SWABI: The politically-strong Tarakai family faces an uphill task to contest the upcoming elections from a strong position because of internal divisions and court cases against a heavyweight, sources in Tarakai House told Dawn here on Saturday.

They said that Shahram’s uncles Usman Khan Tarakai and Biland Iqbal Tarakaihad decided to contest elections from NA-20, Swabi-II, and PK-53, Swabi-V, respectively, on Pakistan Peoples Party ticket.

The sources said Shahram Khan Tarakai had also filed nomination papers from NA-20 on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ticket. They added his brother, Faisal Khan Tarakai had filed papers from from PK-53, Swabi-V, and cousin, Murtaza Tarakai from PK-52, Swabi-IV.

The sources said though Shahram had filed nomination papers, he was still in the hiding after the May 9 riots. “In his absence, it won’t be possible for the family to contest the general elections from a strong position.”

Meanwhile, insiders said both Faisal Tarakai and Murtaza Tarakai were a new breed of leaders, and it won’t be easy for them to convince the voters.

“In the absence of Shahram and his father, Liaqat Tarakai, it would be very difficult for the family to fair well in polls like the previous three general elections,” said a local PTI leader on condition anonymity.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim, former adviser to chief minister on industry, hoped that the Supreme Court would order the Election Commission of Pakistan to award bat symbol to PTI.

He claimed that the party would win the general elections as workers were quite motivated.

He said the ‘victimisation’ policy of the government would backfire to the benefit of PTI in elections.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2023