Electioneering: In Swat, political activities gain momentum

PML-N, QWP gaining ground, PTI, PPP yet to put up “strong show”.

SWAT:

With the tenure of the present elected government ending soon, political activities are gaining momentum in Swat. The mainstream political parties have started holding public gatherings at different villages of the area.

Locals of the area think that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has gained strength in Swat and Shangla after Amir Muqam joined the party. He has been more active in his campaign than any of the other candidates.

“Muqam is building the trust of people from the experience he has gained in the political field,” Iqbal Hussain, a local, said. Despite internal differences in the party, and Muqam has managed to cement the reputation of the party in the area. The party elders claim that PML-N will have a clean sweep in the area this time.

Similarly, the ruling Awami National Party is confident of coming out victorious for a second time in a row. They are playing the card of eliminating extremism from the valley. However, locals seem unhappy with the party’s track record over the last five years. “They had all the provincial seats and one national seat from Swat. Apart from the regular funds, they received funds from international community to address militancy-hit issues. But they failed to achieve anything substantial,” Aftab Allam, a political analyst said.

Many social and political activists accuse ANP for taking funds of Swat and spending them in Mardan.

In the 2001 elections, Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) had the same success as ANP. Both, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) remained strong political groups and won several times. But their alliance was broken in the 2008 elections as JI boycotted the same polls and JUI was completely rejected by Swat.

“The main cause of JUI’s defeat in the previous elections was the belief that they had soft corner for the extremist in Swat. They allegedly nurtured them in their government,” said Noorul Hadi, a political science student at Government College Jahanzeb.

During the 2002 elections, Mohammad Ameen who proved victorious from the urban area as a member provincial assembly on JI seat, carried out more developmental schemes and projects in his tenure than any other elected representative. “There is no doubt that Ameen worked on developmental schemes and earned respect of many irrespective of his party affiliation. His chance to win his seat from Mingora is confirmed,” said Amjad Sahab, a journalist.

Pakistan Peoples’ Party remained the third biggest party in Swat. However, this time, the party progress does not seem up to the mark. Comparatively, with the emergence of Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) (formerly Pakistan People’s Party Sherpao group) newly formed by Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, PPP seems weaker than its past.

“QWP emerged stronger than the PPP as all the experienced and influential leaders of the district joined it. The only elected representative of the National Assembly did nothing for the war-torn valley, so PPP has no chance in the upcoming elections,” Rauf Khan, a political activist, said.



Furthermore, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) is also actively involved in various parts of the district. However, its hold on Barikot Tehsil seems relatively stronger. Incorporated with majority of youth, the party has yet to come out with clear agenda.

“The scene will be changed once Imran Khan visits Swat. We, the young generation want a change because we are tired of the traditional political parties,” Zahoor Anjum, a student of Swat University student said.

Large-scale political shows by ANP, JI, JUI and PML-N have already been held in Swat, attended by their national leaders while top leadership of PTI and PPP have yet to show any interest in the district. According to political analysts, tough competition is expected between JUI-F, PML-N, JI and PTI in the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2013.