TAXILA: Despite saying goodbye to PML- N Chaudhry Nisar still enjoys a strong political position and has a good following among major families in the area.

He recently completed mega projects especially Wah General Hospital, which could further boost his vote bank.

On the other hand, Sarwar Khan represents the Khattar clan in Pind Nousheri, which is very influential in Taxila and Chakri.

Former minister for interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Vice President Ghulam Sarwar Khan have set their battlefield in NA-63 Rawalpindi IV, PP-19 Taxila and PP-20 Wah.

Although other candidates with symbols of Lion, Book, Arrow, Crane are in the run, they are nowhere in the race.

Ghulam Sarwar Khan started his political career with the PPP and then joined the PML-Q after winning the 2002 elections as an independent candidate. Later he joined PTI.

Chaudhry Nisar has won this seat in 1985, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997 and 2008, elections. Mr Sarwar only managed to defeat his archrival in 2002 and 2013 election.

With the rising popularity of the PTI and having his own solid vote bank in the constituency, Ghulam Sarwar camp this time is confident of beating Chaudhry Nisar.

Chaudhry Nisar despite saying goodbye to PML- N presently enjoys a strong political position and has a good following among major families in the area. He recently completed mega projects especially Wah General Hospital, which could further boost his vote bank.

On the other hand, Sarwar Khan represents the Khattar clan in Pind Nousheri, which is very influential in Taxila and Chakri.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2018