NAROWAL: Tensions rises in the PML-N camp as the battle for the PP-54 ticket has escalated, setting the stage for a potential face-off between prominent leaders Ahsan Iqbal and Daniyal Aziz in the upcoming Feb 8 elections.

Despite efforts by party leader Nawaz Sharif to mediate, both leaders engage in a war of words, casting uncertainty over the final candidate selection.

Mr Iqbal has submitted his nomination papers for PP-54, a constituency falling under NA-75, where Mr Aziz is set to represent the PML-N. Independent candidate Mian Usman Rasheed poses a challenge in NA-75.

The feud originated from Mr Iqbal’s desire to field his son, Ahmed Iqbal, as the PML-N candidate for PP-54. In response, Mr Aziz supports former MPA Owais Qasim Khan. With the party yet to finalize the candidate, Mr Iqbal, in a bold move, submitted his nomination papers for PP-54 in a large rally. His wife, Badr Ahsan Iqbal, is his covering candidate for PP-54. Mr Iqbal has also entered the race for NA-76 against independent candidate Col Javed Safdar Kahloon.

In retaliation, Mr Aziz, vying for NA-75, has submitted the nomination papers for his wife, former MNA Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, for PP-56, a constituency within Mr Iqbal’s domain – NA-76. If the conflict goes on, Ms Aziz could potentially face off against Mr Iqbal’s nephew, Rana Manan Khan, in PP-56, a seat he has held since 2013.

Political analysts say that Ms Aziz holds the potential to defeat Mr Iqbal’s nephew. The ongoing political clash between the PML-N leaders may harm Nawaz Sharif. PP-56 falls under both NA-75 and NA-76, and Mr Iqbal may face challenges in local political maneuvering.

Local journalists Irfan Khan and Amir Irshad have varied views on the political dynamics in Narowal, Zafarwal, and Shakargarh.

Mr Khan says that area votes for political parties, whereas Mr Irshad says that in these constituencies, clans and local groupings play a pivotal role.

He says Mr Iqbal’s decision to enter the election from PP-54 may not be wise, potentially uniting two major political opposition groups.

The possible beneficiary of the clash between Mr Aziz and Mr Iqbal is speculated to be the independent candidate, former provincial minister Pir Syed Saeedul Hasan Shah. Mr Shah, who won the 2018 election as an independent, could capitalize on the political discord within the PML-N.

The political landscape in Narowal district remains uncertain. Up to134 candidates submitted their nomination papers for two NA and five PA seats.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2023