Unlike other parts of the country, in Swabi national and provincial level parties are being challenged by smaller groups, having influence in this particular area.
At least, three small political groups exist in Swabi. One of these groups has a meager existence in one of provincial assembly constituencies. These groups are the Awami Jamhoori Ittehad, the Swabi Qaumi Mahaz and the Pakistan Patriotic Party.
In early 20th century, Swabi resident Sahibzada Abdul Qayoom Khan, pioneer of modern education, laid the foundation stone of Islamia College Peshawar in 1913. The college had played a key role in promotion of educational activities throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan. Khan was elected to provincial assembly in 1938 from Haripur and became the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (then NWFP).
Swabi also produced politicians like late Khan Bahadur Abdul Ghafoor Khan. He was elected to the provincial assembly in 1932. He was the father of late Colonel Abdul Rahim Khan who had served Pakistan as its first representative to the UN in 1947-48. Abdul Rahim Khan was maternal grandfather of late president Sardar Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari. Khan Fateh Muhammad Khan, who was a federal minister during Pakistan’s first days, also belonged to Swabi.
Late Ghulam Ghaus Hazarvi, late Khan Abdul Qayoom Khan, late Manfaat Khan Baba, Abdul Aziz Khan, Firdaus Khan, Wabaab Khan and several others were elected from Swabi. A large number of freedom fighters who remained in late Bacha Khan’s Khudayee Khidmatgaar Tehreek also belonged to Swabi. Late Sahibzada Imtiaz and Javed Iqbal Khan are considered amongst top bureaucrats. Javed Iqbal is Punjab chief secretary. His father late Khan Muhammad Ajab Khan had served former princely Swat State as Hakim Saib, a very prestigious post. Two top generals, General Bahadar Sher Khan and General Sher Bahadar Khan also belonged to Swabi.
Due to its agricultural and economic importance, Swabi remains very rich and fertile in politics. Swabi people played a key role in nationalist, progressive and religious politics. In current election campaign, leaders of newly-established political forces are utilising various options and resources for mustering support of electorates. Both Swabi Qaumi Mahaz and Awami Jamhoori Ittehad have signed an electoral alliance. Swabi Qaumi Mahaz was established by late Dr Muhammad Salim Khan after his revolt against ANP leadership whereas Awami Jamhoori Ittehad was established by Liaqat Khan. The stalwarts of Qaumi Watan Party entered into seat adjustment with Fazalur Rehman’s JUI-F. The JI leaders succeeded in an alliance with JUI(S) and Jumaat Ishaat Wa Tauheed, commonly known as Panjpeeris. All these alliances aimed at blocking ANP candidates.
Beside using religious and nationalist slogans, the Awami Jamhoori Ittehad leaders are known for pleasing people both with cash and kinds. They are making attractive offers of fresh currency notes, motorbikes and even motorcars. It was learnt that they also fixed returns for hoisting of flags, pasting of posters and banners and arranging of receptions and corner meetings. In some of the villages, they are also distributing cooked rice and food as earlier distributed amongst the IDPs.
Whatever might be strategy and policies on the part of leaders and candidates of three different alliances, but it seems that results of upcoming general elections will not be different from previous polls. Since 1988, the ANP proved itself as a strong political force of Swabi. Even in 2008 general elections, there was complete alliance against ANP but it got one out of two national and four of six provincial assembly seats. Whereas now the situation is quite different as people have realised blunder of helping in defeat of ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan.
