LOWER DIR: Electioneering is gradually gaining momentum in the Lower Dir district as some political parties have named their contesting candidates.

Jamaat-i-Islami has nominated its former MNA Sahibzada Yaqub Khan to contest the next elections from PK-14, Azizullah Khan from PK-15, former district councillor Shad Nawaz Khan from PK-16, former MPA Izazul Mulk Afkari from PK-17 and former MPA Saeed Gul from PK-18. JI chief Sirajul Haq will contest NA-6 and Maulana Mohammad Ismail NA-7.

Awami National Party has also named its election candidates, including Malik Mohammad Zeb for PK-14, Haji Wasil Khan for PK-15, Malik Sajjad Ahmad Yousafzai for PK-16 and former MPA Haji Bahadar Khan for PK-17. The party’s central spokesman Zahid Khan would contest NA-7. ANP would soon announce its candidates for PK-18 and NA-6.

Similarly, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-Parliamentarians has nominated Brig retired Saeedullah for PK-14, former provincial minister Muzafar Said for PK-16 and Haji Mohammad Nazir for both PK-17 and NA-6.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has also launched its election campaign, and the party seems more active in PK-15 and PK-16, wherein public gatherings are held on daily basis.

PPP, PTI, JUI-F, Qaumi Watan Party and others are yet to announce their candidates. However, PPP, PTI and JUI-F are holding gatherings and corner meetings.

PTI, despite hardships, succeeded in holding a workers’ convention in Mayar the other day. Former MNA Bashir Khan and other activists addressed the gathering, which was attended by hundreds of party workers from parts of Jandol subdivision.

Meanwhile, a farewell function was held at government high school, Khungi, Timergara, on Monday for principal Jan Mohammad, who retired after serving for more than 37 years in the elementary and secondary education department.

The school staff and students presented him with gifts.

District education officer Mahboob Ilahi, additional assistant commissioner Tariq Khan and elders were also in attendance.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2023