SWABI, July 30: Awami National Party leader Azam Hoti has invited the Swabi Qaumi Mahaz (SQM) to merge with the ANP to strengthen its position in the district. Sources told Dawn that Mr Hoti visited the house of SQM leader MPA Dr Saleem last week and discussed with him the local political situation.

It was the first occasion since 1997 that a key ANP leader had met Dr Saleem and invited him to rejoin the party. The sources said the SQM leadership told Mr Hoti that it was late for rejoining or merger of the parties but agreed that talks between them would continue.