SWABI: Local leaders of political parties in their separate gatherings have said that they will fully participate in the upcoming local government (LG) elections. They also said that they could enter into electoral alliances with likeminded groups and political parties, but the dominant factor of the biradari (clan system) would be kept in mind.

Biland Iqbal, central general secretary of Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan (AJIP), urged the party leadership to keep the workers on board with regard to the party policy about participation in the LG elections. “We are ready for the elections,” he said.

Awami National Party district president Rehmanullah said that the LG elections would be a test for the party and they would strive to stage a comeback, rejuvenating the party in the district. The ANP had tasted the worst ever defeat in 2013 general elections in the district, which remained its stronghold for a long time.

Seeing possibilities of alliances

Iftikhar Ahmad Khan, district president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, said that they were ready to contest the elections from all 56 union councils of the district. He said that their office-bearers at each union council would be taken into confidence on the election-related matters.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf district leaders said that they would submit their applications to the party for contesting the LG elections by March 25. Anwar Haqdad Khan, district president of the party, said that they would also form election alliances with other likeminded groups and parties.

He said that like the general election the PTI would also show good results in the LG elections.

LAND FOR VARSITY: Over 1,400 kanals have been acquired for the University of Swabi campus in Anbar.

The varsity teachers said here on Tuesday that the university had commenced its work in a small building, which was constructed for the elementary college. They said that the new campus would have all the required facilities for both the students and teaching staff.

Majority of the varsity’s students is from the Swabi district, Buner and various other areas. “We have also students from Peshawar and even tribal areas in our pharmacy department,” said Dr Abbas Khan.

Published in Dawn March 19th , 2015

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