September 23, 2002	Monday	Rajab 15, 1423

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HUB, Sept 22: Electioneering is gaining momentum in Lasbela district after the announcement of the final list of candidates and arrival of the president of Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-i-Azam), Balochistan, Jam Mohammed Yousuf, from Quetta.

In the district, 24 candidates, including more than 90 per cent new faces, are in the run for one national and two provincial assembly seats.

Jam Yousuf is contesting himself while for Balochistan minister Sardar Saleh Bhotani and Ghulam Akbar Lasi of People’s Party Parliamentarians have introduced their younger brothers to contest the polls.

Non-graduate Saleh Bhotani has introduced Mohammed Aslam Bhotani from PB-45 and Akbar Lasi has fielded Abdul Karim Lasi from NA-270, Lasbela-cum-Awaran, and PB-45, Lasbela-II.

Nomination papers of the PPP leader were rejected due his plea bargain with National Accountability Bureau.

Jam Yousuf, a candidate from PB-44, Lasbela-I, has begun corner meetings in various towns and villages of his constituency and for other candidates of his party, Pir Abdul Qadir Algelani from NA-270 and Mohammed Aslam Bhotani.

Supporters of PML(QA) have begun hoisting flags and banners in the streets of Hub, Winder, Uthal, Bela and other areas.

The candidates of PPP and Balochistan National Party (Mengal) have initiated their election campaigns and are holding public and corner meetings.

BNP(M) President Sardar Akhtar Mengal visited Hub last week and inaugurated district election office of his party’s candidate for NA-270, Mohammed Usman Lasi advocate.

Akbar Lasi, whose nomination forms for one NA and two PA seats were rejected, has launched the election campaign of Karim Lasi.

PPP workers were awaiting the decision of the appeals of their leader, but since the Balochistan High Court upheld the decision of provincial election tribunal, they have started the election campaign.

Tough contest is expected between PML(QA), PPP and BNP(M), but PML(QA) candidates are being considered the strongest unless the other parties unite.