LAKKI MARWAT: Though protests against alleged poll rigging are continuing in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Feb 8 elections have completely changed the political landscape of Lakki Marwat district.

New faces backed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf emerged as victorious and strong candidates affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl and a group backed Saifullah brothers faced a humiliating defeat.

Notwithstanding the JUI-F’s a major vote bank in the southern region and Saifullahs having strong influence over electoral politics; the historic win by PTI aspirants has buried their political carcasses in Lakki district.

Tariq Saeed Khan, MPA-elect from PK-107, Lakki Marwat-III, kicked out the political stalwarts from the electoral arena and paved the way for bringing an end to an era dominated by JUI-F.

Backed by PTI, he defeated JUI-F and Saifullah brother’s candidates in PK-107

Mr Saeed has emerged as a visionary leader in the district, reshaping the political narrative of the region.

Hailing from Maidadkhel clan of Marwat tribe, he brought a legacy of service and dedication to the forefront of his political endeavours.

Educated at the prestigious Cadet College Kohat and equipped with M.Phil in Political Science, he grew up in a family with deep roots in the area politics as one of his elders, Naseer Mohammad Khan, served as MNA and MPA in the past.

“I inherited from my family the tradition of commitment to the welfare of people,” said Mr Saeed in a chat with Dawn. He said the historic win in elections had provided him with an opportunity to implement his vision of public service and welfare with a true spirit.

After joining PTI in 2014, Mr Saeed soon rose to high ranks and was made the senior vice-president of south Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of the party.

He earned recognition and popularity in the area on the basis of his tireless efforts to end miseries of marginalised communities.

Though he missed a victory for the provincial assembly constituency by a margin of around 500 votes in the 2018 elections, he remained in constant contact with his constituents and focused on providing them with basic amenities of life.

“I formulated a comprehensive strategy to bring a positive change in the living standards of local residents by focusing on infrastructure development, including building roads, parks and hospitals,” he claimed.

Along with revolutionising the lives of underprivileged inhabitants, Tariq Saeed also remained steadfast in his support for PTI’s core principles, actively participated in the party’s activities and championed the ideals and narratives espoused by Imran Khan.

He also spearheaded the protest drive against attempts to subvert democracy and undermine the integrity of the party and stood beside leadership during challenging times, including protests at Zaman Park in Lahore.

The pinnacle of his political journey came in 2024 with a grand victory over political opponents. He defeated former federal minister Anwar Saifullah Khan, a political stalwart of influential Saifullah family, by a resounding lead of around 26,000 votes.

This historic win not only consolidated Tariq Saeed’s grip over local politics but also marked the end of an era dominated by JUI-F and Saifullah brothers in Lakki Marwat district for last around two decades.

The electoral victory also heralds a new dawn for the people, signalling the departure from the politics of old and a step towards a brighter and more inclusive future.

Tariq Saeed’s political journey is the perfect example of strong resolve, dedication and service to the community.

As he continues to lead the charge for progress and development in Lakki Marwat, his legacy serves as an inspiration for generations to come, reminding us all of the transformative potential of visionary leadership in shaping the destiny of nations.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2024