KOHAT, Sept 12: In a serious blow to the Pakistan Muslim League (QA), the whole of its district youth wing switched over to Nawaz Sharif group after developing differences with the leadership over the award of national assembly ticket to Syed Iftikhar Hussain Gilani.

The PML-QA’s district youth wing earlier met the provincial president Saleem Saifullah Khan and apprised him of their stance that since Syed Iftikhar Hussain Gilani was not a “true leaguer” he should not be given the ticket.

Saifullah, however, decided in favour of Gilani and expelled the cabinet of youth organisation from the party. It may be mentioned here that the decision would negatively affect the position of PML-QA, already short of workers.

Later, the youth wing led by Abdur Rasheed, Mohammad Khalil and Arshad Sunni announced their joining of PML-N in the presence of the party’s NWFP president Saranjam Khan and Javed Ibraheem Paracha.

Soon after Syed Iftikhar Hussain Gilnai awarded party ticket for the provincial seat to Seth Gohar Saifullah Bangash, the son of the late Seth Saifullah Khan Bangash, a former MPA. He is just 23 and a graduate of Kazakhstan University.

Seth was being approached by leaders of various political groups like PPP of Sherpao, PML-N, ANP and PPP because he could bear the expenses of all the party candidates. Earlier, Seth Noor Mohammad contested 1997 elections on PPP ticket and lost badly.

The arrest of former provincial minister for jail, Hidayatullah Afridi by National Accountability Bureau may also affect the results of the constituency. An election tribunal, however, has spared Syed Iftikhar Hussain Gilani, whose family was accused by the Bank of Khyber of having been a loan defaulter, by allowing the former law minister to contest the elections.

Many candidates have accused the government of supporting the PML-QA members who are announcing development schemes during their visits of various areas and at corner meetings.

Moreover, unlike in the past, the election activity has not picked up momentum, although not many days are left for the polls. The candidates are still on the tenterhooks and not sure whether elections would be held on the announced date.

The position of MMA candidate, Mufti Ibrar Sultan, in the national assembly polls is stronger this time.