SWABI: The Awami National Party has launched a campaign to woo workers and leaders annoyed over award of party tickets for the next general elections, sources in the party said.

They told Dawn that the award of tickets was opposed by a number of leaders, who had declared that they would remain silent spectators during the election campaign.

It is learnt that three days ago ANP provincial president Ameer Haidar Khan Hoti had visited the residence of Mohammad Ishfaq at Kalu Khan to pacify him as he could not get party ticket for NA-12, Swabi-1 constituency. Mr Hoti assured him and his supporters that they would be accommodated, but did not elaborate how.

Awal Sher Khan had applied for PK-33, but was denied the ticket. Sources said Mr Hoti was expected to visit his residence soon under the ‘damage control’ campaign.

They said the ANP provincial president might also visit the residence of Jehanzeb Khan, another annoyed leader, to persuade him to remain loyal to the party.

Sikandar Irfan had also protested against the award of ticket and announced to join the PPP in protect.

Insiders in ANP said if the party leadership wanted to win elections the annoyed leaders must be accommodated.

Sources said the party leaders had urged Asfandyar Wali Khan, ANP central president, to take steps for strengthening the party in the district which has remained stronghold of Red Shirt leaders in the past.

TRADER COMMITS SUICIDE: A trader in Topi tehsil committed suicide by shooting himself in the head on Wednesday, said police. The deceased, Jehanzeb Khan hailed from Topi city. It is learnt that the victim had become indebted during the last six years and was depressed.

The family said he shot himself dead in his room during the night. Hearing the gunshots, the family members rushed to his room and found him lying in a pool of blood.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2018