Fawad Chaudhry 'surprised' on Khursheed Shah's statement
The information minister said Arif Alvi is poised to win presidential election.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Wednesday said he was surprised on Khursheed Shah’s revelation in which he claimed the PTI suggested PPP to come up with the name of Aitzaz Ahsan for the slot of president.
Surprised on Khursheed Shah Statement,PTI Candidate @ArifAlvi is winning hands down so Aitzaz sb shld be requested to withdraw from Presidential race, otherwise wont make any difference as in any case @ArifAlvi is poised to win with biggest majority of recent political history
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) August 29, 2018
Shah said name of Aitzaz Ahsan as ‘mutual presidential candidate’ was proposed to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) by their main political nemesis Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
As per words of the former opposition leader in National Assembly (NA), PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry had approached PPP for fielding mutual candidate for presidential elections. He said, “Chaudhry tabled name of Aitzaz Ahsan as mutual presidential candidate but we named Asif Ali Zardari [PPP co-chairman].
The huddle was also attended by former prime minister Raja Pervez Ahsraf. Chaudhry said, “Shah jee, we should field mutual candidate for presidential candidate.” To this, PPP leaders proposed name of former president Asif Ali Zardari which was immediately turned down by PTI leader.
Upon hearing this, PPP leaders asked Fawad to name the candidate and latter proposed name of senior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan. PPP’s Shah accepted the nominee.
Accusing PTI of taking u-turn, Shah said PTI did not make any further contacts and picked Arif Alvi as their presidential candidate.
All three presidential candidates clear scrutiny process
Earlier in the day, Aitzaz Ahsan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Dr Arif Alvi reached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for scrutiny of their nomination papers.
Proposers and seconders were directed to bring their original national identity cards and membership cards issued by Senate or the relevant assembly.
Talking to media, Aitzaz Ahsan expressed hope that Fazlur Rehman will withdraw his nomination for presidential election in his favour. “We will vigorously contest the presidential election,” he added.
The PPP candidate also claimed that many PTI and JUI-F men will vote for him.
Meanwhile, PTI’s Arif Alvi told that his nomination papers have been accepted. “I am hopeful of victory with majority,” said Arif Alvi.
Candidature can be withdrawn by 1200 hours on August 30. The list of validated candidates will be published the same day at 1:00 pm and the election will be held on September 4.
