5,657 file papers as youth dominate political arena in Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD: The political hustle and bustle has gained momentum after 5,657 candidates, majority of them youth, filed their nomination papers for the May 30 local government election.
Unusual rush of candidates and their supporters was seen during last four days at Havelian and Abbottabad cities of the district.As many as 5,657 candidates have filed nomination papers for the 51 wards of the district, two tehsils, 195 village and 14 Neighbourhood councils of Abbottabad.
According to District Returning office, 368 candidates filed nomination for 51 wards of the Abbottabad district. Up to 388 candidates filed papers for Havelian and Abbottabad tehsils.
A total of 2,439 candidates filed nominations for general seats, 977 for peasants, 581 women and 25 for non-Muslim seats. The Abbottabad district has 51 wards and comprises of two tehsils — Abbottabad and Havelian.
The Abbottabad tehsil has 35 union councils while Havelian tehsil consists of 16 union councils. Candidates having political affiliations have applied for the party’s tickets. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are likely to emerge as major contestant parties in the district.
Differences have emerged in the PTI candidates on the distribution of the party tickets in most of the areas. The party workers have complained of interference by the ministers in the award of the party tickets.
The major tribes which have dominated in local politics include Jadoon, Abbasi, Karlal, Awan, Syed and Lodhi.Among the influential personalities are Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan, who is from the Abbasi tribe. He returned to the National Assembly four times from NA-17 Abbottabad-1 and has also served as chief minister in the past.
Another important influential figure is a former federal minister Amanullah Khan Jadoon.Both heavyweights, Ali Khan Jadoon, son of Amanullah Khan Jadoon and Shamoon Khan, son of Sardar Mahtab , are lobbying for the slot of district nazim.