By-elections: Two candidates withdraw from PK-22

SHABQADAR: With general elections nearing, Tehsil Shabqadar of Charsadda is accepting nomination papers for candidate to contest on PK-22, which has been vacant since the death of Muhammad Ali Mohmand from Qaumi Watan Party (QWP).

While Baber Ali, Mohmand’s son is a strong candidate for the seat for whom major parties have withdrawn their candidates, two independent candidates will also be participating in the by-election against him.

Haji Gul Yousaf, a JUI worker was requested by Akram Durrani to not contest for this seat but Yousaf refused and submitted nomination paper against party policy. Another candidate, Raz Muhammad is from QWP but will be contesting for the seat against his own party’s member. Muhammad’s wife was elected in 2002 on an Muttahida Majils-e-Amal ticket. Symbols allocated to Ali, Yousaf and Muhammad are oil lamp, hand pump and vessel respectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2012.