DERA GHAZI KHAN: Despite the allotment of symbols to candidates for general elections, the process of political alignment in PML-N groups is still underway in Dera Ghazi Khan. Infighting among PML-N groups is likely to benefit Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) or some independent candidates.

The PML-N of Dera Ghazi Khan chapter consists of four groups. The first group is led by former PML-N MNA Amjad Farooq Khosa, who left the PML-N on Saturday last and is contesting the poll for NA-190 on the symbol of jeep. He is facing Khosa tribe chief Zulfiqar Khosa, a PTI candidate.

The second group, led by Qaisrani tribe chief Mir Badshah Qaisrani, is contesting for NA-189 with Shamoona Qaisrani as the party candidate. She is, however, contesting for PP-285 an independent candidate on the symbol of mobile phone. She is facing PTI’s Khawja Sheraz on NA-189.

The third group is of cleric Senator Dr Hafiz Abdul Kareem. The senator launched his son Osama Abdul Kareem as an independent candidate for PP-290 against PML-N’s Muhammad Ahmed Khan Leghari after the party denied him ticket. Osama has made an alliance with independent candidate Dost Muhammad Khosa who is contesting for NA-191 and PP-289 as an independent candidate. PML-N candidates for NA-191 and PP-289 are Awais Leghari and Aleem Shah. Earlier, Senator Kareem was backing former deputy mayor Sheikh Israr in PP-289. Sheikh Israr is now criticising the senator for betraying him. He told a press conference the main electoral college of the PML-N in the constituency was his Urdu speaking community in the city but the PML-N deceived the urban voters. The recent moves by the senator have weakened the PML-N in Dera Ghazi city.

The fourth group is of Legharis, led by Jamal Leghari and Awais Leghari. The Legharis are facing strong opposition from the Senator Kareem group. Recently, the Legharis won over independent candidate Zeshan Leghari, an important figure of the senator group. The Legharis recently claimed the support of Mir Mirza Khan Talpur, who was earlier their arch rival.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2018