MANSEHRA, Oct 31: Electioneering in Kohistan for the PF-61 provincial assembly seat has gained momentum after withdrawal of Pakistan People's Party candidate in favour of that of Awami National Party.

Missar Khan, president PPP, Kohistan, had withdrawn his nomination papers for Sajjadullah of ANP in line with a party decision.

Nine candidates are running for the seat, which fell vacant after the death of ANP MPA Maulana Abadullah, after PPP contender's withdrawal, while polling for it is scheduled for November 24.

A tough competition is expected among Sajjadullah of ANP, Maulana Dildar Ahmad of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Malik Aurangzeb Khan of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid and independent candidate Malik Salahuddin, nephew of Missar Khan and a PPP leader backed by elders of many local tribes.

Maulana Dildar of JUI-F remained provincial minister and MPA twice, while the father of Mr Aurangzeb, late Malik Hizbur Rehman, was a member of provincial assembly from Kohistan.

The father of ANP's Sajjadullah, Maulana Abdul Baqi, was also former MPA from Kohistan. —Correspondent

His uncle, Mehboobullah Jan, is an MNA, while his another uncle, MPA Maulana Abeedullah, died recently.