CHAKWAL – In a dramatic shift, a Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz candidate pulled out of the race for NA-65 by-elections, paving the way for the PML-Q rival to emerge victorious.
Sardar Faiz Tamman had to confront Ch Shujjat Hussain’s son, Ch Salik Hussain, however, he unexpectedly withdrew his candidature, sending shockwaves across the party ranks in the city.
Initially, Ch Shujaat Hussain had to contest the elections on a seat vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, who won from this constituency with 157,497 votes against Mr Tamman’s 106,081 in July 25 polls.
However, it was decided that Salik Hussain would submit his nomination papers; the former CM Punjab had relinquished the seat for the office of speaker Punjab Assembly.
The withdrawal of Mr Tamman’s candidature has surprised the party leader who accused the politician of betraying the party.
Addressing a press conference Sunday, former PML-N MPA Malik Shehryar Awan said the development was shocking and unfortunate.
“The PML-N gave Faiz Tamman a new political life when he was awarded the party ticket for the 2018 general elections even though he was not active in politics for the last eight years,” Mr Awan said adding that it was his right to contest the by-elections as he was the runner-up in the General Elections.
He also confirmed that the party will not support any other candidate in the upcoming by-election scheduled for Oct 14.
On the other hand, Sardar Faiz Tamman said his decision was a ‘strategic retreat’ which will be helpful for the area.
“No one was supporting me in the campaign and many leading political figures have left the party. A few days ago, PML-N leader Malik Falak Sher Awan called to say he will not be able to support me in the election campaign,” he said in a conversation with Dawn New.
Tamman admitted that he did not have the means to contest on his own adding that The Chaudhrys of Gujrat promised they will do the best for the development of the area, which is what I want,” he added.
The PML-N leader expressed that he will like to take part in the upcoming local bodies’ elections.
