MANSEHRA: The Election Commission of Pakistan has allotted the symbol of tiger to NA-14, Mansehra, candidate Sajjad Ahmad after the recent disqualification of PML-N nominee and his younger brother, retired captain Mohammad Safdar, over corruption conviction.

Mr Sajjad, covering candidate for Mr Safdar, had formally asked the ECP for the PML-N’s symbol saying since the disqualification has driven his brother out of electoral race, he should be given the tiger symbol to contest election.

The ECP had ordered NA-14 returning officer Mohammad Tahir Aurangzeb for the issuance of tiger symbol to Mr Sajjad after fulfilling formalities.

ECP move comes at Sajjad Ahmad’s request

It said the covering candidate of Mr Safdar in PK-33 would also got the tiger symbol.

SUPPORT FOR TRANSGENDER: The Tehreek-i-Sooba Hazara has announced support for a transgender candidate in PK-31, Mansehra, saying Maria Khan has strongly advocated the creation of Hazara province.

“Maria Khan has been working for the cause of Hazara province since 2010 and therefore, our party announces support for her in the July 25 election,” TSH convener Mushtaq Khan told reporters at the Mansehra Press Club on Wednesday.

Mr Mushtaq said the struggle for Hazara province was gaining momentum and the day was not far away when the region would become a province.

Ms Maria, who was also in attendance, thanked the TSH for election support and said if she became the MPA, she would advocate the cause of Hazara province and Khatm-i-Nabuwat in the house.

She said she would also work against corruption and for the supply of drinking water and cleanliness in the region.

The candidate said the opponents tore apart her posters and created hurdles to her campaign but she wasn’t afraid and would contest election.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2018