Political scene was once again dominated by landed aristrocacy as all the mainstream political parties - Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), PML-Q as well as the Sindh-based PML-F have awarded party tickets predominantly to local landlords in the interior Sindh.
Out of the 112 constituencies, PML-Q fielded 52 candidates, who are landlords, whereas the PPP has also fielded 52 landlords as its candidates. The PML-N has given tickets to landlords in 39 constituencies out of 96 and PML-F has fielded 13 landlords as its candidates in 20 constituencies.
In Sukkur, Khaipur and Ghotki districts, various political parties have teamed up against the PPP. The PML-Q, PML-F, JUI-F and Mehr Group fielded their candidates with mutual understandings against the PPP candidates in Sukkur and Ghotki districts. For the first time, the PML-F nominated its candidates in all three seats in Khairpur district against the PPP candidates.
Inside Sukkur district, Khurshid Ahmed Shah, PPP and former federal minister, chose to contest election from NA-199 instead of NA-198 where he won last time. With his consent, party high-ups nominated Noman Sheikh from his constituency. The Mehr Group, a strong and dominating political group in the area, has formed a political alliance with the PML-Q. The Mahar Group and the PML-Q fielded joint candidates, Syed Tahir Hussain Shah against Noman Sheikh, PPP and Taj Muhammad Sheikh against Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah. An interesting competition is expected in Sukkur district because Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah is contesting against a 'joint' candidate of the strong Mehr Group and PML-Q.
In district Khairpur, Pir Pagara, head of PML-F and influential spiritual personality, succeeded in fielding his candidates in all three constituencies of the district with the coordination of the PML-Q, and other smaller political groups of the district.
Last time, the PPP grabbed two seats and PML-F won only one. Syed Javed Ali Shah, PML-F's strong candidate is contesting from NA-215 from where Manzoor Hussain Wassan of PPP won in previous elections. The PPP dropped Manzoor Hussain Wassan here and presented Syed Bichal Shah. The PML-N also awarded ticket to Ali Haider Shah for this seat. Syed Qaim Ali Shah of PPP is a mastermind in the party politics in the district.
He is in troubled waters because Saddarud Din Shah, son of Pir Pagara and Syed Kazim Ali Shah are strong candidates of PML-F against his nominees. The PPP nominated Sajid Bhabhn against Pir Pagara's son and Syed Fazal Ali Shah against Syed Kazim Ali Shah.
Lobbying and re-groupings are at their peak in Khairpur district, where Syed Qyiam Ali Shah and Pir Pagara are using their years-old political influence to ensure a smooth win for their candidates. However, a neck and neck fight is expected. In district Ghotki, the MQM also nominated its candidates for two seats. Last time the PML-Q grabbed both seats.
In NA-200, the PML-Q decided to again field Sardar Khalid Ahmed Khan Lund, former state minister for railways. The PPP nominated Pir Mian Abdul Haq against Sardar Khalid Ahmed. Pir Bukish Solangi, MQM, Ali Muhammad Jonto, PML N, and Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar are other prominent candidates in this constituency. In NA-201, Sardar Faiz Khan Lund represented the PPP, whereas Ali Nawaz Khan Mahar of PML-Q and Dr Imam Buksh represented MQM.