January 18, 2008	Friday	Muharram 08, 1429

MUZAFFARGARH, Jan 17 : Pakistan Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Nawabzada Mansoor Khan has secured bright chances of returning to the National Assembly from NA-178 after the PML-N asked its candidate Ehsan Karim Qureshi to retire in favour of the elder son of the late PDP chairman Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan.

After the recent development, Nawabzada Mansoor has ordered publication of his posters afresh, containing pictures of Nawaz Sharif and Nawabzada Nasrullah.

Earlier, there were reports that disgruntled Qureshi had refused to retire, but on Thursday Qureshi dispelled the impression and categorically announced supporting Mansoor in the Feb 18 elections. The PML-N’s retiring candidate said the party had promised him a Senate ticket.

Talking to Dawn, Nawabzada Mansoor said that PML-N secretary-general Iqbal Zaffar Jhagra had communicated the party decision to Qureshi informing him the party chief Nawaz Sharif’s desire to facilitate Nawabzada Mansoor.

Other candidates vying for the constituency are Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, who is Mansoor’s younger brother, on the PML-Q while Jamshed Dasti on the PPP ticket.

Malik Saadat Karlu, Mehr Nazir Abbas Taragar and Dr Mehdi Taragar, all independent candidates for PP-256, are also supporting Nawabzada Mansoor.

On the other hand, Mansoor’s rival brother is facing opposition from PML-Q’s own candidate for PP-257, Mian Imran Mughees Qureshi, and they both are sailing their boats independently.