RAHIM YAR KHAN, May 10: A tough contest is expected between Zafar Iqbal Warriach of PML-Q and Jaffar Iqbal Gujar of ARD for NA-196 by-poll scheduled for May 12.

The nomination of Mr Warriach is reportedly the outcome of a deal between the government and Bahawalpur district Nazim Tariq Bashir Cheema.

As many as six candidates had submitted their nomination papers last month, but Mumtaz Mustafa of PPP and Dr Riaz Ahmed of MMA withdrew from the race in favour of Mr Gujar. The NA-196 consists of 22 union councils - 12 urban, 10 rural- which include RY Khan city, Tranda Sawae Khan, Kot Samaba and southern villages.

ll Nazims, Naib Nazims and councillors of the ruling party have been reportedly asked to drum up support in favour of the ruling party nominee. Mr Warriach claims the support of the Arain community having the largest number of voters in the constituency.

He has also reportedly got the support of district Nazim Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood, Abid Bajwa and Haroon Bajwa of MMA, the Jat community and the Mahars of the desert area. The Punjab chief minister also attended an election meeting of Warriach on May 6 and announced various development projects.

Moreover, provincial ministers Makhdoom Ishfaq, Mian Ijaz Shafi, Naseem Lodhi, Jan Hashim Ghlaija and many MPAs participated in his campaign. On the other hand, the PPP, the MMA and many other communities are supporting Mr Gujar. Only one leader of the Arian community, ex-MPA Mian Imtiaz, is extending support to him.

Meanwhile, the last electoral meeting of the ARD was held here on Monday.Speaking on the occasion, PML-N chairman Raja Zafarul Haq said that the political scenario would change with the arrival of Mian Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday (today).

PPP leader Yousuf Raza Gilani said the party would stand by ARD for the restoration of democracy and sovereignty of the parliament. He claimed that the military rulers could not stop Shahbaz Sharif from coming to Pakistan. Former federal minister Makhdoom Shahab, PML-N leader Maimoona Hashmi and others also addressed the rally.