August 19, 2002	Monday	Jamadi-us-Saani 9, 1423

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PESHAWAR, Aug 18: Three major political forces — Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal, Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League (N) — have decided to field joint candidates in the NWFP in the October elections, sources have told Dawn.

The MMA, a conglomeration of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl and Sami), Tehrik-i-Jafaria Pakistan, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan (N) and Jamiat Ahl-i-Hadith (Sajid Mir), has already distributed national assembly seats among the MMA components in the province.

But, in a latest development, the MMA members have decided to expand their alliance by including the PPP and the PML (N) to defeat the pro-government alliances.

The MMA provincial body, which is meeting here on Monday, is said to have decided about the provincial seats. The MMA central body, which will meet in Islamabad on Tuesday, would finalize seat-to-seat adjustment with the PPP and PML (N).

The JUI (F) is also trying to make seat-to-seat adjustment with the influential groups in D. I. Khan and Bannu against the pro-government parties. The JUI would enter into an alliance with Kundi and Gandapur groups in D. I. Khan against the PML (QA).

The MMA has allotted National Assembly seats to the JUI (F) in D. I. Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Kohat and Tank. The Jamaat-i-Islami has been allotted seats in Dir, Swat, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan and Peshawar, while the JUI (S) would contest on three seats from Mansehra, Karak and Akora Khattak.

The MMA has also decided to make seat adjustments with the PPP in Peshawar and with the PML (N) in Hazara, which includes Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra.