canada are set to take place on April 28, and a record number of Pakistani-origin candidates are participating in the race.

According to international media, the majority of these candidates are contesting under the banner of the Liberal Party of Canada, with 15 Pakistani-origin individuals representing the party.

Around 10 candidates of Pakistani descent are also running for office on the ticket of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

The leader of another political group, the Centrist Party, is also of Pakistani origin, and most of the party’s candidates are from the Pakistani community. Notably, Zainab Rana, the daughter of the Centrist Party leader and a Grade 12 student, is contesting as the youngest candidate in the elections.

In addition to these three parties, three Pakistani-origin candidates — including student Afrah Baig — are running under the Green Party of Canada.

Furthermore, one candidate, Salman Zafar, is contesting from the Communist Party, while Najeeb Butt is running under the People’s Party of Canada.

Apart from those contesting through political parties, five Pakistani-origin candidates are participating in the elections as independents.

It is worth mentioning that five of the Pakistani-origin candidates — Salma Zahid, Iqra Khalid, Shafqat Ali, Yasir Naqvi, and Sameer Zuberi — have previously served as Members of Parliament in Canada.