KOHAT, April 21: Although all major political parties have fielded their candidates for the sole National Assembly seat in Kohat, yet the real contest is expected between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl.
Both the former ruling parties -- Pakistan People’s Party and Awami National Party -- have little chances to show good results in the district during the upcoming general elections. However, former MNA Pir Dilawar Shah, who has resigned from ANP and joined PPP, is regarded as the third strong candidate in the district after those of PML-N and JUI-F.
Observers say that PML-N candidate Eng Malik Asad has emerged as the strongest contender for NA-14, the sole National Assembly seat in Kohat. They say that a close contest is expected between Malik Asad and Seth Gohar Saifullah Khan, who resigned from Qaumi Watan Party and joined JUI-F to contest election on its ticket.
Likewise, Nawabzada Alam Khan, who switched to Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf from QWP, with independent Amjid Khan Afridi and JUI-F nominee Ghulam Habib are in the run for provincial assembly seat, PK-37.
In PK-38 constituency, former nazim Malik Mohammad Iqbal of PML-N is expected to surprise the people by defeating two-time MPA Syed Qalbe Hassan. “Both the candidates have support of their clans. Whoever between them gets 8,000 votes will win the polls,” say analysts. Syed Qalbe Hassan enjoys backing of Shia community while Malik Iqbal has a large number of supporters in Garhi area and the city.
Though situation is not clear in PK-39 constituency so far, political think that Imtiaz Qureshi and Shah Dad Khan will face each other in the elections. They say that it will be difficult for former MPAs Dr Iqbal Din Fana and Iftikharud Din to garner support as they have been changing loyalties since 1990.
Imtiaz Qureshi is president of Kohat District Bar Association. He is contesting election on the ticket of PTI from PK-39 constituency.
Dr Fana of Jamaat-i-Islami was elected MPA by getting 10,232 votes while Mr Qureshi polled 7,816 votes in the 2008 general elections. Dr Fana took part in 2008 polls despite boycott by JI.
