BAJAUR: The position of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-backed aspirants for the lone National Assembly constituency and a provincial assembly seat in Bajaurgot a boost after a senior party leader contesting the elections from both the seats as an independent announced to withdraw from the contest here on Monday.

Haji Raheem Dad Khan, aspirants for NA-8 and PK-19, made the announcement at a news conference held at his residence in Mamond tehsil.

“I had opted to contest the elections from both the seats as a protest after the party nominated Gul Zafar Khan (former MNA) for NA-8 and his close relative, Dr Hamidur Rahman (former candidate) for PK-19. However, I’m withdrawing from both the seats for the party’s larger interest,” said Raheem Dad.

Accompanied by family members and party workers, the PTI leader said nomination of Gul Zafar and Dr Hamidur Rahman by the party’s central parliamentary board had badly disappointed him and other leaders as they were not suitable for the slots owing to their poor past performance.

However, he said he took the decision keeping in view the interests of the party.

Raheem Dad said he would take active part in the election campaign of both the aspirants.

According to political observers, the withdrawal of Raheem Dad Khan in favour of PTI-backed aspirants would significantly boost their position as Mr Khan had large number of supporters in Mamond tehsil.

PTI LEADER RELEASED: PTI Bajaur chapter senior vice-president Sikandarzeb Khan was released from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi after 36 days, family and party sources told Dawn on Monday.

They said Sikandarzeb Khan, elder son of party’s provincial vice-president and former minister Anwarzeb Khan, reached home in Ragagan area on Sunday evening.

They said Sikandarzeb was arrested by the police on Dec 14 for allegedly violating the Section 144 by arranging a workers’ convention at his house on December 9. Later, he was shifted to Khar jail.

However, Sikandarzeb was then sent to Timargara jail in Lower Dir by the local administration under 3-MPO.

Later, the PTI leader was detained by the Rawalpindi police in a case related to the May 9 events soon after he was released from Timergara jail on the orders of a local court.

Family and party sources said Sikandarzeb was released from Adiala jail with the legal support of Insaf Lawyers Forum’s Rawalpindi members.

“We are pleased to inform all the party workers, supporters and our well-wishers that my beloved son, Sikandarzeb Khan has been freed from the Adiala jail,” said Anwarzeb in a post shared on social media.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2024