Many eminent political entities have joined the fray, and some tough electoral contests in southern Punjab are certain to produce some dramatic results in the upcoming general elections. With new terms and conditions imposed by the ECP, the elections are likely to throw up new political trends in the country.
Recognised voices from within the political circles are admitting that the major political parties are intentionally hesitating to reveal their approved party ticket holders till the issuance of the final list of the cleared candidates by the ECP. Despite all assurances given by the party leaderships to their candidates, no one can claim to be the real nominee until the ECP lists are finalised.
In south Punjab, a number of major national political parties are busy cherry-picking the best candidates to optimize the number of seats won. In this regard, the promise of ensuring electoral success is the only yardstick. Loyalty, commitment, sacrifices, long term association and services to the party are no longer the consideration.
The protesting workers are dismayed by the injustice being meted out to them, said a veteran political worker with 40 years services to a national party, adding that the PTI, the PML-N and the PPP are all sticking to the same tactic: electability.
According to a currently socio-political survey conducted by a local think tank RADI, for the first time in the country’s recent political history, the traditionally renowned political families of southern Punjab have been forced to beg for their political share from the leadership of major political parties.
Sources divulge that the candidates despite being rejected by the parties were still begging for their tickets. The Legharis, Mazaris, Darishaks, Khosas, Qureshis, Gilanis, Hashmis, Khars, Dahas, Khichis and Daultanas all are walking a tight rope. Though these families have to face a very strong resistance with regarding to their track record, yet they were still the first choice of all the national parties. Their hold and influence over the vote bank still remains strong as different members of these families are at the same time Islamists, socialists, liberals and revolutionaries.
Till the filing of this report, the most popular political personalities of the region claiming to be the approved contestants of their respective parties are: Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Makhdoom Javaid Hashmi, Liaqat Baluch, Abdul Qadar Gilani, Moosa Gilani, Javaid Ali Shah, Malik Aamar Dogar, Nazim Husain Shah, Dr.Javaid Siddiqi, Abdul Mohsin Shaheen, Dr.Akhtar Malik, Malik Mazhar Abbas, Saeed Ahmad Qureshi, Ahmad Hassan Dhaher and Malik Anwar Ali.
Though the PPP has announced its candidates but its party‘s electoral strategy seems to be unclear. There are indications that for the PPP, southern Punjab will remain a tough nut to crack.