SWABI, Aug 21: The Awami National Party after claiming victory on majority of union council nazim seats in Swabi has announced that it is ready for talks with all groups to form district government.

The election in 54 UCs out 55 had already been completed and the ANP has managed to secure 22 seats and 32 have been shared by JUI-F, JI, PPP-S, PPP, PML-N, PML, Swabi Qaumi Mahaz, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf and some independent candidates. Election in the UC Yar Hussian West was postponed when the election symbol of a general councillor was found missing from the ballot paper.

ANP leaders and former district nazim Jehan Zeb Khan said on Sunday that his party’s Watan Dost group had bagged majority of the seats and wanted a dialogue with all other groups to form the district government. “Our doors are open for dialogue with all groups because we wanted a smooth running of the district government affairs,” said Mr Khan.

He said that 22 UC nazims belong to the Watan Dost group and the nazims of four more UCs were elected with their party support who were ready to be a part of the ANP.

He said: “We want to hold dialogue with all link-minded groups.”

Replying to a question, he said if opponent groups ganged up against his party then the ANP had the majority to deal with them.