SHANGLA: A “tug of war” has been reported in the Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam-Fazl here over nominations for the Feb 8 general elections.

There are several hopefuls for party tickets in NA-11, PK-28, PK-29 and PK-30 with many of them filing nomination papers for multiple constituencies.

Seat adjustment by the JUI-F with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is also expected in some constituencies.

Experts say the JUI-F has a “certain” vote bank in the district that put them in the election winning position in the past, but this time around, there is a tug of war in the party over election tickets.

Seat adjustment with PML-N likely in some constituencies

The party’s senior leadership have reportedly informed the local leadership about seat adjustment with the PML-N.

For NA-11, former senator Maulana Rahat Hussain filed his nomination papers, which were approved.

Party emir Qari Zainullah, Maulana Taj Mukhtar and Mohammad Amad Khan are among leading aspirants for NA-11 ticket.

The chances of Mr Mukhtar of Martung tehsil getting the ticket are high.

For PK-28, seat adjustment with the PML-N is expected though Mohammad Amad Khan and Azizur Rehman eye the JUI-F ticket for election.

Sources in the JUI-F said the party had hinted at seat adjustment on PK-28 Shangla-I seat but both aspirants still wanted to contest elections.

Five JUI-F leaders are in the running for PK-29 Shangla II ticket. They include former Alpuri tehsil convener Shaukat Ali, Dr Abid Khan, Mohammad Zahid, Ziaur Rehman and Maulana Murshid Alam. However, Mr Shaukat is the hot favourite aspirant.

In the PK-30 constituency – the main in the district, Waqif Shah advocate, Shaukat Ali and Mohammad Tayab are contending for the JUI-F’s election nomination.

However, there is a high likelihood of the party going for seat adjustment with the PML-N, whose provincial president Amir Muqam is likely to have a tough contest against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s nominee.

Meanwhile, the returning officer accepted the nomination papers of PTI senior vice-president Shaukat Ali Yousafzai and PML-N provincial president Amir Muqam for NA-11 and PK-28, and PK-30 constituencies, respectively.

POLICEMAN DIES: Police constable Mohammad Hussain died after a brief illness here on Friday. His funeral prayers were offered in Dehrai Alpuri area with police officials, local elders and others being in attendance.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2023