In a surprising political move, PTI leader and former federal minister Hammad Azhar has announced his withdrawal from the NA-129 Lahore by-election, handing over the electoral ticket to his nephew, Chaudhry Arsalan Zaheer.
Hammad Azhar withdraws from NA-129 race
Taking to his official X account, Hammad confirmed that his nomination papers have been withdrawn. He explained that due to personal commitments, it would not be possible for him to actively campaign or take oath even if he won the seat.
“My family has unanimously decided that my nephew Chaudhry Arsalan will contest from NA-129. My sister (Arsalan's mother) will lead his election campaign,” Azhar said.
I have no desire to be a part of form 47 parliament that is full of fake MPs. Also, last time my 82 year old father contested, he was harassed by police, arrested and my home repeatedly smashed. As the only son and sole male heir of the family, I do not want my mother to go… pic.twitter.com/J69WOjbFXS
— Hammad Azhar (@Hammad_Azhar) August 25, 2025
He also clarified that there are no fake May 9-related cases registered against Arsalan, making him a suitable candidate to carry forward the political legacy.
PML-N, PPP align on by-election deal
Meanwhile, the by-election dynamics have shifted further as the PPP withdrew its candidates from both NA-129 Lahore and PP-87 Mianwali in line with an electoral understanding with PML-N.
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From NA-129, candidates Asif Nagra, Tahira Jalib, and Farhat Noor withdrew their papers.
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From PP-87 Mianwali, PPP’s Zubair Hamza also pulled out of the race.
This adjustment effectively clears the field for a tougher PTI vs PML-N showdown in Lahore’s NA-129.
