PESHAWAR, Jan 10: The Awami National Party (ANP) has nominated Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain as its parliamentary leader in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

The decision was made in ANP parliamentary party’s meeting, held here on Thursday with Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti in the chair, according to a press release.

The seat of ANP parliamentary leader in provincial assembly fell vacant after the assassination of Bashir Ahmed Bilour in a suicide attack last month. Joint prayers were offered for the slain leader in the meeting and rich tributes were paid to him for his sacrifice.

The meeting was called for selection of new parliamentary leader of the ruling party.

Provincial Minister for Sports Syed Aqil Shah proposed the name of Mian Iftekhar Hussain for the slot that was backed by all members of ANP parliamentary party.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that Bashir Bilour played his role in and outside the assembly commendably and the vacuum created due to his assassination couldn’t be filled.

Mr Hoti said that his role as parliamentary leader of ANP was exemplary and unprecedented. He hoped that Mian Iftikhar Hussain would also perform the responsibility in a better manner to maintain the customs of brotherhood and political harmony that were set forth by his predecessor.