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SIALKOT, Oct 1: Former Narowal district nazim Col Javed Safdar Kahloon (retired), who has till a couple of days back been dreaming of regaining the coveted slot, has suddenly announced withdrawal of his candidature leaving the field open for ruling PML nominee Dr Naimat Ali Javed.
This is not the first district where the PML has eventually found its passage to the crown clear.
Speaking to journalists in Shakargarh on Friday night, Mr Kahloon claimed that he had deemed it better to shun differences and support Dr Naimat, who is the father of Punjab Health Minister Dr Tahir Ali Javed.
Just two days ago, he along with his wife Begum Riffat Javed, the federal parliamentary secretary for telecommunication, called on Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi. The former nazim announced his decision immediately on his return.
Health minister Dr Tahir told newsmen that now the ruling PML had a clear-cut edge over all other political parties in Narowal after Mr Kahloon’s withdrawal from the race. He said the party would come off with flying colours in the district.
The ARD has fielded Chaudhry Muhammad Akbar Khan advocate for the district nazim slot. It is equally confident of giving a tough time to the opponents.
CODE VIOLATION: Police on Saturday removed all electoral banners and posters of opposition candidates in Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, Bhopalwala, Satrah, Uggoki, Pasrur, Chawinda, Badiana, Shakargarh, Zafarwal, Baddo Malhi, Kot Nainaan, Noor Kot and Narowal.
While giant election banners, posters and hoarding boards of ruling party candidates, distinctly displayed in every corner of Sialkot and Narowal, are intact.
Uttering grave concern over the role of police, candidate for the Sialkot district nazim slot Mian Naeem Javaid has urged the chief election commissioner to ensure neutral role of the police.
He alleged that the police were running the election campaign of ruling PML candidates which was a sheer violation of election code of conduct.
Law enforcers, he said, were also harassing voters of opposition parties by piling pressure on them to cast their votes in favour of ruling PML candidates.
Meanwhile, returning officer Tariq Mehmood, on a writ petition filed by Mian Naeem Javaid, directed to withdraw special police escort performing duty for ruling PML candidate Muhammad Akmal Cheema.
The RO also ordered removing of banners and posters of Akmal Cheema and all other ruling party candidates as well to ensure free, fair and impartial elections.
Instead of complying with the RO’s directions, the police only removed the banners, posters and hording boards of all candidates of opposition parties.
