Faisalabad: Old Faces in New Political Paradigm

Anjum Aala Rehman

Faisalabad: Deeply entrenched in the caste system, the industrial hub of Pakistan, Faisalabad, is once again witnessing the old faces contesting the elections 2024, embracing more or less the same slogans of economic revival, jobs, and ameliorating the lot of people.

Despite the transformative impact of social media on societal awareness, the persistent grip of the traditional caste system and incentive-based politics remains evident, casting a shadow over many parts of the country, including Faisalabad.

Referred to as the Manchester of Pakistan, the Faisalabad district is primarily dominated by various bradaris, including Jutt, Rajpoot, Gujjar, Arain, Ansari, and Baloch clans. Some of these clans have roots in the region that stretch back to the pre-independence era of Pakistan.

The challenge lies in reconciling the influence of historical caste affiliations with the evolving dynamics of a modern, interconnected society. As the election unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Faisalabad can transcend the confines of traditional politics and embrace a more inclusive and progressive vision for its future.

In addition to their strong caste affiliations, many candidates in Faisalabad have secured tickets from major national political parties such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

Some candidates are opting to run as independents while claiming support from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose ‘Bat’ symbol was suspended by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) due to irregularities in intra-party elections.

The intricacies of daily life interactions, active participation in social events like funerals and weddings, resolution of disputes at local courts and police stations, and engagement in grassroots development work continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining a secure vote bank.

The Faisalabad’s Political Landscape

These traditional methods of connection and influence persist, reflecting the enduring impact of community ties in the political landscape.

As the election campaign unfolds, the candidates are once again emphasizing future promises and aspirations. The PML-N pledges a robust economic foundation, while the PPP promises initiatives such as employment opportunities, salary increments, the expansion of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), and grassroots development.

These commitments form the core of the candidates’ strategies to appeal to the electorate, aiming to secure votes by offering a vision of a better future for the people of Faisalabad.

Electioneering has gained significant momentum in Faisalabad, the country’s third-largest metropolis. The recent public meeting led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari marked a notable event, but political analysts anticipate a substantial boost in the campaign dynamics following a forthcoming public gathering by PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on February 2.

As the February 2008 elections draw nearer, candidates from major political parties and independents alike are actively engaging in efforts to win over voters. This involves the organization of public meetings, setting up election camps (Deras) to serve food and tea to voters, and even providing logistical support for their personal needs.

The atmosphere is charged with political fervor as candidates strive to connect with the electorate through various means, employing both traditional methods and modern campaign strategies. The upcoming public gathering led by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is anticipated to be a pivotal moment, potentially shaping the trajectory of the entire election campaign in Faisalabad. The candidates are leaving no stone unturned in their endeavors to secure support and sway public opinion in their favor.

Prominent Political Figures

Housing over eight million people, 5,297,899 Faisalabad voters, including 2,841,085 males and 2,456,814 females, would be voting to elect 10 MNAs and 21 MPAs out of 277 and 574 candidates contesting elections, respectively, for National and Provincial Assembly seats.

Political figures like Rana Sanaullah Khan, Abid Sher Ali, Haji Akram Ansari, Rana Farooq Saeed Khan, Hafiz Mumtaz Ahmad, Hamayun Akhtar Khan, Ali Afzal Sahi, Mina Irfan Mannan, Shahbaz Babar, Arif Gill, Saadullah Baloch, and Ali Gohar Baloch are from the top known Bradaris of the district.

It is worth mentioning that two stalwart families of Arain and Rajput bradaris—the Chaudhary Nazir and Rana ZahifTauseef families—are not participating in this election.

In the most important contest across the district, PML-N Punjab President, former Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, will be facing his rival, DrNisar Ahmed, ex-MNA, in NA-100. Rana Sana was elected from this constituency (then 106) during the 2018 general elections. Sidra Saeed is contesting in this constituency as a PPP candidate.

Another important contest is in NA-97, where former federal minister and IPP stalwart Hamayun Akhtar Khan will be facing PML-N’s Ali Gohar of the Baloch clan. Saadullah Baloch, the parental nephew of Ali Gohar, and Aysha Rajab Ali, the widow of former MNA Rajab Ali Baloch (the sister-in-law of Ali Gohar), are also contesting from the same constituency.

The third important contest is expected in NA-102, where former federal minister Abid Sher Ali will be contesting against independent candidates Changaiz Khan Kakar and Rana Naeem of the PPP.

As former opposition leader in the National Assembly Raja Riaz Ahmad has retired from elections, his son Danyal Ahmad would now be contesting the election on a PML-N ticket from NA-104 against Jamat-e-Islami candidate former President FCCI Rana SikandarAzam and an independent Hamid Raza.

In NA-103, PML-N candidate Haji Akram Ansari is trying his luck against independent Ali Sarfaraz, the son of former federal minister MianZahidSarfraz. Former MNA Sheikh Khurram is also contesting as an independent candidate from this constituency.

PPP Central Punjab President, former Federal Minister Rana Farooq Saeed, would be facing former PML-N MNA Shahbaz Babar, former Punjab Minister, and independent candidate Hafiz Mumtaz in NA-98.

Former Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Muhammad Afzal Sahi has fielded his son Ali Afzal Sahi as an independent candidate against PML-N’s Azad Ali Tabasum from NA-95.

PML-N leader Talal Chaudhary has retired in favor of Malik Nawab Sher Waseer as PML-N candidate from NA-96. Independent candidates Rai Haider Khan Kharl and Rai Shah Jehan of the PPP are also contesting from this constituency.

In NA 99, former Punjab Minister Malik Umar Farooq is now contesting the election as an independent candidate to face Muhammad Qasim Farooq of PML-N and Neha Javed of PPP.

Irfan Manan of PML-N, Muhammad Afzal of PPP, and independents Rana Atif and Maj Gen AkramSahi are contesting from NA-101.

Former Punjab ministers Latif Nazar and Khayal Ahmad Kastro are also contesting from different PP constituencies as independent candidates.

As PML-N and PPP have announced heavy manifestoes of masses welfare and independents expect sympathy votes from PTI voters, the political pundits await the February 02 visit of Mina Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to build a notion of expected election results.