Ex-KP Governor challenged by political rivals in Bajaur tribal district

PESHAWAR: Like elsewhere in the country, the candidates of mainstream political parties and independents blew up whistle for two national assembly constituency in tribal district Bajaur where former KP Governor Engr Shaukatullah Khan challenged by political rivals on NA-40-tribal area-I on July 25, 2018.

The election campaign gained momentum in NA-40 tribal area-I and NA 41-tribal area-11 of Bajaur district where 26 candidates are flexing muscles by addressing corner meetings and public rallies to persuade voters.

On NA-40 Tribal Area-I, a total of 14 candidates are in the run including former Member National Assembly, Syed Akhunzada Chatan of PPPP, Gul Afzal ANP, Gul Dad Khan (PTI), Muhammad Israr Pak Sirzamin Party, Muhammad Asghar PkMAP, Muhammad Akbar Khan PMLN, Naseer Khan QWP, independents candidates Israruddin Khan, Javed Miandad, Sardar Khan, Syed Badshah, Said Badshah, Membar Khan, Hidayatullah Khan and former KP Governor, Engr Shaukatullah Khan.

Engr. Shaukatullah Khan is being considered a strong candidate as he had deep roots in the constituency besides a rich political background. Being a native of Bajaur Agency, Shaukatullah Khan had served Governor KP from February 2013 to April 2014.

Before his appointment as Governor KP, he was holding the portfolio of Federal Minister for States and Frontier Region (SAFRON). Engr Shaukat Ullah Khan had contested his first election from the same constituency in 2002 and stood as runner-up by securing 6,900 votes against his opponent Maulana Sadiq who was elected member of the National Assembly by grabbing around 13,000 votes.

In 2008 General Election, Engr Shaukatullah Khan clinched victory from this seat after securing 7428 votes as independent candidate against Sheikh Jehanzada who stood runner with 3079 votes.

In 2013 General Election, Bismallah Khan, father of Engr Shaukatullah was elected MNA from this constituency after obtaining 13929 votes.

He belonged to a political family and his father Bismillah Khan had won twice in 1988 and 1993 elections who served as parliamentary secretary for religious affairs in the National Assembly.

PPP leader Akhunzada Chattan who was elected MNA in 2008 General Election has posed tough challenge to former KP Governor in his home constituency because of significant vote bank of PPP in NA-40 tribal area besides his personal influence on his workers.

Chattan is also contesting election from NA-41-Tribal Area-II of Bajaur district.

ANP and PTI have also fielded strong candidates as both parties have sufficient vote bank in the constituency and can surprise many on the D-Day. On NA-41-Tribal Area-II, a total of 12 candidates are in the run prominent among are former MNAs Shahbuddin Khan (independent), Syed Akhunzada Chattan of PPP and Haroon Rasheed of MMA.

However, Gul Zada of ANP, Gul Zafar Khan of PTI and Waheed Zaman of Pak Sirzamin Party can not be overlooked.

In 2002 General Election, Haroon Rasheed had won this constituency by securing 13389 votes while this seat was clinched by Akunzada Chatta with 6257 votes and Shahabuddin Khan of PMLN had won it by bagging 15114 votes in 2013 General Election.

Political observers said tough electoral battle is expected among former MNAs Haroon Rasheed, Akunzada Chattan and Shahbuddin Khan and any candidate winning support of strong baradaris and maliks besides social-welfare programs would get a clear age on others on July 25.