MITHI, July 10: The nomination papers of Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz were declared valid by Mithi Returning Officer Ghulam Mehdi Sangi here on Saturday after rejection of objections raised by a candidate.

The RO also declared valid nomination papers of four other candidates but rejected those of Mohammed Meean Bajeer.

During scrutiny of nomination papers for by-election in NA-229, Tharparkar, Mr Aziz, leader of the house in Senate, Wasim Sajjad, Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim and others were present.

Yousuf Leghari Advocate, who appeared on behalf of a candidate, Dr Mahesh Mallani, had filed objections on the nomination papers of Mr Aziz.

The RO, after hearing arguments from both the sides, reserved his decision for some time and later declared Mr Aziz's papers valid.

The nomination papers of former MNA Arbab Zakaullah, Arbab Haji Abdullah, Noor Mohammed Bhatti and Suhail David were also found in order.

The RO rejected the nomination papers of Meean Bajeer over objections raised by Rehmatullah Jahejhan.

The candidates, who are now in the field are: Mr Aziz of the Pakistan Muslim League, Dr Mumtaz Ali Memon of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, Mir Mohammed Buledi of the MMA, Engineer Gianchan of the People's Party Parliamentarians, Mahesh Mallani of the PPP, Noor Mohammed Bhatti of the PPP (Shaheed Bhutto), Arbab Zakaullah, Arbab Haji Abdullah and Suhail David.-APP