SWABI: The mayors of four tehsils in the district have been running full-fledged election campaign for the candidates of their respective political parties in violation of their oath.

The residents of the district said that here was no one to question those powerful leaders, who were utilising resources for election campaign instead of serving people. They said that mayors were aware of their duty but they were forced by political interests to ignore those, who voted them to power.

They recalled that in 2008 general elections when Shahram Khan Tarakai was district nazim and he was using government resources for supporting his uncle Usman Khan Tarakai, Awami National Party made hue and cry that he was influencing elections.

An official of district administration, when contacted, said local government elected representatives of the four tehsils forgot public mandate and were busy in canvassing for their candidates openly.

Residents urge ECP and district administration to take action against them

“People’s problems and public service have been pushed under the carpet and they have engaged in the election campaign of the candidates of their respective parties by using government resources freely,” he said.

Swabi tehsil mayor Attaullah Khan, who belongs to PTI, has been running campaign for Asad Qaiser, former speaker of National Assembly, in NA-19. He is also running campaign in PK-50 for Aqibullah Khan, the brother of Asad Qaiser.

Similarly, Razaar tehsil mayor Ghulam Haqqani, who contested election for the slot on the ticket of ANP, is seeking votes for Waris Khan, the candidate of ANP for NA-20, and Mohammed Zahid Khan, a candidate of the party for PK-53.

Mohammed Adil, the mayor of Chota Lahor tehsil, is not different from his other colleagues. He is a local leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and has been working day and night for his party candidate Nawabzada, who is contesting polls for PK-51.

Topi tehsil mayor Rahim Jadoon is campaigning for Maulana Fazal Ali, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl candidate for NA-19, and Ghafoor Khan Jadoon, who is JUI-F candidate for PK-49. Mr Rahim was elected mayor on JUI-F ticket.

Independent candidate for NA-19 Sitara Ayaz said that it was the responsibility of Election Commission of Pakistan and district administration to take action against the mayors.

“We want action according to the law as they have taken oath that they will serve public without discrimination and will not be part of election activities while holding official positions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Babar Khan, who is contesting polls from PK-50 on PML-N ticket, has said that his party would focus on strengthening economy of the country. He recalled that the former Soviet Union was militarily strong but it collapsed in 1990s because its leadership failed to focus on economy.

INJURED: Two policemen and three passers-by were injured in an exchange of fire between law enforcers and drug addicts here the other day.

DSP Jawad Khan said that police raided a hideout of drug addicts, who opened fire on the raiding party. He said that police retaliated.

“The menace of ice drug has rapidly spread across the district and the number of addicts has increased manifold. It has also caused various illegal activities, especially theft cases. Whenever the addicts are questioned by someone, they target him,” said another official.

The incident happened near Kunda police post. DSP Jawad said that head constable Bahar Ali was seriously injured in exchange of fire due to which he was shifted to a hospital in Peshawar. ASI Aamir Khan, who was also injured, was taken to Bacha Khan Teaching Hospital Shahmansoor. The injured passers-by were also shifted to Bacha Khan Teaching Hospital.

DPO Haroon Rashid Khan said that police launched a search operation soon after the incident.

Another official said few people were arrested after the incident.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2024