Pakistani-Origin Candidate Takes Leave to Contest Canadian Elections

Rana Aslam, a candidate with origins in Pakistan, has announced a temporary leave from his governmental position to participate in the Canadian elections.

Aslam stated that a victory would prompt his resignation, while a loss would see him return to his job the following day.

Representing the Liberal Party of Canada in the Hamilton constituency, Aslam has garnered significant backing from party leader Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, who has twice visited Hamilton to campaign on his behalf.

Aslam is an engineer employed by the government in Hamilton. He has taken leave, as per regulations, to engage in the election. Should he win and become a Member of Parliament, he will resign from his engineering post on April 29. If unsuccessful, he intends to resume his duties upon the conclusion of his leave on the same date.

Originally from Multan, Aslam relocated to Hamilton in 2003. He became a member of the Liberal Party in 2010 and has since occupied various positions within the party. Balancing family obligations, he pursued further education in Canada. He is now contesting in a relatively disadvantaged constituency with numerous challenges in Hamilton.

In an interview, he noted that the tariff policies of the U.S. President had exacerbated difficulties for Hamilton’s aluminum manufacturing sector, resulting in $3.5 million in tariffs within a single month on aluminum supplied to the United States. He stated that, if elected, his focus would be on new construction, road development and repairs, and other civic improvements in his constituency.

Responding to a question, he acknowledged that the number of Pakistani-Canadian voters in his constituency is relatively small. He emphasized the active support from his Pakistani friends, along with assurances of support from other minority communities.

Sources indicate that Aslam faces a challenging race against the NDP candidate in the constituency. However, the Liberal Party’s increasing popularity is considered beneficial to his chances.

Aslam holds affection for his homeland, Pakistan, and the mangoes of Shujaabad. In contrast to some Pakistani politicians, he has been seen meeting voters in his constituency, wearing a volunteer badge and accompanied by a small group of young supporters.