GUJRANWALA, Aug 23: Three major political groups, including the ruling PML and PPP, are playing an active role in local body elections in Pindi Bhattian and Saddar tehsils of Hafizabad district.

The ruling party, led by former MNA Chaudhry Mehdi Hasan Bhatti, is reportedly being considered a strong group.

His former allies had deserted him and formed their separate group, headed by ex-district nazim Col Ali Ahmad Awan (retired).

On the other hand, PPP founder member and former district president, Malik Fazal Husain Awan’s son, Malik Fiaz Ahmad and ex-MPA Jamshed Abbas Theem are supporting each other.

The third group, comprising former MPA Intisar Husain and ex-tehsil nazim Anser Ali Bhatti, has made adjustments in Pindi Bhattian tehsil with like-minded people.

However, PML-N former MNA Chaudhry Afzal Husain Tarrar is also supporting opposition factions of the ruling party in local government elections.

These three groups have reportedly fielded their strong candidates for various slots and are claiming to emerge victorious.

Meanwhile, the district administration has completed all necessary arrangements to maintain law and order following deploying commandos and the Elite Force at all sensitive polling stations while the army would monitor the situation.

As many as 88 polling stations have been set up for male voters, 83 for female and 217 for joint male and female.

The number of polling booths is 1,540 in the district, including Pindi Bhattian and Saddar tehsils.