September 15, 2002	Sunday	Rajab 7, 1423

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JHANG, Sept 14: Maulana Azam Tariq, head of the banned Sipah-i-Sahaba (SSP) withdrew his nomination papers for PP-77 here on Saturday.

However, he will remain in contest for NA-89 seat of the Jhang municipality and its suburbs.

The government and an opponent candidate had filed appeals in the election tribunal against the acceptance of Maulana Azam Tariq’s papers for both the constituencies. But the returning officers, against all speculation, allowed him to contest elections.

The Maulana had contested the 1993 and 1997 elections from these seats. He won elections on both seats in 1993, but lost his national assembly seat in 1997.

His withdrawal for PP-77 in favour of his covering candidate Khalid Mehmood Sargana indicates his growing confidence to win the only seat (NA-89) he is contesting for.

GUJRANWALA: Over 60 aspirants of national and provincial assemblies, including ex-MNA Rana Nazir Ahmed, withdrew their nomination papers throughout the district.

Around 205 candidates filed their nomination papers against the seven seats of national assembly and 14 of provincial.

At least 20 aspirants withdrew their papers from the national assembly and 40 from the provincial. Former MPA Rana Shamshad Ahmed and the former district bar association president were also among those who withdrew their papers.

FAISALABAD: As many as 114 candidates withdrew their papers in Faisalabad.

A good number of covering candidates of major political parties also withdrew their papers. Scores of those who filed papers with a hope to get tickets from their parties also pulled themselves away.

About a dozen former MNAs and MPAs, who are contesting elections from various constituencies, also withdrew their papers from constituencies from where they were only the covering candidates.

SHEIKHUPURA: PPP former district Secretary-General Zahid Chaudhry has parted ways with the party and joined the PML-QA after withdrawing papers from NA-133 and PP-166.

Talking to newsmen on Saturday, he said the PPP had no regard for its founder members. Many of his colleagues would soon part with the party, he said.

Meanwhile, some other candidates, including Sardar Mohsin Dogar (NA-134 and PP-169), Advocate Malik Maqsood Awan of PML-J (NA-135) and Mian Shamim Haider (PP-171), have withdrawn their nomination papers.