SWABI: Haji Rehmanullah, a former parliamentarian and leader of Awami National Party who dominated the local political landscape for about three decades, passed away after brief illness in a hospital in Peshawar on Friday. He was 81.

He was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Karnal Sher Kallay, Swabi. His funeral was attended by political leaders, ANP workers and people from all walks of life. He left behind two sons, a daughter and a widow to mourn his death.

Haji Rehmanullah was elected MNA from then sole National Assembly constituency (NA-8) of Swabi district in 1990 elections, defeating Saleem Khan of Pakistan Democratic Alliance with a margin of 23,159 votes.

However, in 1993 elections he lost the seat to Maulana Fazlullah of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, who is now settled in the US. Rehmanullah regained the seat in 1997, defeating Iftikhar Ahmed Khan of PML-N.

The veteran ANP politician survived several internal revolts. Each time it was predicted by his rivals that it was the end of Rehmanullah’s political career, but he would turn the tables on his opponents.

The most serious rebellion he faced was led by founder of Swabi Qaumi Mahaz late Dr Mohammad Saleem along with former MPAs Abdul Majid Khan and Asmatulah and Awal Sher Khan over differences on the award of the party’s tickets for 1990 general elections.

He always remained loyal to Wali Bagh leaders, enjoying friendly relations with Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Asfandyar Wali Khan, Begum Naseem Wali Khan, Azam Hoti and Ameer Haidar Hoti.

He stood like a rock with Wali Bagh leaders when late Ajmal Khattak had held a meeting with former dictator Pervez Musharraf, and supported Asfandyar. Again when Begum Naseem Wali launched her ANP-Wali he fully backed Asfandyar despite repeated calls from Begum Naseem. Later, he strongly opposed the criticism by Azam Hoti against the party high command. — Correspondent

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2015

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