GUJRAT: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) has won the support of disgruntled party cadres and lawmakers from Gujrat district for its nominee for LA-38.

PTI lawmakers and officials from Gujrat had expressed their annoyance over the nomination of PML-Q backed Akbar Ibrahim as a PTI nominee for the constituency as they recommended Chaudhary Zubair Tanda for the ticket.

However, Gujrat PTI district president MPA Saleem Sarwar Jaura along with MPAs Mian Akhtar Hayat and Liaqat Ali announced supporting Mr Ibrahim at a news conference at a local party office.

Mr Tanda whose party ticket for PP-28 had been withdrawn by the party leadership due to the seat adjustment with the PML-Q in 2018, was also present at the presser along with Akbar Ibrahim. The contest is expected between PML-N’s Zeeshan Younis and Akbar Ibrahim as both these aspirants are from Gujjar clan of Tanda that have a major chunk of votes in the constituency.

MNA Chaudhry Hussain Elahi also hosted a party meeting at Zahoor Elahi House in support of Mr Ibrahim where prominent Kashmiris from the city areas were also present.

The PPP, JI and Muslim Conference have also pitched their candidates for the seat.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2021