PK-67 was left vacant when MPA Israrullah Gandapur (pictured) was killed in a suicide bomb attack on Eid. PHOTO: FILE
The upcoming by-elections in Kulachi may be targeted by terrorists, according to DI Khan Commissioner Mushtaq Jadoon.
By-polls will be held on December 15 in PK-67 where a tough fight is expected between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Ikramullah Gandapur and Fataullah Mian Khel, an independent candidate.
Ikramullah is the brother of slain PTI MPA Israrullah Gandapur, who was killed in a suicide attack on October 16.
Addressing a news conference, Ikramullah said contesting this election is a compulsion now, despite severe threats to his life. He said he will carry on the work of his slain brother with regards to the region’s development.
Jadoon added that after receiving information of potential terrorist acts, the administration had beefed up security to ensure a peaceful election. He said he will soon meet with candidates to devise a code of conduct and added the army will be deployed at sensitive polling stations if need be.
Kulachi tehsil is on the border of the volatile South Waziristan Agency. On August 20, security forces, backed by gunship helicopters, carried out a major search operation in Loni. On August 17, in a similar operation in Rana Zai Jahani and Jahan Khani areas, eight suspects were arrested.
Earlier on August 10, the government ended a 2009 peace deal with the Kulachi tribe following reports that attackers of the July DI Khan jailbreak had used routes falling under their areas.
Gandapur’s chances
In another news conference held at the circuit house, Humayun Miankhel, an independent candidate, withdrew in support for Ikramullah.
Miankhel said “after consultation with friends and voters, I have decided to support Ikramullah in the best interest of the people of Kulachi.”
During the news conference, PTI District President Humayun Khan said several PTI leaders are supporting Fataullah and thus giving Ikramullah a tough time for the upcoming by-polls. They include Dawar Khan Kundi, the winning candidate in NA-25, and Umar Ameen Gandapur, brother of provincial minister Ali Ameen Gandapur.
Khan alleged that PTI leaders are violating party rules and discipline, and complaints in this regards are being forwarded to senior party leaders.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2013.
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