MARDAN, March 13: The leaders of different political parties have been striving to win over support of influential people in Mardan ahead of the upcoming general elections.

In this regard, central and provincial leadership of different political parities visited the district last week and held public gatherings and corner meetings to mobilise their workers and get support of voters.

Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif along with other central and provincial leaders of his party attended a public meeting on March 8. The public meeting was organised at the railway ground on Mardan-Peshawar Road by Nawabzada Khawaja Mohammad Khan Hoti, who has recently quitted Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf and joined PML-N.

On the occasion, former district president and founder member of Awami National Party Advocate Abdul Hameed Khan along with his family members and friends announced to join PML-N.

Political observers say that PML-N has been strengthened in Mardan after Khawaja Mohammad Khan Hoti joined it. Mr Hoti has persuaded several local leaders of ANP and PPP to join PML-N.

The analysts say that Mr Hoti has accelerated his mass contact drive by holding corner meetings in different areas of the district owing to his rivalry with the Mardan-based leadership of ANP.

They predict a tough contest between Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti and Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti for a National Assembly seat, NA-9, in Mardan.

Similarly, PPP provincial president Anwar Saifullah Khan and JUI-F leader former chief minister Akram Khan Durrani also attended different public meetings on the same day.

Several office-bearers of ANP, hailing from Katlang tehsil, announced to join PPP on the occasion. They alleged that ANP had ignored its workers.

Anwar Saifullah said that alliance with ANP not only damaged the image of PPP but also deprived the party of its due share (in the government).  He ruled out electoral alliance with ANP.

Later in the same day, a function was held by JUI-F wherein Sabir Bilal announced to resign from ANP along with his associates. He joined JUI-F.

Akram Khan Durrani flanked by MNA Maulana Attaur Rehman, MNA Maulana Qasim and Hafiz Akhtar Ali attended the function.

In his speech, Mr Durrani criticised the ruling ANP and PPP for what he called their flawed policies and deteriorating law and order situation in the country.

Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti also visited the residence of Arshad Khan in Chamtaar area in the district on Mach 12. Arshad Khan along with his family members and supporters rejoined ANP and quitted PPP on the occasion.

Later, Mr Hoti also went to Katlang tehsil where Haider Ali Khan of PPP announced to join ANP along with his relatives and friends.

Similarly, the Jamaa-i-Islami central deputy chief Sirajul Haq also visited Shah Baig area 10 days ago to mobilise his party workers for the upcoming general elections.