Keamari Town to see tough election contest

A nail-biting contest is likely to ensue on Keamari Town seats in the May 11 polls. Political observers contended that PPP stalwarts would be dethroned because of low-key development during the previous government's tenure. Development was neglected during tenures in local bodies of both Naimatullah Khan and Mustafa Kamal, people in Keamari had pinned hopes on elected candidates in 2008, hoping that they would do something to change the outlook of their locality.
Winners of the 2008 polls from the area were Akhtar Hussain Jadoon (PS-89), who was elected for a second term, and Abdul Qadir Patel (NA-239). Both candidates were members of PPP, which remained in power for the past five years. However, lawmakers of both provincial and National Assembly appeared disinterested in developing infrastructure in their respective constituencies. There is little to show for all the development funds allocated by the provincial government under Keamari package.
PPP is now unpopular in an area, which was once considered to its stronghold. PML-N's candidate Humayun Khan (PS-89) and JUI-F's Qazi Fakhrul Hassan (NA-239) have formed an 'alliance', pledging to jointly contest the polls. The PML-F has fielded a new candidate - Bazi Jan - but he withdrew in favour of Humayun Khan after his party attended a 10-party alliance. The ANP has, however, a better chance this time with Saleem Khan Jadoon (PS-89) and Sarfaraz Jadoon (NA-239). A group of religious parties called Muttahida Deeni Mahaz has fielded just one candidate Taj Hanif who is contesting for NA-239. There are several independent candidates.
Jamaat-i-Islami is still undecided whether or not to contest polls on NA-239. It is apparently looking forward to a response from its former MMA ally, JUI-F, to have a seat adjustment. It has, however, dropped its candidate on PS-89 in favour of Humayun Khan. If the JI fails to persuade the JUI-F regarding a seat adjustment, it will field Akhtar Muhammad on NA-230 against Qazi Fakhrul Hassan. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has also not yet galvanised support in the locality. PTI is fielding Dr Hussainuddin Afridi on NA-289 and Subhan Ali Sahil on PS-89. MQM is absent.
The ethnicity and community factors will have also play a larger role in polls this time too. Keamari is a multi-ethnic, religious and sectarian town with a huge population. The Pukhtun ethnic group dominates Keamari, followed by Katchis. There are a number of community within Pushtuns including Jadoons, Afridis and Chaachis of Attock (Punjab), Yousufzais, Swatis, Buneris and Swabiwals.
Sunni Muslim is the only sect with almost 100 percent of the population comprising Deobandis, Ahl-e-Hadees (Salafis), Barailvis and a smaller one called Tauheedis, non-conformists. Leading political parties are PPP, PML-N, ANP, JUI-F, JI and PTI. Electioneering started with some zeal a month ago, making Keamari the first constituency to start poll campaigns in the city.
Streets of Keamari are decorated with banners of political parties and songs eulogising political parties are heard almost everywhere in this locality. Offices of all parties are open in a peaceful atmosphere. Supporters of ANP and PML-N are taking out rallies and staging corner meetings on a daily basis. JI, PTI, MQM, ST still need to mobilise people to arrange public meetings.
Veteran PPP workers are divided over whom to support and vote. PML-N has also penetrated into the Katchi community to draw its vote. On the other hand, an independent candidate, Haji Younus a Katchi by ethnicity, is fast gaining popularity. He is the father of former vice-nazim Keamari town, late Zulfiqar Younus, who was killed some time ago. Differences within PPP are likely to weaken its political support in the polls, giving an advantage to other parties such as PML-N and ANP.
The PPP has retained Qadir Patel but replaced Jadoon with its former UC nazim, Dilawar Shah, who also enjoys support of the defunct Peoples Amn Committee. When, the PPP withdrew its support to Jadoon, he rushed to stage a protest outside the Bilawal House along with hundreds of his supporters.
After being denied election ticket by PPP, former Sindh Transport Minister Akhtar Jadoon, is said to have promised to back the ANP candidates, Saleem Khan Jadoon (PS 39) and Sarfaraz Jadoon (NA 239). The increasing number of stakeholders in the area is likely to trigger a change in the voting pattern. Candidates of ANP, PML-N and JUI-F live in Keamari. They continue to appear in public on a regular basis.