HARIPUR: The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has fielded more than 70 per cent candidates in all the 45 union councils compared to other political parties in Haripur district.

The electioneering for local government polls has virtually exposed the organisational ineptness of the major political parties in the district. Two major political parties -- Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League-N -- have failed to show their presence in the field. The monetary clout and tribalism (bradriism) has replaced the political ideology and programme, which were once the hallmark of any political organisation.

Majority of the candidates, who are contesting for district councils and tehsil councils, equalise politics with fraud and cheating.

The PTI, which carries a political tag, is also faced with an army of candidates, who do not believe in any kind of political ideology. Some of the candidates prefer using of force to wrest the seats. It is evident from the two separate gory incidents that claimed seven lives. The political gangs entrenched in the ranks of political parties have become the real force than the political leaders.

Electioneering for LG polls has exposed the organisational ineptness of major political parties in the district

The entire local organisation of PML-N has switched its loyalties over to PTI owing to the lethargic attitude of its (PML-N) district and provincial leadership. The PML-N leaders are mistaken that Hazara is their political fiefdom. They come to the area like tourists.

The PPP workers do not know who their provincial office-bearers are. It could not get itself rid of polarisation and groupings.

The only person, contesting with the symbol of arrow (the party symbol), is PPP district president Zulfiqar Ahmad Qureshi. The remaining lot is running on various levels of councils as independent candidates.

Amjad Chugtai, who is an activist of Awami National Party and who contested on party ticket in the past from PK-50, is running for a district councillors post as independent candidate. The Jamaat-i-Islami has also fielded its candidates, but most of them are depending on bradriism than JI’s programme.

The race for city’s three union councils (southern, central and northern) will portray the fate of future’s district council. It is equal to the strength of National Assembly’s seat.

Yousaf Ayub Khan, a PTI former MPA, is the driving force behind the party’s electioneering across the district. He has chosen winning horses, but they could prove to be unbridled with the passing of time.

The PTI has awarded tickets to candidates from the GT Road area not for their political commitment, but their knack of wresting the show. 

The main role is being played by bradris (tribes) in the polls. The PTI wave is also playing a role, but for those who are political workers and not new entrants in the party.

PTI chief Imran Khan is also due in the city on Tuesday. Most of the weak candidates expect that Imran Khan’s public meeting may prove to be a good change in their favour.

The law and order situation is not encouraging. The small police force is faced with a challenge. Unauthorised Afghan refugees, astray militant hordes and absconders too are pouring their share in the decline of the situation.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2015

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