DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
Former minister Samiullah Khan Alizai announced he will contest from PK-65 (DI Khan) as an independent candidate, in a move he says “was in the best interest of my constituency’s people.”
Former MPA and provincial minister for Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Alizai held a press conference in Shor Kot on Friday where he informed that he has quit the PPP and agreed on seat-adjustment with the Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).
On the occasion, JUI-F’s district head and Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s brother, Maulana Latifur Rehman, said they will support Alizai in the upcoming election.
The ex-minister said he had extended a hand of friendship to the JUI-F after much consultation with friends and relatives.
Maulana Latifur Rehman said the seat-adjustments are their part of the election campaign in order to make DI Khan a stronghold for their party.
Samiullah Khan Alizai was elected on the PPP’s ticket from PK-65 during by-elections in 2008. He won the seat after it fell vacant following the death of his uncle, Major Latifullah Khan Alizai.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2013.