NA-53 Rawalpindi-IV: neck-and-neck contest likely between Chaudhry Nisar, Ghulam Sarwar

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Ghulam Sarwar Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - the heavyweights of the two arch rival political parties - are all set for a neck and neck contest from NA 53 Rawalpindi-IV on May 11.
The two arch-rivals have a history of defeating each other from the same constituency, however, analysts said Jamaat-i-Islami's (JI) vote will define the scenario this time in case of seat adjustment with PML-N. Both Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Ghulama Sarwar Khan have strong vote bank in the constituency. In 2002, Ghulam Sarwar Khan won from this constituency as an independent candidate securing 66,900 votes, defeating Chaudary Nisar Ali who was the runner up with 57,110 votes. Whereas in 2008, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan won the seat by securing 72,257, while Ghulam Sarwar, as Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) candidate, was runner up with 49,068 votes.
However, analysts argue that Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who is contesting on PTI ticket, will have access to unlimited funds as he is being backed by the property tycoon Malik Riaz who had publicly vowed that he would ensure Chaudhary Nisar's defeat in the 2013 elections at any cost.
Chaudhry Nisar is also likely to face a tough time, as Shaheen Khan of Golra Sharif, a millionaire who had previously borne election expenses of Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has vowed to use all available options to bring down the PML-N stalwart after joining PTI. On the other hand, PML-N's sources are confident to retain the National Assembly seat from NA-53 on the basis of performance and 'overwhelming' support of the people.
Question arises whether it would be performance or money which will decide the fate of the two men in the 2013 general elections. Chaudhary Nisar has effectively delivered to the people of his constituency and has also been able to execute and complete several development projects through Punjab government.
But many believe that JI's support would be critical to ensure the victory of either candidate. Sources revealed that PML-N and JI are currently in talks and may reach any understanding in this regard. The sources privy to the development said that the two political parties were trying to reach an understanding under which the JI will support the PML-N in the National Assembly seat [NA-53] while in return the PML-N will support the JI candidate for the provincial assembly seat. However, no final decision has so far been made.
But the two heavyweights are also facing a common challenge of objections on their nomination papers that are yet to be cleared by the concerned returning officer. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan's nomination papers have been objected due to alleged understating of the value of his assets while his opponent Ghulam Sarwar Khan is facing objection over his educational credentials.
Talking to Business Recorder Guhulam Sarwar Khan expressed the confidence that the court was likely to clear him in the case. "Once cleared from the court, I will go in the field to demonstrate my political power," he said. In case the court verdict is against Ghulam Sarwar Khan, PTI Rawalpindi chapter president Arif Abbasi, said that Mansoor Sidiqqui will be the PTI candidate to contest against Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan from NA-53.