PESHAWAR: As only five days left in the General Election 2024, the candidates of various political parties and independents geared campaign on NA 24 Charsadda-1 where political stalwarts are posing a serious challenge to Qumi Watan Party Chairman and former interior minister, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao in native constituency.
Known as a stronghold of ANP and Qumi Watan Party, Aftab Sherpao is again contesting the election from his home constituency where he is being challenged by ANP, JUIF, PTI and Pakistan Peoples Party candidates. Winning the 2002, 2008 and 2013 elections despite defeat in the last election, Aftab Sherpao expedited election campaign to persuade voters besides approaching large tribes to win their support.
In the 2013 election, Sherpao won the constituency with 37,044 votes against Munhamir Khan who bagged 33,836 votes. However, Aftab Sherpao had lost to PTI’s
Anwar Taj as the former stood in third position.
The women of Charsadda, constituting 45% of registered voters and are eying on resolutions of their socioeconomic, education and environmental challenges besides seeking jobs. The voters are demanding the establishment of a medical and Cadet College, improved health and education facilities, and economic empowerment for women.
Senior vice-chairman of the ‘Muttahida’ Shopkeepers Federation, Sadiqullah said that inadequate healthcare and education facilities, insufficient transport infrastructure, and unfulfilled promises regarding road coverage are major challenges of the constituency and any candidate with the solid program for its resolutions would get an edge over others. He said a medical and cadet college was approved 15 years ago and it was yet to be established in the constituency.
He urged the prospective representatives to address these problems and alleviate the burden on the common people. Meena Taj, an advocate for women’s rights, emphasized the need for economic empowerment, education, and a change in societal attitudes.
