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491,844 voters to exercise right of franchise for two NA seats in Khyber tribal district

PESHAWAR: As one week left in general election, electioneering fever has reached to its peak in Khyber tribal distri
Published July 17, 2018

PESHAWAR: As one week left in general election, electioneering fever has reached to its peak in Khyber tribal district where 491,844 registered voters will exercise right of franchise to elect candidates for two national assembly constituencies on July 25, 2018.

The total registered voters in NA-43 is 226,627 including 126,574 male and 1,00,053 female for whom 182 polling stations would be setup by ECP.

Out of these polling stations, 98 would be established for male, 75 for female and nine combined, according to Khyber ECP officials.

All the polling stations in NA-43 and NA-44 constituencies were being equipped with clean drinking water, shelters, electricity and chairs etc for facilitation of voters and polling stations in Khyber district established after Fata’s merger In Khyber Pakthunkhwa.

A visit to these constituencies revealed that election campaigns have reached to its climax in Khyber where contesting candidates are making last efforts to grab attention of voters.

As many as 18 candidates are flexing muscles for NA-43 including former Federal Minister Noorul Haq Qadri (PTI), Hazrat Wali (PPPP), Doulat Shah (Pakistan Justice and Democratic Party), Sardar Azam (PMLN), Saida Jan (ANP), Atiqullah (JUI-S), Muhammad Ejaz (MMA), independents Ahsanullah, Zarnoor Afridi, Saidgha Jan, Shahzeb, Shakeel Afridi, Shermat Khan, Abdul Raza Shinwari, Abdul Nawaz, Mohibullah Nawabzada Muhammad Shah and former MNA, Shah Geegul Afridi.

However, one-on-one contest is expected between former Federal Minister Noorul Haq Qadri of PTI and ex MNA Shah Geegul Afridi.

Shahgee Gul is being considered a strong candidate as he made significant development work in the constituency and would take credit of construction of Jamrud grid station, which was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during his visit to Khyber.

Afridi has sufficient personal vote bank in the constituency as evident of his victory in 2013 general election by obtaining 29697 votes as independent candidate and is again posing serious challenge to political rivals.

Noorul Haq Qadri is also strong candidate as he remained busy in politicking during last five years in the area and would take advantage of PTI’s vote bank besides significant development carried out during his tenure as Federal Minister.

In 2008 General Election, Qadari had won this constituency after securing 13876 votes against runner rup Muhammad Ibrahim Kokikhel 12548 votes.

He also won this constituency in 2002 General Election as independent candidate after obtaining 9121 votes.

Likewise, a total of 26 candidates are eying on NA-44 Khyber including former Federal Minister Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Sohail Ahmed of PPP, Imran Khan of ANP. independents Syed Karam Shah, Syed Muhamamd, Syed Nawab, Shah Faisal Afridi, Shamsuddin, Sohbat Khan, Aris Khan, Abdul Qayum and Ajab Khan.

Hameedullah Jan Afridi is considered to be a strong candidate as he had strong roots in the constituency besides made significant development work when he was Federal Minister.

He won this constituency in 2008 general election after securing 5660 votes.

This constituency was clinched by Maulana Khalilur Rehman Afridi after securing 5611 votes in 2002 general election.

However, Nasir Khan outclassed all political rivals in 2013 election after clinching victory from this constituency.

The other candidates along with their supporters and family members have also accelerated door-to-door campaigns by addressing corner meetings and taking out public rallies at Landi Kotal, Bara, Ali Masjid, Jamurd, Torkham, Bara, Chora areas.

The people hoisted flags of different political parties in houses, bungalows and vehicles, which showed immense enthusiasm of people in elections.

Great enthusiasm is being witnessed among tribal youths and young voters whose participation in public meetings and election campaigns is overwhelming and their votes would play a decision role in election results.

The major problems of people of this constituencies are unemployment, poverty, poor road infrastructure, lack of education and health services and clean water.

Any candidates with solid programs for solution of these issues would certainly get an edge over others on the D-Day.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2018

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