PMLN’s ex-senator facing tough contest

ABBOTTABAD: Former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) senator Javed Abbasi, contesting as an independent candidate, is striving to face Sardar Khalid of PMLN, Abdul Rizaque Abbasi contesting on the Jamaat-e-Islami ticket, and PTI-backed candidate Rajab Ali Khan Abbasi, who is also contesting as an independent candidate, in the provincial assembly constituency PK-43, Abbottabad 2.

A total of 21 candidates are contesting from PK-43, out of which two former district nazims of Abbottabad district have announced their withdrawals.

Former district nazim Sardar Muhammad Shabir, son of erstwhile deputy speaker of National Assembly Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob, has withdrans in favour of PTI-backed candidate Rajab Ali Khan Abbassi.

Sardar Sher Bahadur, a ticket holder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians, announced his withdrawal in favour of Javed Abbasi. Both withdrawals seem to impact the positions of the rival Abbasis positively. Sher Bahadur’s withdrawal is reportedly due to party pressure at the provincial level.

Rajab, who lost the 2018 election as an independent candidate but garnered substantial votes, is considered a strong candidate this time compared to his rivals, including Javed Abbasi. His stronghold is believed to be in the Lora circle, where he can secure a significant lead due to his strong connections and recent work.

Shehzad Gul, another PTI-backed candidate, is also contesting as an independent, which may affect his chances.

Although Javed Abbasi was elected MPA from the same constituency, he is not contesting on the PMLN ticket this time, considering the constituency’s delimitations.

The PMLN has awarded its party ticket to Sardar Khalid, a newcomer in politics. Contesting Sardar Attiq-ur-Rehman, son of former provincial minister Sardar Muhammad Idrees, might divide the votes of PML-N candidate Sardar Khalid. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdul Rizaque Abbasi is another aspirant who may pose a challenge to his rivals.

According to the Election Commission, there are a total of 267,635 registered voters, including 141,288 males and 126,347 female voters in the constituency. A total of 230 polling stations have been established, including 21 for males, 21 for females, and 188 combined. Similarly, 639 polling booths were established, including 346 for males and 280 for females. The constituency comprises rural areas, including the Lora, Bagen, Dhamtor, and adjoining areas.