SHANGLA: Leaders of almost all political parties in Shangla district have started preparations for the coming general elections, holding corner meetings to motivate their workers and woo voters.

Shangala is stronghold of Amir Muqam, the adviser to the prime minister and PML-N’s provincial president.

However, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf is also active in the district and is ready to make an impact. It organised six corner meetings in last three days where hundreds of activists from various parties joined PTI.

Engr Abdul Tawab, the advisory council member of PTI, Malakand division, said a famous political family of Pir Aman Khan in Pir Abad area had joined PTI. Similarly, a large number of political activists from Kormang, Damorai, Opal, Alpuri and Dehrai have also joined the party. The Awami National Party is also holding corner meetings to woo voters.

Faisal Zeeb Khan, ANP candidate for PK-88 constituency, claimed the party held corner meetings in Nasrat Khel, Rejband, Makhozi and Narnjoo areas where about 400 people joined ANP. He said such activities were also held in PK-87 where dozens of activists joined the party.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F has also started election preparations. JUI-F leader Mohammad Yar Khan said he hoped to contest elections from PK-87 from the platform of Muttahida Majlas-i-Amal. He claimed that ruling parties, including PML-N and PTI, had disappointed the people of Shangla, adding the ground had been paved for MMA candidate’s win from the constituency.

Amir Muqam, his brother MNA Ibadullah Khan, son district nazim Niaz Ahmed Khan, MPA Rashad Khan, Fazalullah Pir Mohammad Khan and others are striving to regain support of Shangla residents in the next general elections.

PML-N leaders can be seen in corner meetings and public gatherings at various localities of the district.

Furthermore, the PML-N and PTI leaders are also announcing construction of link roads, water supply schemes and other projects to woo voters.

Sultan-i-Room, Qaumi Watan Party leader, also claimed that people in droves were joining QWP in the district because of party’s vision and effective role for Pakhtuns. He said many people had joined QWP during the past couple of days in different parts of Shangla.

Pakistan Peoples Party, Malakand Division president Dr Afsarulmulk, and Engr Hamid Iqbal, claimed that PPP would win majority of seats from Shangla, adding party workers would soon start election campaign to give tough time to other parties. Jamaat-i-Islami leaders are also trying to strengthen party’s position in the district.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2018