JHANG, May 7: Jhang district has over the years been producing election results contrary to general trends.

In 2008, when the country voted against the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), the district elected its four candidates out of the five seats.

This time, when other constituencies are witnessing a tough fight among PML-N, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), four strong independent candidates from the as many district’s constituencies can upstage the general political trend.

Starting with NA-87, the seat consisting of Jhang and Chiniot districts’ union councils, is witnessing one of the closely fought electoral battles of the districts. This is a quadrangular fight between Ghulam Ahmad Lali of the PML-N, Abid Hussain Imam of the PPP, Sajid Chadhar of the JI and independent Faisal Saleh Hayat. Mr Hayat, a veteran of six assemblies from the constituency, is facing one of the toughest elections of his political career as both Mr Lali and Mr Chadhar, his staunch supporters during the 2008 elections, have turned against him whereas Mr Imam has strengthened his electioneering with the support of the local Bukhari group and Ghulam Ahmad Gaddi.

In NA-88, Faisal Saleh’s brother Asad Hayat is contesting as an independent. He is posing a very serious threat to PML-N candidate Ghulam Bibi Bharwana. The woman candidate has already been affected by the presence of PPP candidate Khwaja Ataullah Taunsvi and the absence of Sughra Imam from the contest. The NA-90 has a very strong independent candidate in the shape of Sahibzada Nazir Sultan who has won five times from the constituency. The incumbent, Saima Akhtar Bharwana, is contesting as a PML-N candidate. Her two supporters -- Brigadier Abid (retired) and Asif Muavia -- are also in the run. Mr Sultan’s position has been strengthened because of the withdrawal of PPP candidate Abdul Qudous Awan in his favour.

In NA-91, incumbent Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan of PML-N is facing a stiff challenge from independent candidate Najaf Abbas Sial, who has returned MPA from this area in the past two elections. His chances have been brightened after the withdrawal of PTI candidate Rana Ataullah in his favour.

In NA-89 though there is no strong independent candidate, Muhammad Ahmad Ludhianvi, contesting on a Muttahida Deeni Mahaz ticket, can also be considered an independent candidate. He too has very strong chances of winning the seat.