KARACHI, June 9: Maulana Azam Tariq, chief of the newly-formed political party, Millat-i-Islamia (MI), announced his support for Aurangzeb Farooqui in the NA-255 byelection. The MI has emerged after the government banned Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP).

Maulana Tariq announced his decision at a news conference held on Monday at the local press club. Mr Aurangzeb Farooqui had entered the contest as an independent candidate.

The MI chief declared that his party would not withdraw support to Mr Farooqi and deplored MMA’s opposition to his policies.

He asked MMA to support the Shariat Bill which he had presented in the National Assembly and said the MMA had its own motives.

He said that MMA was in government in Balochistan so it should take action for the removal of American bases there, as it had secured votes on anti-US sentiments. He also deplored killing of police recruits in Quetta.