SWABI: Three out of the four local leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, who have filed nomination papers for the by-election on PK-44, Swabi-II, have decided to contact the central leadership to get the party ticket, thus by-passing the local influential personalities, including the National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar, whose brother is also vying for the ticket.

Sources in the ruling party told Dawn on Sunday that Akhtar Ali, former Swabi tehsil president, Shahwali Khan, former district information secretary, Aqibullah Khan, former MNA and brother of NA Speaker Asad Qaisar, and Abdul Sattar had filed the papers.

The seat was vacated by NA Speaker Asad Qaisar.

They said that Shahwali Khan had already contacted the central leadership to get the ticket. The sources quoted these leaders as saying that the party high command should not award ticket on the basis of influence and keep in mind the sacrifices of workers.

The sources said these leaders were encouraged by the earlier successful attempt of Rangaiz Khan, now MPA, who fought against all odds and approached the party’s central leadership. As a result, Mr Rangaiz got PTI ticket for PK-43, Swabi-1, and went on to win the July 25 election.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2018