The Election 2024 campaign on Sunday reached its peak in Kohat district, where a tough electoral battle is expected among Pakistan Muslim League (N) former senator Abbas Afridi and ex-MNA Sharyar Afridi, backed by Pakistan Tahrik e Insaf and Saifullah Bangash of JUIF on February 8.
Besides addressing corner meetings and public rallies, the political stalwarts approached large tribes, including Bangash, Afridi, Aurkzai, and others, to get their support for the 2024 election. Shahryar Afridi had won the 2013 and 2018 elections from NA 35 Kohat after securing 68,129 votes and 82,248 votes, respectively, while JUIF Gohar Bangash stood runner-up with 32,041 and 47,412 votes, respectively.
Political observers said that Seth Saifullah Khan Bangash, who was defeated in the previous elections by a narrow margin, could surprise many on election day. Saifullah may have gained an advantage after his party fielded strong candidates in the three provincial assembly constituencies, which were part of the National Assembly constituency, and these candidates were also campaigning for Saifullah. PTI district president Aftab Iqbal will face three-time election winner.—INP
