MANSEHRA: With tough electoral contests expected among nominees of mainstream political parties on Feb 8, a total of 66 people, including four women, are in the running for five provincial assembly seats in Mansehra district.

The independents backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf are also among election candidates named in Form-33 that were issued by the returning officers of PK-36, PK-37, PK-38, PK-39 and PK-40 constituencies.

The PK-36 Mansehra-I constituency covers the entire Balakot tehsil, including Kaghan Valley up to Babusar Top, which borders Gilgit-Baltistan.

Twelve candidates are vying for the seat with political observers expecting a tough contest among PTI-backed Munir Hussain Lughmani, PTI-P’s Ahmad Hussain Shah, PML-N’s Junaid Qasim and independent Mian Ziaur Rehman.

Four women also in running for five PA seats

Woman contender Saima Bibi is in the running on the JUI-F’s ticket.

The constituency of PK-37 Mansehra-II is spread over urban parts of the district headquarters (Mansehra) and adjoining areas.

Though there are 14 candidates, political analysts insist a tough contest will take place among Babar Saleem Swati backed by the PTI, Sardar Zahoor of the PML-N and Nasir Mehmood of the JUI-F.

Two women, including Tazeem Bibi of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan and Ruqayya Bibi of the PML-Markazi, are also contesting the election.

In the PK-38 – Mansehra-III constituency that covers Tanawal, Barkund and adjacent localities, 16 contenders are in the electoral arena.

Political observers expect a tough competition among PTI-backed independent Zahid Chanzeb, independent Zafar Mehmood, Fahd Habib Tanoli of the JUI-F and Naeem Sakhi of the PML-N.

The constituency of PK-39 Mansehra-IV comprises Oghi tehsil and adjoining towns and villages. Sixteen people are standing in elections but the main contenders are independents Nawabzada Fareed Salauddin and Ahmad Sharyar Khan and Mohammad Arif of the PML-N.

The PPP has fielded a woman candidate, Sajida Tabbasum.

The constituency of PK-40 Mansehra Mansehra-V is stretched over parts of Oghi tehsil and Chaterplan area that borders Battagram district.

It has nine candidates but observers foresee a close contest among Sardar Shahjehan Yusuf of the PML-N, Sardar Waqarul Muluk of the JUI-F, Salah Mohammad Khan of the PTI-P and PTI-backed Abdul Shakoor Khan.

Woman candidate of the Awami National Party Shaheen Zamir is also contesting for the seat.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2024