KARACHI: An ally in the outgoing coalition government led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Wednesday announced to withdraw all its electoral candidates in the Sindh province except Karachi and Hyderabad cities in favour of the latter.

One National Assembly contestant and eight candidates for the Sindh’s provincial assembly are withdrawn from the election race, said a press release issued by the Awami National Party (ANP).

However, all the party candidates, contesting from Karachi and Hyderabad, will partake in the May 11 general elections with zeal and fervour, it added.

The ANP, along with PPP and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), had been threatened by the outlawed Pakistani Taliban for having secular views.

The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has vowed to target the said parties in the run up to historic May 11 polls, which will mark the first ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan.

The president of ANP’s Sindh chapter, Senator Shahi Syed said that a conspiracy is being hatched to halt progress of all liberal forces of the country. Alliance of all enlightened forces of Pakistan is the call of the hour, he added.

The ANP leader further said the party will continue its journey along with the PPP towards strengthening of democracy, eradication of extremism and restoration of peace in Sindh.

Moreover, Syed urged all the withdrawn party candidates to extend an all-out support towards the success of PPP contenders in the general elections.

“Restoration of peace has always been one of our top priorities….we have played our role for the rights of Sindh in the past and will continue to do so in he future,” said the ANP senator.