NA-117, PP-145 &146: PMLQ withdraws candidates in Aleem’s favour

LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ) has withdrawn its candidates from NA-117 and PP-145 and 146.

In a joint meeting attended by former Punjab governor Chaudhry Sarwar and IPP President and candidate from NA-117 Abdul Aleem Khan, the PMLQ’s Mian Waheed Ahmed, the candidate of from NA-117 Lahore, announced his withdrawal. Similarly, Syed Hashmat Ali and Syed Rashid Riaz, candidates from PP-145 and 146 respectively, also announced supporting Aleem instead of participating in the election.

Aleem termed Chaudhry Shujat and Chaudhry Sarwar veteran politicians and assets for the PMLQ and said Shujat was his favorite figure in politics, who had his own dignity and reputation. Sarwar described Abdul Aleem Khan Foundation services to the humanity as wonderful and said he earned a unique name in politics and considered serving people without discrimination.

Later, in an informal talk with senior journalists, Aleem said: “We have to determine why and how the interest of Pakistan can be protected and for this purpose, we have to prioritize at the national level. The responsibility for which we are here today is not on anyone but all of us are equally responsible. The internal enemy is more dangerous than outsiders and such elements have to be eradicated vigorously.” He expressed concern over Iran’s unilateral aggression, calling it a blatant violation of international norms and said Iran should admit its mistake as air attacks were unjustified.

Moreover, Ahmed Asif, the son of former PTI ticket-holder Malik Asif Javed from NA-117, joined the IPP.