Election campaign begins in DI Khan: Influential figures switching parties as candidates woo voters

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Like the entire country, the nomination phase for the 2024 elections has been concluded in the district.

For the NA-44, 27 candidates, including Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, Faisal Kareem Khan Kundi, and Ali Amin, have submitted nomination papers.

Similarly, for NA-45, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman’s younger brother Maulana Ubaid-ur-Rehman, Sardar Fatahullah Khan Meenakhel, and Sheikh Yaqoob, along with 18 candidates, submitted papers.

In the provincial constituency of PK-111, 22 candidates, including Muhammad Ali Raza, Makhdoom Zada Aftab Haider, and Ihtesham Javed, submitted their nomination papers.

For PK-112, 25 candidates, including Samiullah Khan Alizai, Ahmad Kareem Khan Kundi, Sardar Faisal Amin Khan Gondalpur, are vying.

On the PK-113, 40 candidates, including Kafil Ahmed Nazami, Aman-ul-Haq, Mazhar Jameel Khan Alizai, and Abdul Haleem Khan Qasuriyah, are contesting the election.

After the submission of nomination papers, intense campaigning has begun in constituencies across the district, with candidates and their supporters actively canvassing.

The trend of wall-chalking and displaying banners for candidates have started throughout the city.

With the upcoming general elections on the horizon, a series of significant political defections have already taken place among various influential figures in different regions.

It has become a daily occurrence that affluent and influential individuals from one party are announcing joining another party. Their goal is not necessarily tied to any political ideology but rather to gain support for the upcoming elections, strengthening their position and securing success.

As the date for the general elections approaches, a similar trend of political fervor is being witnessed in the political landscape of Dera Ismail Khan.

Once again, the process of reconciling and celebrating the victories of defectors and a repeat of empty promises have begun. However, this time, the public does not seem impressed with these maneuvers, and voters are determined to hold ground based on their demands. It remains to be seen how candidates employ strategies to sway voters in their favour.