SWAT: As the electoral competition intensifies in the PK-6 constituency of Mingora city, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is grappling with an internal challenge as three of its prominent leaders are running as independents in the Feb 8 elections, raising concerns about the potential division of the party’s voter base.
These leaders, namely former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Fazal Hakeem, PTI Swat General Secretary Zahid Khan alias Baz Khan, and Youth Wing President Saad Khan, all assert themselves as the PTI nominees.
Despite running as independent candidates, all three display the PTI’s flag and feature images of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan in their campaign materials. The internal discord within the PTI has led to tensions among senior members supporting different candidates.
Zahid Khan, also known as Baz Khan, seems to have garnered significant support from key PTI members and local body representatives, as evidenced by the recent workers’ convention in Mingora.
Political observers in Swat highlight that while the PTI has secured victories in the constituency in the past, the current internal discord poses a serious threat to the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. The three-way competition among PTI candidates creates confusion among PTI supporters and risks diluting the party’s overall strength.
Fayaz Zafar, a senior journalist in Swat, emphasized that the division within the PTI could harm the party as its three candidates for the PK-6 seat have substantial support. He noted that many senior workers and founder members of the PTI seem unhappy with Fazal Hakim Khan and support Zahid Khan, while many young workers support the candidate Saad Khan.
The entry of Rickshaw Union president Ibrahim Khankhel, who claims to be a PTI worker, has further intensified the competition. Additionally, Iftikhar Ahmad Bacha, a PTI-P candidate and close associate of former chief minister Mahmood Khan, is also in the running, potentially diverting PTI votes.
Political parties have fielded strong candidates in the constituency, including Mohammad Amin Khan (JI), Hujatullah (JUI-F), Irshad Ali (PML-N), and Asimullah (ANP). Mohammad Amin Khan is considered a formidable contender with a significant number of supporters.
Observers warn that internal strife within the PTI could benefit rivals, raising concerns about the party losing the seat for the first time. Residents of PK-6 highlight major issues such as a shortage of clean drinking water, pollution, waste management challenges, traffic congestion, and cleanliness concerns, hoping for effective resolution by the next elected government.
In Swat’s PK-4 constituency, speculation and anticipation surround the electoral landscape, with close competition expected among prominent contenders, including PPP’s Dr. Haider Ali Khan, PTI-backed candidate Ali Shah Advocate, and PML-N’s Sardar Khan. The potential participation of Tehreek-i-Insaf-Parliamentarians Mehboobur Rehman and JUI’s Syed Qamar adds further complexity to the contest in this constituency with a substantial electorate of 170,903 registered voters. Authorities plan to establish 117 polling stations and 384 polling booths to facilitate the electoral process.