KHAR: A local dissident leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, who had submitted his nomination papers for NA-40 as independent candidate in Bajaur, withdrew his candidature and announced on Thursday to support his party candidate in the July 25 general elections.

Addressing a press conference in Bajaur Press Club here, Mumbar Khan, who is vice-president of PTI local chapter, said that he had submitted his nomination papers for NA-40 as independent candidate as a protest against the party leadership for not awarding party ticket to him. He said that he was not satisfied with the distribution of party tickets in the entire tribal areas, especially in Bajaur.

He said that before submitting the nomination papers he had requested the party’s senior leadership to address his reservations, but they did not respond positively.

Flanked by party leaders Hazrat Yousaf, Toor Gul and PTI candidate for NA-40 Gul Dad Khan, Mumbar Khan said that he had now decided to withdraw his candidature in favour of the party candidate following requests by local leaders and his colleagues that contesting election as independent candidate would not only weaken the PTI candidate’s position, but also help the rival candidates in the elections.

“I will fully support the party candidate Gul Dad Khan in NA-40,” he said. Party’s local leaders also addressed the press conference and thanked Mumbar Khan for withdrawing his candidature.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2018