SWABI: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F and Qaumi Watan Party have vowed to give a tough time to the ruling parties in the upcoming local bodies’ elections in Swabi district.

In separate meetings here on Saturday, leaders of the two parties said that the LG polls were a great test for the ruling coalition, which comprises Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Awami Jamhoori Pakistan (AJIP) and Jamaat-i-Islami.

They said that JUI-F and QWP were ready to enter into an alliance with the like-minded parties and groups to defeat the ruling coalition.

Attaul Haq Darvesh, JUI-F district chief, said that the local government elections would be a test case for both the ruling and opposition parties.

It is to mention here that Pakistan People’s Party, Awami National Party and JUI-F have formed an alliance for the polls in the district. It is expected that more parties and groups would become part of the alliance to challenge the ruling parties.

“Result of the upcoming elections would make it clear where the ruling parties stand,” said Mr Darvesh. “It is also a challenge for the opposition parties how they make people aware about their policies and programmes.”

Masood Jabar, QWP district chairman, said the workers were eagerly waiting for the local bodies elections because it would give them an opportunity to engage with people. “We are democratic people and always remain in contact with the electorate,” he said.

Meanwhile, PPP district president said that a crucial meeting would be held in Chota Lahor on Sunday (today) to adopt a new line of action for the local bodies’ elections.

He said that party leaders from the entire district and key workers had been invited to grace the gathering and put forward their valuable proposals to win elections. The PPP leader was optimistic that the tripartite alliance would be effective at the district level. “The doors of the alliance are open for other parties to join,” he added.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play