Prospective candidates for the by-election from the Qazi Asad and Yusuf camps have started campaigning for the election. PHOTO: FILE
Last week, the Supreme Court unseated Yusuf Ayub Khan after the election tribunal declared him ineligible on September 27. The court ordered a re-election in the constituency based on the fact that Khan’s degree was declared fake by the University of Punjab and his 2013 election papers showed he had an intermediate qualification.
According to the verdict, Khan failed to remain honest and truthful as required under constitutional articles 62 and 63. Khan’s election was challenged by his opponent and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz nominee Qazi Asad. The court’s verdict against Khan, grandson of former military ruler Ayub Khan, has changed the political landscape in Haripur with no representation from the Tareens of Haripur, who have ruled their home district for more than 60 years.
It is believed that although Khan had won from PK-50 on the PTI ticket after defeating Asad, the Tareens still had a powerful hold for seven months. Sources claim the court’s decision against Yusuf brought an end to this rule. It is also said Khan’s relative and former speaker of the provincial assembly, retired Major Habibullah Khan Tareen, played a key role in his unseating. Despite being related, both men have been at odds with each other for more than 15 years over family and political issues. In 2002, Tareen helped Asad defeat Khan in the elections and then in 2008, Khan’s younger brother lost to Asad.
Prospective candidates for the by-election from the Qazi Asad and Yusuf camps have started campaigning for the election.
Asad, who lost to Khan by nearly 2,000 votes, enjoys the support of Tareen, who has previously had a good rapport with voters in the constituency after serving there twice since 1985.
Khan is nominating his younger brother, Akbar Ayub Khan. Although a new comer in the political arena, Akbar runs a construction company and is banking on his brother, cousin Omar Ayub Khan and uncle former foreign minister Goher Ayub Khan for support.
Also contesting in the by-election is Babar Nawaz Khan, son of assassinated former provincial minister Akhtar Nawaz Khan of Khalabat Township. Although Babar is relatively new with little experience of politics, he will be counting on the people of Khalabat and Haripur who voted for his father for support. According to analysts, Babar’s family is facing a blood feud and despite being from PK-51 Khalabat Township, he could seriously dent Khan and Asad’s vote bank.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 19th, 2013.
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I am local and know all major families here. Here is my analysis:
Ayub Family - Ones who taught Pakistani politicians how to do corruption and never get caught........Amazing Corruption Instructors
Qazi Asad - His wife was taking bribes for even few hundred rupees for solving people's issues.....Even a crate of tomatoes was enough.
Babar Nawaz Khan - His father was assassinated because he represented masses. Akhtar Nawaz Khan built schools, colleges, hospitals and modernized infrastructure in his constituency. He was minister for five years and his kids still live in an old house that was built by Babar's grandfather. They live a simple life facing all corrupt and gangsters in Haripur area. If Babar follows his father's path, he will be the greatest threat to all corrupts.
Now, you be the judge.