ATTOCK, Feb 10: Political activities in the district are gaining momentum in the wake of local bodies elections scheduled for April.

A tug-of-war has already started among key contenders for the slots of district and tehsil nazims, in addition to important union council seats.

Some major players include Attock District Nazim Maj (retired) Sardar Tahir Sadiq Khan, provincial ministers Col (retired) Shujah Khanzada, Col (retired) Malik Mohammad Anwar, Minister of State for Environment Malik Amin Aslam, MNA Malik Allahyar Khan of Kunda, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Malik Suhail of the PML-N, Malik Hakmeen Khan of PPP and MPA Syed Ejaz Shah Bukhari of MMA and President Mehnatkash Mahaz Attock Rana Liaquat Ali Khan.

Malik Suhail is campaigning against Attock District Nazim Maj (retired) Tahir Sadiq Khan. In the last local bodies elections, he had joined hands with Khattar group of Attock District Nazim Maj (retired) Tahir Sadiq and was elected naib nazim. They defeated Malik Allahyar Khan of Kunda and Malik Amin Aslam.

However, he resigned after developing serious differences with district nazim. He contested the last general elections from the constituency of NA-58 Attock II on the PML-N ticket. But, he lost to Malik Allahyar Khan of the PML. Since then, he has come closer to the PML-N leader Sheikh Aftab Ahmed and is now preparing a political strategy against the 'Khattar' group.

PPP leader and former senator Malik Hakmeen Khan could not contest the last local bodies and general elections due to the graduation condition. However, this time he is introducing his foreign qualified son Malik Shahan Khan to the political arena. But this newcomer will need some time to familiarize himself with politics.

The MMA appears to be demoralized due to the confusing politics of its MPA Syed Ejaz Bukhari, who was elected on PP-15 seat. Mr Bukhari had vowed to end corruption and nepotism prevailing in the district. But, after getting elected, he failed to fulfil his promises, political analysts said.

Syed Ejaz Bukhari had nominated his son for the vacant slot of the district naib nazim against Malik Sameen Khan of Maj (retired) Tahir Sadiq's group. But he withdrew his son's papers at the eleventh hour without the approval of the MMA leadership.

Meanwhile, the MMA leaders are considering to forge electoral alliance with other political parties or influential groups at the district level to ensure good results in the upcoming local bodies elections.

Maj (retired) Tahir Sadiq, known for making and breaking political alliances at the district level, is confident to win majority of the local bodies seats as he enjoys the support of the government. He is also being backed by provincial ministers Col (retired) Shujah Khanzada, Col (retired) Malik Mohammad Anwar, MPs Sardar Mohammad Ali, Pir Abbas Mohinuddin and Senator Sardar Mehmood Khan.

But, despite his strong position, he is struggling to strengthen his Khattar group and is busy shuffling his political cards. His main rival group is the 'Malik' Group. Rumours of reconciliation between Malik group and Mehnatkash Mahaz of Rana Liaquat Ali Khan are also ripe.

Likewise, Naqvi group has also entered the scene. The group is being led by renowned social worker Syed Raza Naqvi.