SWAT: As the general elections draw near, Swat’s PK-7 constituency braces itself for a tough contest with 13 candidates hopeful for victory.
This constituency, known for its significant presence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim-League (N) and Awami National Party (ANP) supporters, is set to witness a showdown among various political contenders.
Leading the race, According to political observers, is Dr Amjad Ali, a former Provincial Minister for Housing and a prominent figure in PTI’s ranks. Having clinched victory in the last two tenures, Dr Amjad Ali continues to be a formidable candidate, now contesting as an independent nominee backed by PTI.
Political observers anticipate a heated contest between Dr Amjad Ali and his counterparts from rival parties. Among the notable contenders are Sher Shah Khan from ANP, Mukhtiar Raza Khan representing the People’s Party, Habib Ali Shah, affiliated with Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians, Shahi Nawab from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Tilawat Khan of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Riaz Ahmad from Jamaat-e-Islami.
However, with the establishment of a new political party PTI-P and the internal dissent in the PTI has changed the political landscape in the constituency.
“Though ANP’s Sher Shah Khan and Dr Amjad Ali of the PTI (intended) strongly believe that they will win the constituency with a huge margin in the February 8 elections,” said Iqbal Ali, a political activist from Tehsil Barikot.
The PK-7 constituency comprises 171,680 registered voters, including 93,361 males and 78,319 females. A total of 115 polling stations and 380 polling booths will be set up to facilitate voting on February 8.
