SWABI, Sept 9: Local government representatives have started canvassing for their respective candidates for the elections in violation of the government directives to keep away from electioneering.

Insiders told Dawn on Sunday that the PML(QA) had awarded tickets for the two National Assembly and four provincial assembly seats of the Swabi district in consultation with the district Nazim, Sher Zaman Sher. They said the district Nazim was the real force behind organizing the party in the district.

The district Naib Nazim, Mohammad Jamil, who had been general secretary of the Swabi Qaumi Mahaz, is campaigning for Dr Mohammed Saleem, an independent candidate.

The Nazim of Tehsil Swabi, Masood Jabbar, is a staunch supporter of the PPP (Sherpao). Sources said that he had mobilized the entire government machinery in the Tehsil to make Aftab Ahmed Sherpao’s visit to Swabi a success.

The Nazim of Tehsil Chota Lahore, Haji Mohammad Amin, who is an active leader of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, is also making efforts to win votes for the MMA candidates.

The opposition leader in the district council, Jehanzeb Khan, who is one of the key members of the Awami National Party, has launched a campaign for ANP candidates Aman Khan (PF-31 Swabi-I) and Sheharyar Khan (NA-12 Swabi-I), sources said. He has played a key role in making seat-to-seat adjustment with others candidates.

Other elected representatives in the district have also started campaigns for the candidates of their political parties.