PESHAWAR: Noor Jehan, a cousin of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and candidate for PK-77, announced here on Tuesday to withdraw her nomination paper in favour of ANP candidate Mohammad Umar Mohmand.

She made the announcement during a press conference at Peshawar Press Club. ANP leaders Haroon Bilour and Ghulam Mustafa along with Umar Mohmand were also present on the occasion.

Ms Jehan said that she remained affiliated with ANP for longer period. She said that she decided to withdraw her papers in favour of ANP candidate for the constituency after a delegation of the party met her.

Flanked by her family members and supporters, Ms Jehan said that she didn’t seek ticket from ANP but she remained away from the party owing to some minor reservations. However, she said that her concerns were addressed by the party leadership so she along with her family and supporters would back the ANP candidates in the upcoming general elections.

Speaking on the occasion, ANP city president Ghulam Mustafa expressed serious reservations over not transferring senior bureaucrats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying it might influence the results of the general elections.

He said that senior bureaucrats transferred to others districts by the caretaker government should be transferred to other provinces to ensure transparency in the elections.

Mr Mustafa also voiced concerns over removal of the posters and banners of ANP candidates in Peshawar. He alleged that PTI workers tore ANP flags and posters that infuriated activists of his party. He demanded imposition of complete ban on developmental schemes in the province.

The ANP leader said that if elections were made controversial then no political party would accept the results.

ANP candidate for PK-77 Umar Mohmand thanked Noor Jehan for her support. He said that her support would strengthen his position in the constituency.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2018