GUJAR KHAN: A local leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has joined Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) after being denied the party ticket in PP-9 constituency .

The ex-chairman of Daultala town, Syed Qalab Abbas, was an aspirant for the PML-N ticket in PP-9 but joined Raja Hameed Advocate’s forward bloc after he was denied a ticket.

The local PML-N has set up a forward bloc in the party after its members expressed no-confidence in the central leadership of the party. The other members of the bloc are Raja Hameed advocate, Qazi Waqar Kazmi, Naveed Bhatti and Yahya Faiz advocate. They were scheduled to hold a joint press conference at Qalab Abbas’ residence but postponed later on.

Addressing a press conference along with PPP candidate for the National Assembly seat Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Qalab Abbas expressed his fury at being denied the party ticket.

He also denounced the policies of the party’s top command and leveled allegations against the PML-N candidate for NA-9 Raja Jawaid Ikhlas. Besides, he criticised the party’s decision to issue a ticket to an ex-MPA, Raja Shauket Bhatti.

Speaking at the press conference Raja Pervez Ashraf praised Qalab Abbas’ action and appreciated his commitment to people and party workers.

He stated that his programmes, including village electrification, gas supply to remote villages, road infrastructure upgradation, and the establishment of the Potohar campus of Punjab University (PU) in Gujar Khan, were all geared at alleviating the sufferings of the common people. He added that he will serve with renewed zeal after being re-elected in the general elections.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2024