HARIPUR: With the NA-18 Haripur by-election scheduled for November 23, candidates have ramped up efforts to win over voters in the largely rural constituency. Corner meetings, door-to-door visits, and individual sessions have become a common sight as nine candidates, including two women, vie for the seat vacated after the disqualification of former opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan.
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The main contest appears to be between PTI-backed independent Shehrnaz Omar Ayub Khan and PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan. Shehrnaz is contesting for the first time, with her husband managing her campaign despite being wanted by Punjab police. Meanwhile, Babar Nawaz, a former MNA, enjoys strong support from PML-N leaders, including Capt (retd) Safdar Awan and other party heavyweights.
Campaign promises and development projects are central to the contest. Capt Safdar announced construction of a 100-bedded hospital, a stadium, and other development initiatives in the constituency. Similarly, Babar Nawaz is highlighting Sui gas and electricity projects worth Rs70 billion secured from the federal government for Haripur.
Observers note that Haripur’s political landscape remains dominated by patronage rather than ideology. While the Tareen family leverages its influence and Imran Khan’s political appeal, PML-N hopes voters dissatisfied with centralized power will support Babar Nawaz, potentially tipping the balance in the upcoming election.
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Haripur has a history of women struggling to secure electoral victories despite a high literacy rate of 74.88%. Previous female candidates from PPP and other parties have been unsuccessful in direct elections, underscoring the constituency’s male-dominated political culture.