The significance of the monumental forthcoming general elections has increased manifold as several sectarian parties are intent on trying their luck in elections as a large number of their candidates have already cruised through the security phase, and are ready to contest polls from various national and provincial assembly constituencies.
As per information gathered from religious parties and sources within the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as many as 62 candidates belonging to sectarian parties have joined the run-up to the general elections.
From among these sectarian groups, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat, formerly Sipah-e-Sahaba, is so far leading the show with utter ease in Punjab province. Experts believe that the party has stole the show mainly due to the reason that it is being patronised by Malik Ishaq and led by Maulana Ahmad Ludhianvis, who himself will be contesting the upcoming polls.
It has been reliably learnt by Pakistan Today that the above mentioned party has awarded tickets to exactly 150 candidates belonging to various constituencies, but on the other hand, some two dozen candidates belonging to the party have moon walked their way out of the scrutiny phase. It is pertinent to mention here that Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat has also remained in the past the true-blue ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on the provincial level, but the former ruling party has publicly denied any involvement with the mentioned sectarian group after such groups picked up heat with the law enforcing agencies after the rise of sectarian onslaught in the country.
Following the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat on the meandering path leading towards the corridors of power, are other sectarian parties that have been taking keen interest in the fast approaching elections. Some of these parties are as follows: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Tehreek-ul-Mujahidin and Muttahida Deeni Mehaz led by Jamiat Ulema Islam-Samiul Haq chief Maulana Samiul Haq.
These sectarian groups are expected to dance towards victory on some important provincial seats as they have pockets of influence in vast areas of the Punjab province, especially southern Punjab, including Faisalabad, Jhang, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Khushab and Muzaffargarh.
Historically, all the above mentioned sectarian groups have always taken part in elections but they have ever having been able to create a presence in the parliament. This time though the scenario will be very different as the leaders from these parties think that with anti-US sentiments running high among the general populace they are well placed to steal the limelight at the hustings.
