253 lawyers contesting Pak polls

Notwithstanding a call by the legal fraternity to boycott the January 8 general election, Pakistan8217;s 253 lawyers are in the fray for the polls to the National and Provincial Assemblies. While a majority of the black coats are contesting as independents, 112 lawyers are fighting on tickets issued by various political parties. Of these, 79 lawyers are contesting for the National Assembly lower house of Parliament seats and 174 for Provincial Assemblies.

The same number of members from the medical fraternity 8212; 253 8212; are fighting it out for 98 National Assembly and 155 Provincial Assembly seats.

Seventy-five retired military officers are also taking part in the general election. Of these, 28 are contesting for the National Assembly while 47 for Provincial Assemblies.