Ilahi Bux Soomro mends fences with nephew Mohammad Mian Soomro

The two had filed their nomination papers for the same National Assembly seat in Jacobabad.

SUKKUR: Two members of the influential Soomro family who had filed nomination papers for the same National Assembly seat, buried the hatchet Monday night at Raja Khan Jakhrani’s residence in Jacobabad.

Former National Assembly speaker Ilahi Bux Soomro had reportedly filed nomination papers at NA-208 as a Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz candidate while his nephew, Mohammad Mian Soomro, had also done the same as an independent contender. At the meeting, the two men hugged each other and told each other that their difference now stood resolved. Former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, who was also present, announced complete support for Mohammad Mian Soomro.

Talking to the media at Raja Khan Jakhrani’s residence, Mohammad Mian Soomro was optimistic that elections would be conducted in free and fair manner. “Ilahi Bux Soomro is my elder and I don’t have any differences with him.”



While talking to The Express Tribune, former provincial minister Mir Manzoor Panhwar confirmed that the meeting between Ilahi Bux and Mohammad Mian Soomro had a pleasant ending. “They have set aside their differences and this is great news for the Soomro family as well as the people of Jacobabad.”

He added that Ilahi Bux’s nomination papers have been accepted and the decision on the ones filed by Mohammad Mian Soomro will be taken today because he is a dual national. “In case his nomination papers are accepted, then Ilahi Bux will most likely withdraw from NA-208 after taking the party’s leadership into confidence.”

Mud-slinging begins

Former Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Aijaz Jakhrani has also thrown his name in the hat for the same seat.

He has started slinging mud at Mohammad Mian Soomro, claiming that that he has concealed facts about his properties in London. “This is against the provisions of Article 62 and Article 63 of the Constitution,” he said. “Mohammad Mian Soomro is a dual national and didn’t list all his property abroad while filing his nomination form.” He said that Mohammad Mian Soomro had not visited Jacobabad during last five years. “If he hasn’t done so, then how can one expect him to live there after elections?”



Jakhrani said that after the super floods in 2010 and the devestating torrential rain in 2012, nobody had bothered to venture to the area and support the marooned. “I remained with the people of Jacobabad through thick and thin, while Mohammad Mian Soomro despite holding the post of chairperson of the senate, did nothing for the welfare of the people.” He added that people will vote for him because of his services and performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2013.