PESHAWAR, Sept 21: A minority candidate for district Nazim slot, Radesh Singh, has withdrawn in favour of Watan Dost Group’s (WDG) candidate Haroon Bilour. This was announced by Mr Singh in a joint press conference with Watan Dost candidate Mr Bilour here on Wednesday.

“I took decision to withdraw in favour of Haroon Bilour keeping in view his manifesto which aims at development of Peshawar city”, said Mr Singh.

Claiming support of 190 councillors, including 17 minority councillors, Mr Singh said that he would campaign for Mr Bilour to ensure his success and, after his victory, would work with him to ensure development of the city.

“I am withdrawing from the contest voluntarily. There is no pressure on me”, he said, when reminded that in a news conference two days ago he had pledged to contest, and not to withdraw, from the election. He said he had been engaged dialogue with Watan Dost Group for the last two days and these talks culminated in his withdrawal ‘in the best interest of the city’.

Mr Singh said the group had assured him that every possible effort would be made to safeguard rights of minorities and create an atmosphere where they could voice their problems openly.

He said group’s nominee had also given him an assurance that the councillors belonging minority groups would be consulted with regard to development work of the city and their suggestions would be accommodated.

Mr Singh said that other candidates also sought his support but he declined their offer ‘in the larger interest of the city’. However, he dispelled an impression that Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani had sought his support for the JUI candidate Ghulam Ali.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bilour said that after the withdrawal by Mr Singh, his victory in the election was just a matter of time.

“We have support of 700 councillors whereas Mr Singh has 190 councillors with him. This fact will ensure my success”, Mr Bilour said while praising the Singh’s decision.

He said that he had chalked out a programme for development of the city. The programme, he said, included provision of clean water and health facilities to the people.