Supporting the mandate: PK-42, PK-51 winning candidates forge alliances

Successful independents join PTI, QWP in Hangu, Haripur, respectively.

HANGU/ PESHAWAR: In the wake of the elections, independent candidates have been allying themselves with mainstream political parties in order to facilitate the process of forming the government.

In Hangu, winning independent candidate from PK-42, Farid Khan, on Friday announced he will join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). After offering prayers in Pukhta Masjid in Hangu city, Khan proclaimed in front of a large gathering that he was joining the party for the social welfare and goodwill of the area. Khan also reportedly asked elders of the region if they had any reservations regarding his decision, but they agreed with his choice. As an independent candidate, Khan said he would not be able to work for the development of the area the way he would be able to by associating himself with a political party that is in power. “People have given me their votes, and now I have an opportunity to serve them,” he added.



Meanwhile, the winning candidate of PK-51 Haripur-III, Gohar Nawaz Khan, announced he would join the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) at a function held at the party’s central secretariat. Nawaz reposed confidence in the leadership of QWP chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, and assured him he would work to strengthen the party in his hometown.

Sherpao hailed Nawaz’s decision to join the QWP, claiming it would bring about a positive change in politics.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2013.