JuD-backed candidate among 25 contesting NA-4 by-election

PESHAWAR: An independent candidate backed by the outlawed Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) and fielded by the newly formed Milli Muslim League is among the 25 candidates who have submitted nomination papers with the returning officer for contesting the by-election for the NA-4 constituency to be held on October 26.

Haji Liaqat Ali, a JuD office-bearer and resident of Regi Ameenzai in Peshawar, has submitted nomination papers as an independent candidate to contest the by-election.

As per the candidates’ list issued by the returning officer for National Assembly constituency NA-4 Peshawar-IV, Liaqat Ali was proposed by Muhammad Shahid, resident of Kohat Road, and seconded by Hafeezur Rehman, a native of Badaber village.

The NA-4 seat fell vacant on August 27 due to the death of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s dissident MNA Gulzar Khan.

Reportedly, Liaqat Ali is presently the JuD head for Mardan region. There are reports that the Milli Muslim League (MML) would support him in the polls. As the MML isn’t registered yet with the Election Commission, he is contesting as an independent candidate.

Atique Chohan, the MML media consultant, earlier told The News that Liaqat Ali had secured three master’s degrees from the University of Peshawar in Islamic Studies, Arabic and Journalism.

Though the MML is not registered with the ECP as a political party, he claimed that they had fulfilled all requirements and hoped they would be contesting the 2018 general election by registering the MML.

The Awami National Party (ANP) has nominated former Deputy Speaker Khushdil Khan, a lawyer by profession, for the by-election. The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has given its ticket to Asad Gulzar, son of the late Gulzar Khan, to contest the polls.

The PML-N has fielded Nasir Khan Musazai, who was runner-up in the 2013 election in NA-4. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has issued ticket to Arbab Aamir Ayub, who is from the family of late ANP MNA Arbab Mohammad Zahir. Jamaat-i-Islami is supporting Wisal Farooq Jan while Khalid Waqar Chamkani is JUI-F candidate for the by-poll.

Others who have submitted nomination papers include Khizar Amin Shah, Inayatullah, Ziaur Rehman, Kifayatullah, Mohammad Mudassir, Niazur Rehman, Farhan Qadeer, Mohammad Tanveer, Gohar Shah, Shaukat Khan, Mohammad Shafiq, Pirzada Nabi Ameen, Mubashir Khan, Waheed Alam, Samiullah and Amanullah.

The last date for filing of appeals against the decision of the returning officer is September 27. The final date for decision on appeals by the appellate tribunal is October 2.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 3, while revised list of candidates will be published on October 4.