However, some other factors behind the change are not difficult to locate: Both the father and daughter had lost badly in the last two elections in and and there is a lot of resentment against Jafar Iqbal in the district, says the PML-N politician. Second, it is rumoured that he has something personal with Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mahmood, claims a local journalist.
Both are rags-to-riches stories; both made money in the construction business; both enjoy considerable political clout in every major party. He himself has already been sent to the senate.
It is obvious that while Chaudhry Munirs arrival is duly marked, the snub to Mr Iqbal has been exaggerated in the talk of the local PML-N circle perhaps based on the disappointing show in recent polls. Both have been brought in to replace Jafar Iqbal from NA and his daughter Zaib from NA, showing the reducing influence of the former deputy speaker of the National Assembly on his partys politics in the district.
Some even liken him to Malik Riaz of Bahria Town. Some even liken him to Malik Riaz of Bahria Town. But the difference lies in their personalities. He himself has already been sent to the senate. Chaudhry Munir, who rose from a humble background to become one of the wealthiest businessmen of the country with his own private jets, came into the limelight during the period of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as chief minister of Punjab because of his close political and business relationships with the Chaudhries of Gujrat.
The PML-N had consulted Chaudhry Munir on almost all aspirants for its ticket for national and provincial seats and his advice has almost been binding. The party leadership is said to have given weight to the recommendations of the businessman, Chaudhry Munir, while fielding its candidates for the six national and 13 provincial assembly seats in the district, even if it meant sort of marginalising its old hand, Chaudhry Jafar Iqbal — at least in the eyes of the local cadres.
But the difference lies in their personalities. In spite of his influence on the leadership of almost all major parties on account of his closeness to the royals in the Gulf, he prefers to keep a low profile and stays away from the media glare even in his hometown.