Which political parties of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are possible to unite in elections?

As the general elections are approaching, all the political parties are emphasizing on rallies and workers' convention, but there are also efforts to increase political closeness.

If we look at the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the political turmoil is more visible here than in other provinces. This is probably because the position of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is strong here and hence every political party is running to emerge as its alternative. In this political environment, the season of manipulation is also at its peak. Each party is in a tussle to knock down the other's wickets from the political stakes.

On the other hand, a meeting is also being held for political unity, but so far no decision or formal announcement has been made by any major party.

Which political parties can have unity?

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf is currently the largest party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has been in power for the past two periods in this province. In the current political scenario PTI is at the top in terms of public popularity, successful conventions are being held in each district one after the other, but the lack of leadership at the frontline has left the workers frustrated.

If PTI gets a chance to fight in the election, its position is so strong that it will not need an alliance with anyone, but if there is a seat adjustment somewhere, it can have discussions with Jamaat-e-Islami.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the position of Jamiat Ulema Islam (F) is good after PTI. At present, talks of alliance between JUI(F) and Muslim League-N are going on and matters have been settled to a large extent.

Speaking to Urdu News, JUI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spokesperson Jalil Jan said that we can talk with every political party and we are also discussing seat adjustment in various districts with the alliance. He said that the most possible alliance is PTI and Pervez Khattak's party.

In response to a question, Jalil Jan said that Jamaat-e-Islami had left the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, now you should ask them why they left.

On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami has not yet announced any reunification of religious parties and they have announced candidates from all constituencies.

The situation of Awami National Party (ANP) is somewhat different at present. From the recent statements and allegations of their leaders, it seems as if their alliance with JUI is not possible. However, seat adjustment with Pakistan People's Party is possible in some constituencies.

According to the head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarian Pervez Khattak, he is not joining any party but talks are going on with some parties for seat adjustment. While Aftab Sherpao's Qaumi Watan Party is preparing to play political innings with Muslim League-N.

"Imran Khan has voters but leadership is not there"

Shamim Shahid, a senior journalist and analyst from Peshawar, believes that there is a possibility of unity among the party of Muslim League-N, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) and Aftab Sherpao, but the statements of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Muslim League seem to be against each other. That differences will increase.

He said that Asif Ali Zardari is an expert in playing political stakes, it is likely that he will form a united alliance against PTI at the last moment because PTI is a challenge to all parties in the province.

Shamim Shahid told Urdu News that the political parties have instructed their district officials to appoint seats from any party. However, Jamaat-e-Islami is in solo flight mode.

He said that 'Imran Khan has voters but leadership is not there, some have cases against them, some are in jail and some have gone into hiding.'

According to analyst Safiullah Gul, there does not seem to be only one political alliance in the entire province. Most of the political parties have their eyes on PTI if it is banned then the political support will be decided keeping in view the situation.

He said that the political ground in the northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is different from the southern districts. Similarly, political preferences are different for each party here. It is possible that there will be seat adjustment between PML-N and JUI in Malakand or southern regions, but it has not been decided yet.