HARIPUR: After Omar Ayub Khan’s decision not to contest by-election from his native constituency, NA-19, Haripur, PML-N has reportedly nominated Babar Nawaz Khan as its candidate for the race.

Mr Khan, who had tried his luck in the by-election for PK-50, Haripur as an independent candidate, is the elder son of former provincial minister Akhtar Nawaz Khan, who was killed in an ambush by his rivals near his home in Khalabat Township some years ago.

Mr Khan stood second in the run. Politics is their calling. Gohar Nawaz Khan, one of his uncles, had succeeded his (Babar) late father as MPA from PK-51, Haripur.

He is perhaps the youngest candidate for the National Assembly seat. His family has a tight grip over their native provincial assembly area. They feel no political threat in this constituency. His success is linked with the efforts of PML-N local organisation, which is not in a position to effectively run the electioneering.

The PTI has been enjoying a massive public support since its emergence in the general elections. Its candidate will be having an edge over his opponents as it has bagged more seats in the local bodies’ elections from any other party. These winners may do wonders.

Dr Raja Aamir Zaman, who has already kicked off his electioneering being a PTI candidate, is hopeful of his success. The local PTI leadership, which includes the sitting provincial adviser for communications and works, Akbar Ayub Khan and his elder brother Yousaf Ayub Khan, will use all resources to make Raja Aamir’s success certain.

The spread of constituency itself is a biggest challenge for the contenders. Despite all odds, Omar Ayub had adapted himself with this sort of expeditious task. Some of the Haripur union councils, which abuts on Islamabad Capital Territory, can be approached via Islamabad.

They do not have any smooth or direct access from Haripur.

The gang’s politics has taken over the traditions of party politics. The gang members are running the affairs of various political parties as their local office-bearers. They are ones who decide about the political game being played in the district.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2015

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