FAISALABAD, Sept 10: An overview of the 11 national assembly seats in the district has given out that except the PML-QA no other political party is in a position to bring more voters to polling stations due to tight restrictions on political campaign.

The survey to this effect was conducted in the city and other five tehsils — Jaranwala, Samundri, Tandlianwala, Chak Jhumra and Saddar.

In the teeth of fielding underweight candidates in major constituencies by political and religious parties, the aspirants were seen using all possible resources and links to muster support of electorates.

Some of the candidates have adopted novel ways of canvassing like distributing “gifts” among the visitors to their offices and outhouses.

In the 1997 general elections, all national assembly seats were captured by PML-N nominees by defeating with big margin their then arch rivals, the PPP candidates. But the situation has now changed entirely as most of the experienced and influential politicians have been disqualified on various accounts.

The NA-75 consists of the Chak Jhumra tehsil. A tough competition is expected on this seat among Wajid Mustafa son of former MNA Ghulam Mustafa Bajwa (PPP), former Saddar Tehsil Nazim Mishabuddin Zaigham (PML-N), Col Ghulam Rasool Sahi (retired) (PML-QA) and Athar Iqbal Chattha (MMA).

However, the PPP nominee has a popularity edge as his father was a former MNA and head of the Bajwa clan. Former premier Muhammad Khan Junejo captured this seat by defeating Ghulam Mustafa Bajwa. The Sahi family has also deep roots among the area people. Zaigham and Chattah may also upset the results for they are known in the area as “neat and clean” politicians.

For NA-76, Raj Ijaz Hussain son-in-law of ex-MNA Rai Arif Hussain (PPP), ex-MNA Rai Salahuddin (PML-N), PPP dissident Wasi Zafar (PML-QA) and Malik Tariq Mehmood (MMA) are struggling hard to capture this important seat comprising Lundianwala and Buchiana areas.

The NA-77 consists of Khurrianwala and its adjoining areas. Chaudhry Muhammad Asim Nazir (PML-QA), younger brother of district Nazim Zahid Nazir; former MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Akram (PML-N), Khizar Abbas (PPP) and Rai Muhammad Akram Khan Kharal (MMA) are competing for this constituency. The campaign for Mr Asim is reportedly being launched by district government employees and uplift works are being carried out on his recommendation in “selected areas” of the constituency.

For NA-78, three main contestants — Rajab Ali Khan Baloch son of the PML-N dissident and ex-MNA Nasir Ali Khan Baloch, Ishaq Shafqat Baloch (PPP) and Peerzada Ashraf Zia (PML-N) are in the race. The MMA has not so far finalized its candidate on this seat. This constituency comprises Tandlianwala and Mamukanjan towns.

For NA-79, a tough fight is expected among three heavyweights — ex-MNA Chaudhry Safdar Rehman (PML-N), ex-MPA Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan (PPP) and PML-N dissident and ex-MPA Safdar Shakir (PML-QA). This constituency consists of Samundri town and some adjoining villages. Mian Muhammad Ilyas has been nominated from MMA.

For NA-80, a PPP dissident and ex-MNA Dildar Ahmad Cheema (PML-QA) is contesting against Rana Asif Tauseef, brother of ex-MNA Rana Zahid Tauseef (PML-N), Raza Nasrullah Ghuman (PPP), a newcomer; and Mulla Saeedur Rahman (MMA). A neck-to-neck contest is expected among the first three candidates.

For NA-81, PML-N dissident and ex-MPA Talib Husain (PML-QA), Dr Nisar Ahmad son-in-law of ex-MNA Chaudhry Muhammad Ilyas (PPP) and FCCI president Mian Naeemur Rehman (MMA) are vying to muster support of electorates by using their influence. Except the party-less polls in 1985, Mr Talib Hussain has been contesting elections since 1970 and every time he switched over his loyalty.

The NA-82 constituency covers the central part of the Faisalabad city. Four heavyweights — ex-MNA Capt Nisar Akbar Khan (retired) (PPP), former MPA Sahibzada Fazil Karim (PML-N), former Senator Tariq Chaudhry (PML-QA) and MMA district president Sardar Zafar Hussain are in the race for this urban constituency.

The NA-83 consists of posh and the poor city localities. A tough contest is on the card among Faisalabad Dry Port Trust chairman Mushtaq Ali Cheema (PML-QA), brother of city Nazim Mumtaz Ali Cheema, Mian Irfan (PML-N) son of ex-MNA Mian Abdul Mannan, Chaudhry Ijaz Virk advocate (PPP) and Abdullah Dummar (MMA).

There are some reports of involvement of employees and resources of the TMA in the campaign of Mushtaq Cheema.

For NA-84, another PPP dissident and ex-MPA Fazal Hussain Rahi is a joint candidate of the PML-QA and Millat Party against Abid Ali son of ex-MNA Sher Ali (PML-N) and former MPA Badaruddin Chaudhry (PPP). Mr Rifaat Jawed is the candidate of MMA. Sher Ali has launched the election campaign of his son. Mr Rahi has the backing of the government.

In NA-85, a triangular contest is expected among PML-J dissident and former MNA Zahid Sarfraz (PML-QA), former MNA Raja Nadir Pervaiz (PML-N) and Bilal Noor Ansar (PPP). Mr Zahid Sarfraz has a good vote bank of his Arain biradari in the area.

He has been contesting the elections since 1962. Bilal Noor Ansari has the support of the Ansari biradari.