SWABI: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s young candidates could pose a serious threat to survival of seasoned politicians in the Saturday’s local body elections in Swabi district.

The most interesting contest is expected in Saleem Khan union council where young Shahzada Fahad, district president of Insaf Students Federation, is contesting election for the district councillor against seasoned politicians, Gulzar Hussain, Akhtar Hussain, Mukharram Taj and Mukhtiar Khan.

The family of Mr Gulzar has remained prominent in the past and his late father, Said Arab Khan, dominated the Saleem Khan union council landscape for years.

His brother, Muqarab Khan, also remained nazim from the area.

However, now Mr Fahad has poses a threat to them as he is an educated fellow, is outspoken and has a strong support of youngsters.

When contacted, Mr Fahad said the local body election was totally different from the previous polls and that they had already shaken the status quo in the politics of Swabi.

Another interesting contest is between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf candidates for Topi tehsil council seat. Aslam Khan, uncle of PML-N MPA Shiraz Khan, is a seasoned politician, pitched against Yunas Khan for the councillor seat.

It couldn’t be predicated who is going to win, but if Mr Yunas emerges victorious, then in the future elections he would be a dominant force from PK-36, Swabi-6 constituency.

Mr Yunas seeks vote under the slogan of ‘change’ and Mr Asalm on the basis of party’s contributions to development of Topi tehsil.

In Maneri Payan union council, Maj retired Fida Hussain who quit Pakistan People’s Party district general secretary slot and joined PTI contests election against Bilawal Khan and Jamidad Khan of ANP.

However, it might not be easy for him because the area has remained stronghold of ANP.

But the contest between bat and lantern would be an interesting one.

Biland Iqbal, Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan central general secretary, and uncle of Senior Minister Shahram Khan Tarakai, is contesting election from Tarakai union council for district councillor slot against ANP’s Fazal Rahim, Jihad Ali of PTI and Jawad Khan of PPP.

He claims that he will win the elections quite easily as his position is quite strong in the district.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2015

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