MUZAFFARGARH: As the general election season is approaching, Muzaffargarh, a district notorious for fence-sitting politicians, is witnessing a migration of political figures towards safer ground.

The leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has intensified its focus on Muzaffargarh district, securing the allegiance of key figures. Former National Assembly members Sardar Ashiq Khan Gopang and his son Sardar Amir Talal Gopang from Alipur announced their decision to join PML-N, boosting the party’s presence in the district.

The formal induction took place during a meeting with PML-N President Mian Shehbaz Sharif, attended by Rana Sanaullah, Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, and Attaullah Tarar. Mr Gopang expressed confidence in PML-N’s ability to improve the country’s conditions, saying that it is the only party capable of bringing positive change.

The Gopangs have a history of changing political affiliations on every election. Since 2002, they have been in PML-Q, PML-Q forward block, PML-N, and PTI. Till 2017, Ashiq Gopang used to be taken a close figure of Nawaz Sharif. Following the formation of a joint investigation team against PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, Gopang left the PML-N, contested elections independently, and later aligned with PTI in 2018 elections.

However, Gopang and his group severed ties with PTI when a no-confidence motion was tabled against PTI Chairman and then prime minister Imran Khan in 2022. They have now reconnected with PML-N.

This move follows the recent inclusion of ex-MPA Sardar Chunnu Khan Leghari into the PML-N, whose son Khurram Sohail Leghari was previously associated with the PTI. Also, former MPA Alamdar Abbas Qureshi, who initially joined the PPP after leaving the PTI and also met Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has now shifted allegiance to PML-N. Ex-MPA Mian Zeeshan Gurmani is also reportedly in talks with Sardar Owais Khan Leghari about joining PML-N.

The PTI has been left with former MNA Jamshed Dasti and former minister Dr Shabbir Qureshi. Both have been in hiding since the May 9 incident. The PPP, which won three MNA seats last time, is still being represented with former MNAs Raza Rabbani Khar, Mehr Irshad Sial and Nawab Iftikhar.

Mr Leghari, a key figure in Dera Ghazi Khan division, is playing a crucial role in strengthening the PML-N in the region. Other notable figures, including Syed Basit Sultan Bukhari and Akram Chandia, have recently joined the party.

This influx of experienced political figures signals a growing influence for PML-N in Muzaffargarh and Kot Addu, with more figures expected to join in the near future.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2023