SHANGLA: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf candidate is likely to give tough time to both the Pakistan Muslim League-N and the Awami National Party contestants in PK-23, Shangla-I, in the July 25 elections.

About 13 candidates are in the running, but the real contest is expected among candidates of PTI, PML-N, and ANP. PTI’s Shaukat Yousafzai, who was elected MPA from then PK-2, Peshawar, also contested the PK-23 in 2013 elections, but could secure only 4,000 votes. However, this time he is being considered a strong contestant because he initiated several development projects in the district during the PTI government, thus increasing his vote bank, according to local residents.

PML-N candidate, Mohammad Rashad Khan, who was elected MPA from the constituency twice, is also a strong candidate because he has the support of PML-N provincial president Amir Muqam, who ran his election camping to woo more voters for him.

ANP candidate Mutawakeel Khan, who joined the party after quitting QWP, is also considered a tough contestant. Locals said that he could dent PTI and PPP support in the constituency.

Hitherto, ANP was considered as the only party to challenge PML-N in the district, but now the situation has changed due to entry of PTI in Shangla politics. Now ANP is being considered a third force. However, ANP and PPP candidates can make an upset in the PK-23.

The PPP’s regional president Dr Afsarul Mulk, who is the candidate from the constituency, is striving for the revival of the party in the district by holding public meetings in different parts.

Though Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal’s candidate, Mohammad Yar Khan believes his position is strong in the constituency, the JUI-F’s Maulana Sarbaaz, who is contesting as independent, could erode his vote bank.

Meanwhile, PPP’s Afsar-ul-Mulk and JUI’F’s Maulana Sarbaaz held separate election rallies in Bisham Bazaar on Friday. The rallies started from Alpuri and ended at Dandai Bisham.

Meanwhile, PML-N activists from Kunshi Bisham announced joining the PTI. They made the decision at a public meeting on Friday, where PTI candidate Shaukat Yousafzai was the chief guest.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2018