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| August 21, 2005 | Sunday | Rajab 15, 1426 |
Muzaffargarh: opposition, PML have equal chances
MULTAN, Aug 20: Both PML and the opposition parties have an equal chance to grab the top slots in the district and tehsil councils without striking deals with too many smaller groups who have managed to win in many of the 97 union councils in Muzaffargarh.
The chief minister had nominated ex-district nazim Malik Sultan Hinjra for another term despite facing opposition from State Minister for Communications Shahid Jameel Qureshi. Consequently, the minister fielded his own men against the panels being backed by the ex-nazim and his allies. However, he could not get the desired results, as his candidates could reportedly win in only six UCs.
On the other hand, Mr Hinjra too could not produce results needed to make him the only choice for the district’s top slot. He and his allies could win in 12 of the 28 UCs of his home Kot Addu tehsil, while PPP-MMA backed panels (led by Mohsin Qureshi) have succeded in about 10 UCs. The remaining UCs are bagged by Noor Rabbani Khar, Tariq Gurmani, Mian Abbas and Malik Ghulam Mustafa Khar.
In Muzaffargarh tehsil, the panels backed by Amjad Hameed Dasti showed better results followed by Imtiaz Aleem Qureshi, Nawabzada and Dogar groups. Imtiaz Qureshi and minister Shahid Jameel were allies in the local politics until differences cropped up between the two in this election when the latter fielded his candidates against former’s brother Abid Aleem in UC No 39. However, Mr Abid won the competition.
A tough contest was observed between Jatoi (MNA Qayyum Jatoi of PPP) and Abdullah Shah groups for the 16 UCs of Jatoi tehsil. Reports reaching here said the Jatoi group has bagged top slots in 10 UCs, while their opponent clinched the remaining UCs.
In 14 UCs of Alipur tehsil, the contest was between the candidates of traditional rivals Jatoi and Gupang groups. Both camps are making conflicting claims about their success but observers say the groups have won in seven UCs each. The panels backed by PPP leaders make the single largest group in the district after having won top slots in around 26 UCs. Analysts say the CM will have to intervene personally in order to reconcile differences among various local leaders of the PML.
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