PK-78: PPP withdraws candidate in MMA’s favour

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has withdrawn its candidate Irfanullah, who was running for PK-78, in support of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) nominee Ghulam Ali and declared him as their joint candidate.

PPP provincial Secretary Information Senator Robina Khalid confirmed the report, saying this decision was taken “as a goodwill gesture” only for this particular seat.

Appreciating the MMA candidate, who also served as district nazim Peshawar and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) senator, she said that Ghulam Ali had done a lot for Peshawar.

Without naming anyone, the PPP leader observed that since negative forces were involved in the election from Peshawar so her party had decided to block their way.

“We want to block the way of the negative forces and support a positive person,” she said, adding: “By supporting Ghulam Ali, we want to serve the people of Peshawar.”

When asked whether the MMA would support her brother and PPP candidate for PK-77 Syed Zahir Ali Shah in response to her party’s support, she said “No,” adding that the MMA had already fielded its candidate for PK-77.

She said that her party’ support was confined to this seat only and they would contest the election on the rest of the constituencies.

Zahir Ali Shah, a former minister, earlier withdrew his paper from PK-77 and opted for PK-78.

Robina Khalid said her party’s support was confined to PK-78 to elect a “likeminded person.”

Ghulam Ali thanked the PPP for withdrawing its candidate in his favour. He said it would bring positive results for the people of Peshawar.

He is also running for National Assembly constituency NA-27. The PPP has fielded Asma Alamgir, the wife of former federal minister Arbab Alamgir, for this constituency.

Seventeen candidates are in the run for PK-78. They include ANP’s Haroon Bilour, Mohammad Irfan of PTI, former MPA Javed Nasim of PML-Q, Khadim Ali of PML-N, Aurangzeb Khan, All Pakistan Muslim League, Mohammad Shah, Qaumi Watan Party, Mehad Tariq of Tehreek-Labbaik, Mohammad Bilal, Pakistan Justice Party and independents namely Niaz Mohammad Mohmand, Hussain Jan, Abidullah Khan, Kashan Ahmad, Mohammad Aslam Khan, Mohammad Ismail and Mohammad Shah.