DADU, Aug 22: A total of 1,656 candidates, including 146 for seats of nazim and naib nazim and 1,510 for general, women, workers and minority councillors’ seats, are contesting in Dadu district for local body elections to be held on Aug 25.

Three pairs of nazims and naib nazims from the Dadu Ittehad Panel (DIP) were returned unopposed in Chhore, Qambar and Butra Buriro union councils of Khairpur Nathan Shah taluka. There is tough contest between the Awam Dost Panel and the DIP in the district.

PPP leaders MNA Rafique Ahmed Jamali, Haji Zafar Ali Leghari, former Sindh minister Pir Mazharul Haq, Qazi Shafiq Ahmed Mahessar, Qambar Ali Leghari, Dr Talat Mahessar and MPA Marvi Mazhar have intensified campaign in favour of ADP candidates.

While Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi, MPAs Sadaqat Ali Jatoi, Ehsan Ali Khan, Karim Bux Jatoi, PML district president Ahmed Khan Lund and Sardar Naban Khan Lund were campaigning for DIP candidates.

The Khushhal Pakistan Panel and the Dadu Ittehad Panel candidates are contesting through seat adjustment in the district.

PPP leaders Mazharul Haq, Haji Zafar Ali Leghari and MNA Rafique Ahmed

Jamali told Dawn that police were developing pressure on ADP candidates and police were arresting them to change their loyalty.

They alleged that many fake cases have been registered against ADP candidates and their supporters.

Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi claimed that majority of people was supporting DIP candidates and his panel will win in the district.