LL political roads in Lahore are currently converging on NA-120: the former prime minister`s constituency and one from which he has not lost previously. Due to the unfortunate illness of the ex-prime minister`s wife, the daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has entered the f ray. Challenging this innercity stronghold of the PML-N, the main opposition party PTI, has again chosen Dr Yasmin Rashid as its candidate. Dr Rashid despite having secured 50,000plus votes in the 2013 general election, lost quite convincingly, to the former prime minister.

For all practical purposes the contest at the moment seems to be one of David and Goliath: a rather one-sidedone. While Dr Rashid campaign consists of canvassing for votes through visits to individual households in the constituency, the other contestant`s representative has the entire provincial governmental machinery at her back courtesy her uncle. The charges leveledinclude: complete security protocol provided by the Punjab police; the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) use of removing PTI`s banners and panaflexes, while at the same time putting up the ruling party`s election material; and the diversion of all provincial resources towards development efforts in the constituency.

Other allegations include the clear flouting of the Election Commission ofPakistan`s (ECP) code of conduct: campaigning by ministers, currently in power; discrepancies in the electoralrole, with over 29,000 voters without records; and the blocking of identity cards by the interior ministry of Pasthun voters, who comprise a significant portion of voters, in certain localities, within the constituency.

Another marked difference is the tone of the election campaign between thetwo parties.

While the PTI candidates are a d d r e s s i n gactual underlying issues of the constituents, Maryam Nawaz`s main thesis revolves around the unfair treatment meted out to her father and consequently a duty of the voters to rectify the situation.

The underlying premise being that the constituents` votes are a given and need not be earned.

Whatever the results on Sept 17, as long as voters choose to vote on the basis of party affiliations and narrow self-interests, the fate of our democracy and polity remains uncertain. A win for a discredited prime minster would clearly point towards a tacit endorsement of governing systemwith the underpinnings of corruption.

Whatever the veracity of the charges, an acceptance by the ex-prime ministerof the fina11egal decision, does indicate some complicity. A win would also serve to undermine the judicial branch of the government, which in theoryisequaltothe executive. Finally any faint signs of dawning of an accountability process will be entirely erased. The slated by-elections stand to be a dehning moment; where in the heart of Lahore, the hearts of Lahoris,will to a great extent, determine the future course of our politics and conse-quently the nation.

Concerning the by-elections, the other day a news channel had the temerity to pose a question, to its guests, conjecturing at a comparison between Maryam Nawaz and Benazir Bhutto. An absurdity, which as a panelist pointed out, was akin to com-paring Nawaz Sharif to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto there was no comparison! Speaking of the absurd, we seem to know no bounds. Much has been written about the commercialization of Bagra Eid, but its glamorization leaves one completely flabbergasted. There are now f ashion shows organised for the sacrificial animals. The animals are accompanied on the catwalk, or perhaps more appropriately animalwalk, by female models, who from time to time `twerk` along with the animals. This is now considered newsworthy.

Talking of the news, to generate viewer interest, pictures of sacrificial animals are solicited for broadcasts.

Despite not being a religious scholar, one can still discern that we have come a long way from the actual meaning of sacrifice. This seems to be our specialty: dredging everything to its basest level! A very happy Eid to all Lahoris and their loved ones! AM Lahori (AmLahori@gmail.com)