BAHAWALPUR, Aug 21: The local leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party have developed differences over the nomination of Zahid Channar for the by-election for the tehsil Naib Nazim’s slot, it is learnt here on Thursday.

District Nazim Tariq Cheema named Mr Channar for the post, ignoring Liaquat Lodhi, while talking to newsmen on Tuesday.

During his press conference, Mr Cheema claimed to have named his man with the consent of the other party leaders. However, PPP District President Riaz Dahar rejected his claim at a meeting here. He and his supporters vowed to extend support to Sahibzada Munawar Hayat Abbasi, who is contesting the elections from the PML-N platform.

The district Nazim is said to have claiming that he enjoyed support of the MMA for his nominee. The alliance, he said, did not field its candidate for the polls.

Mr Cheema said the MMA leaders and councillors would support Zahid Channar, who would carry the day with a thumping majority.

The PML-QA, which has fielded Tariq Majid for the slot, has not geared up canvassing so far, though some of his supporters are making efforts in this direction.