MIANWALI, Dec 15: PML-Q nominee for NA-71 and PP-43 — Amanatullah Khan Shadikhel - on Saturday rejected the party ticket and decided to contest as an independent candidate.

He was awarded the symbol of bus instead of PML-Q’s bicycle.

Talking to this correspondent, he said the PML-Q board had refused to issue ticket to Fasiullah Khan for PP-44 which fell in his constituency NA-71, on the plea that Amir Hayat Rokri is contesting there as an independent candidate and the party will not issue ticket to his rival.

“That is why I have returned the PML-Q tickets for provincial and national assemblies seats.”

Meanwhile, six JI candidates on Saturday withdrew their nomination papers. They are: Khurshid Ahmed Khan of Isakhel, Hafiz Javed Iqbal Sajid, Khurshid Ahmed Khan, Ali Shah Bukhari, Hafiz Javed Iqbal Sajid and Qari Sher Muhammad.

The PML-N has awarded tickets to Inamullah Khan Niazi for NA-71 & 72, Sardar Altaf Ahmed Khan of Isakhel for PP-43, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar for PP-45 and Zafar Saeed for PP-46.

After refusal by Amanatullah Khan Shadikhel, the PML-Q has only two contestants — Dr.Sher Afghan Khan Niazi (NA-72) and Sardar Sabtain Khan (PP-46).

All PML-Q leaders, including ex-provincial minister Sardar Sabtain, are contesting as independent candidates, fearing any backlash.