TOBA TEK SINGH: In a surprise political move, former TT Singh district nazim and ex-MNA Chaudhry Muhammad Ashfaq, who was in the run for NA-106 as an independent candidate, withdrew his candidature on Friday evening.

After his withdrawal, PTI-backed independent candidate for NA-106, Khalid Nawaz Sadhraij, visited Ashfaq’s residence and sought his support.

In a late night video statement, the ex-MNA confirmed his withdrawal but said he was yet to make up his mind about supporting any other contender.

Ashfaq remained PTI central vice but quit the party to join Istehkam Pakistan Party some two months ago. When his name was not considered for adjustment (as an IPP candidate) for NA-106 by the PML-N, he filed nomination papers as independent candidate.

Meanwhile, PTI local leader Mehr Ilyas Hasnana Sial who was arrested on Thursday by Jhang police, was released by a judicial magistrate on bail.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2024