RAWALPINDI: Six heavyweights from various political parties have entered the fray in Rawalpindi`s local government elections and are contesting for the union council (UC) chairman seat.

PML-N Metropolitan president Sardar Naseem is contesting the election from UC-36 Mohanpura. Mr Naseem was the PML-N candidate for the provincial assembly seat PP-12 in 2013 but lost to PTI`s ljaz Khan Jazi.

After losing the provincial assembly seat, he opted to become UC chairman in the local government election and is a strong candidate for Rawalpindi mayor.

PML-N`s Sardar Mohammad Tariq is contesting from UC-39 Bhabara Bazaar. He contested a National Assembly seat in 2002 but lost to Sheikh Rashed Ahmed. PML-N`s Sajjad Khan the former Rawalpindi tehsil nazim between 2001 and 2005 is contesting from UC-42 Milat Colony.

Sh. Rashid Shafique, former Rawal Town nazim and nephew of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed is contesting from UC-41 Purana Qila, and is supported by PTl and JI. Imran Hayat, a local PPP leader during the 2001 election, is contesting from UC-19 Satellite Town as an independent candidate.

Former opposition leader in the Rawal Town Council, Nasir Mir is contesting from UC-2, also as an independent.