Rise and fall: The changing dynamics of Swabi politics

AJIP’s inclusion in PTI stirs resentment among former’s members

SWABI: The inclusion of Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is a catalyst to political change in Swabi.

Those who are resentful over the inclusion of AJIP into PTI have decided to take action. “We were not consulted when the decision was being taken; we have the right to decide our future course of action,” said Abdul Ahad Bacha of Bamkhel, who had contested the 2013 general elections for a provincial assembly seat on the AJIP ticket.

Bacha was speaking at a consultative meeting in Swabi on Monday. “We will either remain neutral or independent or join another party.” The party members are also in touch with local leaders of other parties in this regard.

Other side

The inclusion has given a chance to erstwhile AJIP MPA Babar Salim to revive Swabi Qaumi Mahaz, a party started by his father the late Dr Muhammad Salim Khan. Before the ‘merger’ was announced on November 22, action was taken against Babar, accusing him of violating party discipline.



AJIP was an alliance of two families: Muhammad Salim’s and Liaquat Tarakai’s. Muhammad Salim was considered among the dissidents of Awami National Party, although he was part of the party before he was ignored in polls in 1997. On the other hand, the Tarakai family became rivals of the late Haji Rahmanullah Khan who was leading the nationalist party in Swabi since the 80s. After the inclusion of AJIP in PTI, Babar started contacting his father’s supporters and friends. He also restored links with the local leadership of ANP.

Development

On the other hand, the alliance of seven parties, Swabi Democratic Alliance, is also strengthening its position after AJIP was absorbed into PTI. The alliance, in its meeting with Swabi nazim Amir Rahman, has urged the PTI leadership to review the decision of giving 25% of the development budget to elected representatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th,  2015.