BATTAGRAM: A close contest is expected between Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal candidates on one National Assembly and two provincial assembly seats of the district.

A total of 258,155 registered voters, including 152,297 men and 105,858 women, would exercise their right to vote in NA-12.

Eight candidates are in the running for NA-12 seat who included former MNA Qari Mohammad Yousuf of MMA, Mohammad Nawaz Khan of PTI, Sardar Malik Jan of PPP, Misbah Ullah Babar of ANP, Rustam Khan of QWP, Sabir Hussain Shah of PML-Q and two independents Maulana Rasheed Ahmed and Saeed Ahmed.

The district has one NA and two PA constituencies

Prominent among them are PTI’s Nawaz Khan, MMA’s Mohammad Yousuf, PPP’s Malik Jan and Maulana Rasheed Ahmed.

In 2013 elections, Mohammad Yousuf had emerged victorious with 18,075 votes, followed by Nawaz Khan who secured 12,879 votes.

People of Battagram district usually support a religious party and thus the advantage could go to Mohammad Yousuf who was earlier elected from this constituency twice. However, some people say that Mr Yousuf could not deliver during his past stints.

Nawaz Khan could also secure a big number of votes due to his close affiliation with Imran Khan. Maulana Rasheed Ahmed, who opposed the MMA’s decision on award of ticket and is contesting the election independently, could affect the chances of Mohammad Yousuf.

In PK-28, Battagram-I, eight candidates would take part in the election. They include former MPA Shah Hussain of MMA, Zubair Khan of PTI, Mohammad Ikram of PML-N, Mohammad Naeem Khan of PPP, Mohammad Arshad of ANP, Javed Khan of QWP and independents Sardar Ullah Khan and Ghulam Ullah.

A tough contest is expected between Shah Hussain and Zubair Khan. Mr Hussain is considered strong candidate in the constituency as he had been elected thrice since 2002. The youth’s affiliation with PTI and their local government in Allai tehsil would benefit Zubair Khan.

In PK-29, Battagram-II, 13 candidates would contest the July 25 elections. They include former MPA Wali Mohammad Khan of PML-N, Taj Mohammad PTI, Atta Mohammad Pakistan Rahe Haq Party, Mohammad Fayaz MMA, Mohammad Riaz ANP, Saeed of QWP, Zainul Marifeen PML-Q and independents Zafar Ali Khan and Amjid Wali Khan.

Taj Mohammad, Atta Mohammad and Wali Mohammad are considered as the front runners. Taj Mohammad, due to their party’s government in the district and Battagram tehsil, could attract voters in the election.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2018