NA-98 Gujranwala-IV is an important constituency that highlights the vague position of the PPP even after the visit of President Asif Zardari to address the issues.
The party needs a strong campaign in the constituency. The president’s visit failed in removing the apprehensions of the aggrieved members who are switching to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. PPP Divisional President Abdullah Virk joined the PTI and his slot is still vacant. Warraich was assigned to consult the aggrieved members to remove their reservations, but to no avail. Further delay in completion of Khayali Flyover project has added to worries of the people which ultimately tarnished the repute of the PPP. During his tenure, Warraich failed to ensure the efficiency of the developmental work.
Despite a weak campaign, it is still not easy to defeat Imtiaz Safdar Warraich from his winning constituency while former PPP MPA Muhammad Arqam will again contest for the MPA slot. However, there is a communication between the PPP leadership and the voters in the constituency.
On the other hand, wrangling to get the PML-N tickets is observed. The struggle of PML-N ticket aspirant Mian Tariq appears to be more effective as his brother Mian Mazhar Javaid is running an effective campaign by ensuring maximum interaction with the voters there.
Ashraf Warraich is also hopeful to get the PML-N ticket for MPA slot and has the support of Khurram Dastageer Khan. While Rana Bilal Ijaz was nominated for NA 98, but he refused as he is going to contest from NA-100 constituency. Iqbal Gujjar is also trying to test his mettle for MPA slot, but this will result in a splitting up of Gujjar vote bank in the constituency.
The Jamaat-e-Islami cannot be ignored as their divisional head Bilal Qudrat Butt is also contesting. He scored 18,000 votes in 2008 elections. PTI’s Ishtiaq Safdar Tarrar and Rana Shahzad Hafeez are also trying their luck to make a difference.