SWAT: In a significant political development, Pakistan Peoples Party, Swat chapter, has announced its unwavering backing for Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl candidate Sanaullah Khan in PK-5 here.

The party leaders made the announcement during a news conference held at the Swat Press Club on Monday. PPP divisional president Malak Akram Khan, PPP upper Swat president Shahi Khan, district general secretary Iqbal Hussain Baley, JUI-F district emir Qari Fathatullah and Sanaullah Khan were present on the occasion. The move comes as a result of the PPP’s decision not to field a candidate in PK-5.

On the occasion, Iqbal Hussain said the move not to field a candidate in PK-5 aligned with the directives of PPP’s central and provincial leadership.

Expressing gratitude for the support extended by PPP leaders and workers, JUI-F district emir Qari Fathatullah and PK-5 candidate Sanaullah Khan underscored the party’s commitment to the constituency’s development. They highlighted JUI-F’s proactive initiatives in addressing public issues and undertaking development projects even without holding elected office.

JUI-S scholars extend support to Mahmood Khan

They criticised the previous PTI rule in KP, attributing it to widespread destruction and alleged mismanagement of public resources. They accused PTI representatives of failing to address public concerns effectively.

The alliance between PPP and JUI-F for PK-5 constituency reflects a strategic political move aimed at securing electoral success in the region.

Meanwhile, over 70 religious leaders from Matta tehsil on Monday pledged their unwavering support to former chief minister Mahmood Khan and urged the electorate to prioritise the development of Swat by sending Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-Parliamentarians to power on Feb 8.

The endorsement came following a meeting between the religious scholars of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Sami and Mahmood Khan, the former chief minister and vice-chairman of PTI-P, who is also a candidate for PK-10 and NA-4.

The meeting took place at Mahmood Khan’s residence in Matta.

Mufti Rashid Ahmad, Mufti Abdullah, Mufti Izharul Haq, Maulana Fatehul Islam, Maulana Habib Ahmed, Maulana Afsar Wali, Maulana Hussain Ahmed, Maulana Ubaidullah, Maulana Razaullah, Maulana Hekmatullah Mughal, Maulana Kaleemullah Haqqani, Maulana Najeeb, and Maulana Shakeel were in n attendance.

The religious leaders expressed their admiration for the former chief minister’s groundbreaking initiatives aimed at fostering development in the province, particularly in Swat, and ensuring the welfare of religious scholars during his tenure.

As the election date approaches, the support from such influential quarters adds momentum to Mahmood Khan’s electoral campaign and reinforces PTI-P’s ‘vision’ for progressive governance and development initiatives in Swat and beyond.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2024