Khanewal (Big Digit) Khanewal’s 30-Year PML-N Alliance Ends as Haraj Group Gains Ground Defections of veteran leaders and traders mark a turning point as Hamid Yar Haraj reshapes local politics.

Khanewal (Big Digit)(Saqib Naqvi): Khanewal’s political landscape witnessed a watershed moment as decades-long loyalties with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came to an end, with a powerful local faction defecting to the Haraj Group.

At a large public gathering in Chak Yarowala, prominent figures including Master Mehr Mukhtar Haraj, former Excise Officer Mehr Aslam Haraj, and Mehr Musadaq Haraj—along with dozens of supporters—announced their decision to part ways with PML-N and align themselves with the Haraj Group. The event was attended by former federal and provincial minister Sardar Hamid Yar Haraj, while the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering was attributed to the efforts of former Punjab CM’s adviser, Mehr Hamid Nasir Haraj.

The defectors accused local PML-N leadership, including incumbent MNAs and MPAs, of chronic failure in addressing basic public grievances. Despite the availability of development funds, they alleged, projects remained confined to paperwork while citizens continued to suffer from electricity shortages, lack of clean water, crumbling health facilities, and poor education services.

Adding to the blow for PML-N, Khanewal’s influential business community also declared its support for the Haraj Group. Among them were Arsalan Kayani, Irfan Kayani, Abid Sheikh, Sajid Sheikh, Adil Sheikh, Shamshad Bhai, Akbar Bhai, Malik Imran Munir, Akhtar Mughal, Kaka Babar, and several leading traders from Bans Bazaar.

Political analysts have described the wave of defections as a severe setback for PML-N and a major boost for the Haraj Group, positioning it as an increasingly dominant force in the district’s political future. With both veteran politicians and the trading class now siding with the Haraj brothers, observers say the balance of power in Khanewal has decisively shifted.

“The message from Khanewal is clear,” said one local trader. “The Haraj Group has emerged as the true flag-bearer of people’s politics.”