MANSEHRA, Dec 2: As many as six independent MPAs of the NWFP Assembly have formed their own parliamentary group in the house and have chosen Shahzada Mohammad Gustasap Khan, MPA from PF-55, Mansehra-III, as their parliamentary leader.

The group includes: Sardar Inayatullah Khan Gandapur from D.I. Khan, Syed Mazhar Ali Qasim from PF-54, Mansehra-II, Hafeezullah Alizai and Dr Saleem Khan from Swabi and Tahir Binyamin Khan.

Gustasap, who has filed the nomination papers of Bakht Jehan for the speakership of the assembly, said on Tuesday that his group had all respect for the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) which had been given heavy mandate by the people of the province.

Talking to Dawn by telephone from Peshawar on Tuesday night, he said the group had unanimously decided to vote unconditionally in favour of the MMA candidate for the speakership of the house.

The people of the province had pinned high hopes in the MMA, he said, adding that he hoped it would come up to the expectations of the people.

Gustasap said decisions on all issues would be taken unanimously on merit, and due respect would be given to the opinion of all members of the group.