ISLAMABAD Jan 1: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan (JUP) one of the six component parties of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) is meeting in Karachi on Jan 17, to elect its new president, party sources told Dawn.

Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani, who remained party president for last many years was also unanimous head of Muttahida Majlis-i- Amal till his death., the eldest son of Maulana Noorani.

The sources said, there was a consideration in the party that the present top leaders in the party had attained advanced age and it was advisable that a young man and most preferably son of late leader be given the chance to lead the party.

Anas Noorani, who has already been declared the heir of Maulana Noorani, was also offered the ticket for the Senate seat which fell vacant after the death of his father.

The present president of the MMA, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, had informed Dawn that the religio political alliance had offered the ticket to Anas Noorani, but he declined the offer saying he was in shock and mourning and could not accept any task before completion of 40 days of his father's death.