LOWER DIR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s disgruntled activist and independent candidate for NA-6 Ali Shah Mishwani on Thursday announced to withdraw his nomination in favour of PTI nominee Mohammad Bashir Khan.

He made the announcement during a jirga of party leaders held at a private wedding hall in Timergara. The PTI nominee for NA-6 Mohammad Bashir Khan, NA-7 candidate Syed Mahboob Shah and dozens of other party activists were also in attendance.

Speaking on the occasion, Ali Shah said that he had submitted his nomination papers after consultation with party workers and supporters. He said he was a real ‘tiger’ of Imran Khan but was ignored in award of party ticket in 2013, 2018 and 2024 general elections and 2015 and 2021 local government polls. He said the PTI local leaders and workers convinced him to give sacrifice and withdraw for the sake of Imran Khan.

The Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq is also contesting election from NA-6 Lower Dir-I. Mohammad Bashir Khan had won the seat in 2018 election with 63,071 votes while Sirajul Haq had got 46,927 votes. The ANP candidate Nazir Khan had bagged 19,743 votes and PPP’s Syed Shahid Jan had obtained 10,074 votes in 2018.

Now the ANP has fielded its district president and former MPA Haji Bahadar Khan in NA-6.

The withdrawal of Ali Shah Mishwani, according to political analysts, would benefit Mohammad Bashir Khan against Sirajul Haq.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2024