LAKKI MARWAT, May 6: PML-N contender for PK-74, Lakki Marwat-I, Qareebullah, on Monday withdrew in favour of PPP provincial president Anwar Saifullah Khan.

In a similar development, Jamat-i-Islami aspirant Mufti Irfanullah made his position strong by getting the support of Ittehadul Ulema and Burakhel tribe.

Mr Qareebullah made the announcement to this effect at his election office in Gandi Khankhel on Monday. The withdrawal came after PML-N candidate for national assembly Salim Saifullah Khan and district chapter president Shafiullah Khan Begukhel convinced Mr Qareebullah that his decision would strengthen position of PML-N aspirants on NA-27 and PK-76 constituencies.

Besides launching a full-fledged election campaign for his success, Mr Salim Saifullah is also striving to ensure victory of his younger brother, Anwar Saifullah Khan, PPP nominee on two provincial assembly seats from the district.

Mr Qareebullah said on the occasion after withdrawal from election race he would struggle for the victory of Salim Saifullah Khan and Akhtar Munir Khan Marwat. He said PML-N would clean sweep general elections.

Meanwhile, at a meeting in Naurang town on Monday Ittehadul Ulema leaders decided to support Jamat-i-Islami contender for PK-74 Mufti Irfanullah in the election. They said JI had fielded honest and trustworthy candidates in the election who possessed capabilities to enforce Shariah and steer the country out of crisis.

The elders of Marwat Borakhel tribe also extended support to Mufti Irfanullah pledging their support will enable JI aspirant to win elections easily. At a meeting held in Naurang town the elders said traditional politicians always deceived masses on false promises and did nothing for their welfare.

TIMERGARA: Muttahidda Deeni Mahaz candidate for NA-34, Lower Dir, Maulana Abdul Hanan on Monday announced to withdraw from the contest in favour of JUI-F candidate Qazi Fazlullah.

He made the announcement during a press conference at the local press club on Monday which was also attended by JUI-F Timergara amir Mufti Irfanud Din, district information secretary Shahid Mahmood and Muttahidda Deeni Mahaz divisional president Ziaul Haq Haidri.

Maulana Hanan said he was offered huge amount of money from different political parties but he decided to withdraw in favour of the JUI-F as he thought it would enforce Shariah in the country.

“The JUI-F is the party of ulema that is why I decided to back it,” said Mr Hanan, adding all his supporters would vote for the JUI-F candidate.

WOMEN VOTING: District secretary information of Jamaat-i-Islami Malik Sher Bahadar on Monday said the JI women wing had made all necessary arrangements to ensure women right to vote in the district.

Answering a question during a press conference he said his party was not against women voting. “However we demand of the ECP to make special arrangement for it,” he said and added there should be separate polling stations for women.