SWABI, July 6: The visit of a delegation of Awami National Party leaders to the district on Wednesday failed to bear fruits as it couldn't end differences between two groups of the party.

The delegation, led by Lateef Afridi, held separate meetings with the leaders of both the groups but couldn't resolve differences between them. Other members of the delegation were Baz Mohammad Khan, Imran Afridi and Hussain Shah.

The delegation members directed leaders of both the groups to visit party's head office, Bacha Khan Markaz, in Peshawar on Thursday.

Differences between the two groups in the local chapter of ANP intensified two months ago when they began holding separate corner meetings and levelling allegations against each other.

One of the groups is led by former MNA Rehmanullah and the other by former district general secretary Jehanzeb Khan. The leaders of both the groups had already met ANP provincial president Afrasiab Khattak and central leader Azam Hoti to apprise them of their point of views.

Both the groups have also supporters among the parliamentarians from the district. “Some of the leaders are neutral. But they are just waiting to join hands with the stronger group,” said an insider.

The delegation met with Rehmanullah and Provincial Minister for Zakat and Usher Zar Shaid Khan at the party's district office. It also held separate meeting with Jehan Zeb Khan, Salim Khan, Farman Khan and Younas Khan. A large number of workers also visited the party office to see the outcome of the talks.

However, the delegation said that six members of each group should visit Bacha Khan Markaz for resolution of the issue. “The Peshawar meeting will be a turning point for party leaders,” an insider said. The rift in the local chapter of ANP proved a blessing in disguise for disgruntled workers like Aman Khan, former district general secretary, to return to the party fold with dignity and honour.

Sources said that Rehmanullah group was stronger as compared to its rival as MNA Sarfaraz Khan Jadoon and former district vice president Hanif Gul Jadoon were also supporting it. It was also decided that the membership drive of ANP would continue till July 15. The district office-bearers of the party will be elected after completion of membership.

Meanwhile, ANP leaders expressed deep anguish over fresh wave of violence in Karachi. They demanded of the government to restore peace in the city, as it was economic hub of the country.