SARGODHA, Sept 26: A strong candidate for Bhalwal tehsil nazim slot, Chaudhry Nasir Muhammad Ali, withdrew his candidature in favour of ruling PML-backed nominee Malik Imtiaz Bhirth because of alleged government pressure.

Flanked by former federal minister Sheikh Ehsanul Haq Piracha, the elder brother of Inamul Haq Piracha, the official candidate for the district nazim office, Mr Nasir said despite enjoying a majority in the tehsil he took the withdrawal decision following the party line. He also welcomed Imtiaz Bhirth into party fold.

Mr Piracha said on the occasion he felt that his political stature had improved after joining the ruling PML and added that his family would strive to promote the party cause, besides working for the district uplift.

Meanwhile, PML-backed candidate for Sargodha tehsil nazim slot Malik Shoaib Awan and Malik Imtiaz Bhirth have virtually assumed the charge of their respective offices.

It is also learnt that Punjab government functionaries have been asked to ensure withdrawal of anti-PML candidates in Sahiwal and Shahpur tehsils.

Sources said Muhammad Ilyas Qureshi contesting for Shahpur tehsil nazim slot had been warned by police to get ready to face a case of attempt on life of MNA Shahzadi Tiwana and also for ‘harbouring of proclaimed offenders’ by his supporter MNA Mian Mazhar Qureshi. Meanwhile, candidate for Sahiwal tehsil nazim slot had been summoned by Farooka police for instigating a mob to ransack a police post, they added.