MUZAFFARGARH: Some independents and PPP candidates seem stronger in six national assembly constituencies of Muzaffargarh district.

In NA-181, a tough competition is expected between independents Malik Sultan Mahmood Hinjra and Dr Shabir Qureshi while Punjab former governor Ghulam Mustafa Khar is contesting on the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf platform. PPP candidate for PP-268 Mian Amjad Abbas Qureshi is supporting [independent] Dr Shabbir Qureshi while the position of Mustafa Khar and PPP’s Ihsaanul Haq Nolatia seems weak [in NA-181].

In NA-182, neck and neck contest is likely between PPP’s Mehr Irshad Ahmad Sial and Awami Raj Party Chairman Jamshed Dasti. Mr Dasti seems worried about the popularity of Sial in the constituency.

Former PPP MNA Noor Rabbani Khar has extended his full support to Irshad Sial while PTI’s contender is Tehmina Dasti, daughter of veteran politician Sardar Amjad Dasti. Tehmina had not contested the 2013 election. PML-N candidate Hammad Nawaz Tippu [too] seems worried about the treatment being meted out to the party.

Jamshed Dasti claims that he will win [at any cost] as he has changed his strategy and now is wooing feudal lords instead of relying on the downtrodden.

In NA-183, a major fight is expected between independent candidate Mian Fiaz Chajra and PPP’s Malik Ghulam Raza Rabbani Khar whereas PTI’s Malik Rafique Khar and Mian Tariq Ahmad Gurmani (independent) don’t matter.

Mian Fiaz Chajra is popular in his constituency whereas the vote bank of Ghulam Raza Rabbani Khar has [apparently] increased after his sister and former foreign minister

Hina Rabbani Khar addressed a gathering on Sunday last. Chajra and Raza Rabbani are first-timers.

In NA-184, a close contest is expected between PPP’s Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmad Khan and Milli Muslim League candidate Malik Qaswar Kareem Langrial while PTI’s Zehra Basit Bukhari has also gained a considerable strength.

In NA-185, PTI’s Sardar Moazzam Jatoi and Syed Basit Sultan Bukhari (independent) are being considered hot contenders. On the other hand, the position of PML-N’s Haroon Bukhari is somewhat weak.

In NA-186, another close contest is expected between PPP’s Daud Jatoi and PTI’s Amir Talal Gopang.

A.B Mujahid, a local journalist, is hopeful of PPP’s victory in three constituencies.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2018