Election process has picked up momentum in provincial capital after acceptance of nomination papers and candidates of different political parties have started corner meetings with influential people and party workers to muster maximum support in their favour.
Monday was the last day of scrutiny of nomination papers as returning officers have almost completed scrutiny in city. The nomination papers of NWFP PML (Q) Cultural Wing President, Muhammad Habib Qureshi advocate has been accepted for PF-4 district Peshawar. Returning Officer, Ziaur Rehman Khan after detailed examination accepted the papers of Habib Qureshi.
Likewise electioneering process has also gained momentum in NWFP and Fata as candidates of various constituencies have started meeting with party workers, elders and people of their constituencies to get people support for the upcoming general elections to be held on January 8, 2007.
The aspiring candidates are also trying to get support of veteran politicians in their favour. Big banners and portraits of party leaders had been set-up on the important routs to attract voters' attention in city. The candidates have printed their pictures along with photos of their party leaders.
The candidates of JUI (F), ANP, PPP(P), PPP(S) and PML(Q) have further accelerated their election campaign as candidates of these parties said that election boycott by some of political parties will help them.
Likewise, the party workers have already started inviting party leaders to come to their constituencies for addressing public gatherings. Different political parties leaders have also started to convince their dissident workers and those who are not taking active part in party affairs.
The candidates besides going to the houses of active political workers are also inviting them to their houses for lunches and dinners to more strengthen their ties with party workers.
Chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had also visited Peshawar to mobilise people's support in her party favour. Likewise, ANP Central leader Senator Asfandyar Wali, PML-Q NWFP President, Amir Muqam, PPP (S) Chairman and former chief minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao also started election campaign by visiting their respective constituencies.