MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 20 Legislators belonging to the reunified Muslim Conference and an informal alliance of its rivals submitted the nomination papers of their respective candidates for the prime minister's office here on Tuesday amid claims and counter claims of their victory in Thursday's crucial election.

Legislative Assembly Secretary Syed Ashiq Hussain, who received the documents in his office, told reporters that 11 nominations, proposing and seconding the candidature of Raja Farooq Haider, were submitted by MC lawmakers whereas 3 nominations, proposing and seconding the name of interim Prime Minister Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan, were submitted by the legislators of Peoples Party, MQM and 'Friends Groups.'

MC president Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan was also among the proposers of Mr Haider but surprisingly hardly five minutes before the deadline for submission of nominations two lawmakers from his party proposed and seconded his name for the coveted position as well, ostensibly as a 'covering candidate.'

But Sardar Attique withdrew his candidature shortly after the LA secretary declared the acceptance of the nominations of Mr Haider and Mr Khan.

Talking to journalists on the occasion, Mr Haider expressed his gratitude to the MC's parliamentary party for repelling pressure from all quarters against his candidature.

“That we can decide a candidate of our own liking has marked a turning point in the political history of Azad Kashmir,” he said, in a clear reference to alleged opposition to his candidature by certain quarters.

He also briefly spelt out his priorities, saying maintenance of good relations with the central government, rehabilitation and reconstruction of earthquake affected areas and establishment of the writ of government would draw his foremost attention after the Kashmir freedom movement.

Separately, in a chat with newsmen Sardar Attique asserted that Mr Haider was bound to return victorious in Thursday's election as the number of MC parliamentary party had touched the figure of 28 in the (currently) 48-member house.

Claiming that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had prohibited federal ministers from intervening in AJK, Sardar Attique termed it a welcome move. On the other hand, when asked what he foresaw would happen on Thursday, interim prime minister calmly retorted that he was completely content with the fact that he was jointly fielded by the majority of groups and parties in the assembly.

Reference withdrawn

In a late evening development, the interim Prime Minister withdrew the reference which was filed on his behalf in the office of LA Speaker against Mr Haider. The reference sought disqualification of Mr Haider by the Chief Election Commissioner on account of his alleged contemptuous remarks against the AJK Supreme Court.

“I don't have personal enmity with anybody..... I want to practice and promote the politics of tolerance in the state and I have withdrawn the reference under the same spirit,” the interim premier told Dawn.

However, he reiterated that he would firmly contest the election for the new leader of the house on Thursday and “ultimately return victorious.”