BAJAUR: In a significant development, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl withdrew its candidates from the Bajaur district’s lone National Assembly constituency and a provincial assembly seat in favour of independents, sources in the party told Dawn on Sunday.

They said that the decision to withdraw the aspirants for NA-8 and PK-19 was taken during a meeting chaired by district emir Maulana Abdur Rasheed over a week ago.

It was decided in the meeting, which the party kept under wraps for some time, that Maulana Abdur Rasheed and Qari Khairullah would withdraw from NA-8 and PK-19 in favour of independents Eng Shaukatullah Khan (ex-governor) and Malik Khalid Khan, the sources disclosed.

Another party source while confirming the development told Dawn that JUI-F had withdrawn its nominees in support of two influential independent candidates.

The source said the party’s leadership had made seat adjustment with Eng Shaukautullah.

According to the seat adjustment, Maulana Rasheed withdrew from NA-8, while Mr Shaukatullah’s elder son, Najeebullah Khan had withdrawn in favour of Mohammad Imran Mahir, the JUI-F nominee for PK-22.

Similarly, the source said JUI-F aspirant for PK-19 Qari Khairullah had withdrawn in favour Malik Khalid Khan, who was in a strong position to win the provincial assembly seat.

The source said though the seat adjustment agreement inked with Shaukatullah by the party’s local leadership was kept secret, Qari Khairullah’s withdrawal in favour of Khalid Khan was made public at the former’s residence in Umary area of Mamond tehsil on Saturday evening. JUI-F Mamond tehsil emir Maulana Shamasul Zaman was also preset in the meeting.

The source claimed the withdrawal of Qari Khairullah’s candidacy was to ensure Khalid Khan gave a tough contest to his rivals, Malik Mohammad Ayaz Khan of Jamaat-i-Islami, and Dr Hamidur Rahmen, who is backed by PTI.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2024