SWAT: Awami National Party suffered a big blow in Swat as its several key leaders joined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Awami National Party (ANP) has issued show-cause notices to them for violating party discipline. The ANP leaders including former provincial minister Wajid Ali Khan and former MNA Muzafarul Mulk quit the party along with their families and supporters and joined PML-N.

They announced joining PML-N at a big gathering here. On the occasion, other prominent political figures of the district such as former candidate for National Assembly Abdul Karim Khan, Abdullah Yousafzai and former nazim Riaz Khan also announced to join PML-N.

The departure of these leaders and workers marked the end of a 53-year-long association with ANP. Engineer Amir Maqam, PML-N provincial president and adviser to prime minister, warmly welcomed the newcomers by presenting them with caps and mufflers of PML-N.

“The decision of these leaders to join the party is a revolution in the political landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a very good omen for PML-N,” he said.

He said that it would strengthen PML-N. He added that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif himself conveyed to him his appreciation and pledged to keep the trust of the newcomers.

Mr Maqam said that those political families served the people of Swat tirelessly.

He criticised ANP for failing to recognise the importance and contributions of such influential figures.

Regarding the provincial government’s performance, he criticised the nine-year rule of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and alleged that its external agenda led to instability and damage to the province.

“No other party can compete with PML-N in the upcoming general elections. The country will move towards development and prosperity in our rule,” he said. He added that the people had recognised that PML-N leaders were capable of steering the nation out of crises. He confidently predicted that the PML-N would form the next government after the general elections in the country.

Mr Muqam said that joining of PML-N by former leaders of ANP signalled a significant shift in the politics of the region.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2023