DERA GHAZI KHAN: The absence of PTI’s Nasrulla Dreshak, his sons and Mohsin Leghari in the electioneering for Feb 8 elections is apparently a great disadvantage for the Meena Jaafar Leghari-Dreshak group, which is arch rival of the Leghari group led by the PML-N provincial secretary general, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari.

Earlier, in a by-election this group had played a pivotal role in the success of the PTI candidate, Mohsin Leghari, in NA-193 (presently NA-187), where son of Awais Leghari’s son Amar Khan Leghari was contesting on the PML-N ticket.

The senior PTI parliamentarian Nasrulla Dreshak did not file nomination papers for any seat, while the candidature of his two sons – Hasnain Bahadar Dreshak and Ali Raza Dreshak – had been rejected from almost all constituencies in the district. Mohsin Leghari is not taking part in the Feb 8 election.

Observers of local politics say that their absence has adversely impacted the electioneering of all PTI-backed independent candidates contesting for three National Assembly and six provincial seats in Rajanpur.

According to them, PML-N’s candidates seems to be on better footing in in Rajanpur district as compared to other political parties’ aspirants.

They are of the view that the absence of Nasrullah Dreshak and his sons has made the contest easier for the PML-N in PP-292, where its candidate Sher Afgan Gorchani has an advantage over his rivals.

In PP-293, Sher Ali Gorchani of the PML-N, Shazia Abid of the PPP, and independent Shehzad Humayoin, backed by Meena Jaafar-Dreshak group, will compete.

In PP-294, the main contestants include Dr Irfan Ullah of the Jamaat-i-Isalmi, Parwaiz Gorchani of the PML-N, and independent Atif Dreshak, who is supported by the Meena Jaafar-Dreshak group.

In PP-295, Abdul Aziz Dreshak of the PML-N, Farooq Aman Dreshak backed by the PTI, and Yousif Gabol of the PPP are contesting, while in PP-296, a tough contest is expected between Yousif Dreshak of the PML-N and independent candidate Awais Dreshak.

Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari, who has been fielded by the PML-N,is being considered a strong candidate in PP-297.

However, local observers suggest that independent candidates could make a difference with the support of young voters.

Meanwhile, in NA-187, PML-N’s Amar Leghari and PPP’s Athar Hassan Gorchani are prominent candidates, while Atif Dreshak and Awais Dreshak are competing independently. In NA-188, Hafeezu Rehman Dreshak of the PML-N is said to be in a better position against the PTI-backed Ahmed Ali Dreshak.

In NA-189, PML-N’s Riyaz Mazari seems to have an edge over the PTI-affiliated Shamsher Mazari.

In the the overall campaign, PML-N seems to have a stronger position, they say.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2024