SAHIWAL: The PML-N has been divided into three groups over the distribution of tickets in Pakpattan city. One group is led by Ahmed Raza Manika, second by Mian Naveed Ali and third is led by Atta Muhammad Manika.

This awkward situation emerged after the announcement of PML-N tickets for Pakpattan tehsil which consists of three constituencies — NA-139, PP-193 and PP-194.

Interestingly, two brothers of Khawar Manika, former husband of Imran Khan’s wife Bushra, have been accommodated on two seats -- Ahmed Raza Manika from NA -139 and Farooq Ahmed Manika from PP-193.

By doing so, the PML-N leadership conveniently ignored its local stalwarts and ex-parliamentarians Pir Tariq Shah Khagga, Mian Naveed Ali and Hayat Manika.

Mian Naveed Ali, who won PP-194 twice on PML-N tickets in 2013 and 2018, was not awarded ticket. His expected slot

was rather awarded to an unexpected aspirant Chaudhry Javed Ahmed.

Mian Naveed told a press conference on Saturday night the PML-N had ditched him by awarding party ticket to a person who won elections way back in 2008. Recalling his sacrifices, he said “I stood by the party and supported Mian Shahbaz Sharif in hard times.” He said the PML-N should have honoured the fact that his late father Rana Ahmed Ali remained loyal to the Sharifs during the last two decades.

He announced to contest the election as an independent and vowed to vote in favour Mian Nawaz Sharif, if elected.

The other person who will contest the election as an independent candidate is Hayat Manika, a son of Atta Muhammad Khan Manika. Mr Atta Makina said Mian Shabaz Sharif had promised to award ticket to his son but backed out.

Party’s district and tehsil office-bearers and activists are also divided into three groups and each is supporting independent candidates as opposed to the candidates who were officially awarded party tickets.

Identical is the situation in Chichawatni. After N’s failure to have seat adjustment with Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party, Malik Nouman Langriyal was not allowed a ticket from NA-143.

Nouman is contesting the election along with Falak Sher Langriyal on his party symbol eagle from NA-143 and PP-204. Jutt Brothers of Chichawatni categorically decided to contest elections as independent.

Tufail Jutt decided to contest jointly with PTI leader Adil Saeed Gujjar from NA- 143 and PP -204, respectively, under the “Ittehad Group”. Both candidates were denied tickets by their mother parties- -- PML-N and PTI.

After the denial of bat symbol, PTI candidates are contesting elections with different symbols.

TRAINING: The first batch of 50 presiding and assistant presiding officers has accomplished two-day election training conducted by master trainers of the Election Commission.

Around 2,800 presiding and assistant presiding officers will be trained by the end of this month.

Muhammad Aatir, District Election Officer, said the ECP provided training material and manuals to POs and APOs. Most of the election staff has been taken from educational institutions.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2024