DERA GHAZI KHAN: The election scenario in trans-Indus district of Dera Ghazi Khan for the Feb 8 general elections has entered a dramatic phase as PML-N provincial general secretary Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari is backing an independent aspirant instead of supporting party nominee on PP-288 Syed Aleem Shah.

On the contrary, Mr Leghari asserted that he personally handed over the party ticket for PP-288 to Aleem Shah. The decision to leave NA-185 open was a party move, and now independent Mehmood Qadir Leghari, backed by the Leghari group of PML-N, has the right to choose his provincial wings as an ally.

Leghari said he, contesting on NA-186, and his son Amar Khan, running for NA-187 and provincial assembly seats, are engaged in their respective election campaigns.

Despite the heightened campaigning, public interest seems low, likely due to extreme weather conditions and rising prices.

Dera Ghazi Khan, with four NA and eight provincial assembly seats, is witnessing heated contests, particularly on NA-183 (Taunsa) between independent PTI-nominated candidate Khwaja Sheraz and PML-N’s Amjad Farooq Khosa.

NA-184 is witnessing a tripartite battle between independent Javed Lound, Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, and PML-N’s Abdul Qadir Khosa. Independent candidate Ali Muhammad of PTI is also in the race.

Interestingly, PML-N’s traditional candidate for the constituency, Awais Leghari, refrained from contesting NA-185. This led to former tehsil nazim of DGK, and a favourite candidate of PML-N from PP-290 in previous elections, Mehmood Qadir Leghari, running independently on NA-185 with the support of the Leghari group of PML-N and backing from former PTI MPA Hanif Pitafi.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, tensions within PML-N over candidate selection remain unresolved, resulting in a strategic alliance supporting Qadir Leghari and former PTI MPA Hanif Pitafi for NA-185 and PP-288, respectively.

Aleem Shah told Dawn that Awais Leghari is not supporting him in the campaign, as he has not attended his corner meeting. Leghari is backing independents Mehmood Qadir and Hanif Pitafi on NA-185 and PP-288.

On the other hand, the organisational crisis of the Pakistan People’s Party within its district chapter has adversely affected its campaign in NA-185 and provincial seats. The appointment of new office-bearers from outside the party, ignoring workers, has led to disaffection, with one tehsil general secretary leaving the party to join PTI.

NA-185 features key contenders like Mahmood Qadir Leghari, PPP’s Dost Khan Khosa, independent Zartaj Gul, JI’s Sheikh Usman Farooq, and TLP’s Zikrullah Rizvi.

PP-288 witnesses intense competition between Dost Khosa (PPP), Syed Abdul Aleem Shah (PML-N), and independent candidate and former PTI MPA Hanif Pitafi. PTI-nominated independent candidate Iqbal Saqib is also in the race.

In PP-286, a tough contest is anticipated between Javed Akhtar Lound and PML-N’s Salahudin Khosa. PTI-nominated independent candidate Faraht Abbas Lound is also running.

In PP-287, a fierce battle is expected between PML-N’s Osama Leghari and independent Abdul Qadir Khan, while independent Akhlaq Ahmed Badani is also campaigning.

NA-186 sees prominent contestants like Awais Leghari, Dost Khosa (PPP), and independent Sajjad Cheena of PTI.

PP-289 features Dost Khosa of PPP, independent nominated by PTI Ahmed Ali Dareshak, and Hanif Pitafi as prominent contestants.

PP-290 witnesses a heated contest between Awais Leghari and independent Muhammad Khan Leghari.

In PP-291, a hot competition is anticipated between the independent candidate Muhammad Khan Leghari and Ahmed Khan Leghari on the PML-N ticket.

It is worth mentioning that the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) did not field its candidates in any constituency of DGK and Rajanpur.

However, local political pundits believe that the enthusiastic support of young voters for PTI-backed candidates could potentially influence the results.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2024