PTI seeks ANP's support in upcoming Senate chairman polls

PTI delegation led by Pervez Khattak meets ANP leaders in Peshawar; Sadiq Sanjarani also part of visit

PESHAWAR:

In a surprise move, a government delegation, headed by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, visited the opposition Awami National Party on Sunday, to garner support for the March 12 election of the Senate chairman.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf delegation met ANP Central Senior Vice President Amir Haider Khan Hoti at Wali Bagh in Peshawar. The PTI candidate for the slot, Sadiq Sanjrani, who is the incumbent upper house of parliament chairman, was also present.

ANP leaders Iftikhar Hussain, Aimal Wali Khan, newly elected senator Arbab Umar Farooq, MPA Shakeel Bashir Khan Umarzai, and Balochistan minister Zamrak Khan Achakzai were also in attendance.

The ANP is a part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) – an alliance of 11 opposition parties formed to dethrone the Imran Khan government.

Speaking on the occasion, Hoti said that Wali Bagh is the centre of the Pakhtun national movement, and thanked the delegation for their visit.

Hoti added, "ANP is part of the PDM [but] we appreciate your visit. All decisions in the party are made through consultation. We will also consult the party about your request."

Read PPP asks MQM for support in Senate chairman election

He was of the view that resolving political issues through political means was in the best interest of the country and the nation.

The election for the post of Senate chairman will be held on March 12 after the completion of Sanjrani's three-year term.

On March 4, Premier Imran announced Sanjrani as the candidate for Senate chairmanship.

The announcement came a day after the hotly contested Senate elections in which Yousaf Raza Gilani, the PDM’s joint candidate, was elected Senator from Islamabad by defeating Abdul Hafeez Shaikh of the ruling party.

Gilani secured 169 votes while Shaikh received 164 ballots. Seven votes were rejected.