MANSEHRA, Dec 5: District Nazim Mohammad Azam Khan Swati, who is likely to be elected to the Senate on Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal’s ticket, has extended his support to Mufti Kifayatullah of the Jamiat ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) to replace him as Nazim.

Sources said the JUI-F leadership had put forward the condition of all out support by Azam Swati to the party’s candidate for the slot of district Nazim if he was elected to the Senate.

They said Azam Swati had agreed, in a meeting with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to fulfil the condition and his decision came forward at an Iftar dinner hosted by him in the honour of the members of the Mansehra district and Tehsil councils at Abbottabad. It is learnt that some provincial assembly members were also present.

The local leadership of the MMA, especially of the JUI-F, stands divided  on the awarding of the ticket to Azam Swati.  

Differences have also reportedly surfaced between the Nazim and the former district Naib Nazim and independent MPA, Shahzada Mohammad Gustasap  Khan, on Swati’s decision of supporting Mufti Kifayatullah.

Mufti Kifayatullah, a close confidant of Fazlur Rehman, was defeated by Gustasap Khan on PF-55, Mansehra-I.

The MMA had refused to accept the result and launched a week-long protest movement demanding fresh election in the constituency.