MARDAN, Jan 15: The local leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and former MNA, Haji Yaqoob Khan, was likely to join the ruling Awami National Party soon, sources said.

They said that he might contest by-election for the National Assembly seat, which fell vacant after resignation of former federal minister Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti, on the ticket of Awami National Party .

Khwaja Hoti resigned from the basic membership of Awami National Party and National Assembly after joining Pakistan Tehrik-iInsaf on December 16 last.

By-election on the vacant seat, NA-9 Mardan, is scheduled for February 20.

Sources said that Haji Yaqoob was expected to announce joining Awami National Party within few days.

A delegation of ANP called on Haji Yaqoob at his residence here on Sunday and formally invited him to join the party.

Led by Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and his father Azam Khan Hoti, the delegation was consisted of Syed Masoom Shah Bacha, ANP district vice president Javed Mohammad, general secretary Imran Mandoori and former district nazim Himayatullah Mayar.

The ANP leaders invited Haji Yaqoon to join ANP to play a role for the betterment and welfare of Pakhtun nation.

Chief Minister Hoti, on the occasion, lauded the political struggle and services of Haji Yaqoob for uplift of Mardan people.

Haji Yaqoob thanked the ANP leaders and sought some time so that he could make consultations with his family members and friends about joining the party Haji Yaqoob was elected MNA for three times.

He won elections in 1986 as independent candidate.

He was also elected MNA in 1988 and 1993 on the ticket of Pakistan People's Party.

However, he joined Pakistan Muslim League-N about two years ago after quitting the ruling PPP.