KARACHI, July 10: Political activities in the country have started gaining momentum following acceleration in election campaign by almost all political and religious parties.

The traditional “game of politics” has also started taking shape as the old habit of politicians, giving up their past affiliations and joining new political parties and changing their ideologies, is continuing.

Among the prominent personalities who have recently changed their parties are Shah Mohammad Shah of the PML (N), Sindh, who joined the PPP; Iftikhar Hussain Gilani of the PPP, who joined the PML (QA); the PML (N)’s Dr Taj joined the SDA; Alhaj Shamimuddin of the PML (F) switched over to the SDA; and Badar Iqbal who quit the MQM and joined the PML (Q).

The Sindh chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Pervaiz Ali Shah, also left his party but is still undecided about his future affiliation. Aftab Ahmed Sherpao in the NWFP has parted ways with the PPP and is leading his own faction.

Also included in the list are those who have changed their parties twice and in some cases thrice, including Tariq Aziz, Rub Nawaz Khokhar and Syeda Abida Hussain.

A majority of the PML (N) leadership, who had earlier reposed complete confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, took a U- turn and formed another faction of the Muslim League headed by Mian Mohammad Azhar who was a vice-president in the PML (N) earlier.

However, compared to these politicians, a majority of leaders of PPP, Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement have remained loyal to their leadership and did not change their affiliation.

The recently-formed National Alliance and the Sindh Democratic Alliance have also provided an alternative platform to leaders who are discontent with working their parties.

Parties like PPP, PML and some regional groups will face acute problems in making adjustments with influential elements of the society, including landlords, Chaudris, Khans, etc., as introduction of graduation condition for contesting elections has rendered majority of them disqualified.

In Sindh, political bigwigs of Thatta, including Eijaz Ali Sherazi and district Nazim Shafqat Ali Shah Sherazi, besides more than two-time elected MNAs Babu Memon and Ghulam Qadir Malkani, have become ineligible for contesting elections following imposition of the graduation condition.

According to a report, the Sherazi brothers have also offered Sindh Governor Mohammedmian Soomro to contest election on a National Assembly seat from their constituency which will be a sure victory for Mr Soomro if they supported him.

Almost all the political parties, which are keen to take part in the October elections, have laid special focus on their manifestos, which they are expected to make public after announcement of elections schedule by the government.

A majority of political and religious parties have already given final shape to their manifestos.—PPI