Ahead of the crucial presidential elections, the Sunni Ittehad Council has decided to nominate Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party President Mehmood Khan Achakzai as their candidate for the top constitutional position, according to insider sources. Sources close to the party reveal that Achakzai, a prominent political figure known for his advocacy for Pashtun rights and his anti-establishment narrative, will be formally announced as their nominee for the presidency. This move signifies the council's commitment to presenting a candidate who they believe embodies their values and aspirations for the nation.  As per the sources, Achakzai's nomination papers for the presidential election will be submitted some time today before the noon deadline. Earlier, sources within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which decided to ally with the SIC after its party symbol was withdrawn from it, had indicated a strategic approach towards the presidential elections.

They had decided against conceding the electoral arena to the PPP's Asif Ali Zardari, who is the candidate for the country's president, on behalf of the multi-party coalition that is set to form government at the Centre. The sources had suggested that the PTI was actively considering fielding its own candidate for the presidency, underscoring the party's determination to play a significant role in shaping the country's leadership. However, the sources had dismissed the possibility of selecting a candidate from Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, opting instead to explore options from Sindh or Balochistan. It was reported that the PTI's legal team is gearing up to submit the nomination papers of the presidential candidate, reflecting the party's meticulous preparations for the upcoming electoral process. On Friday, Sunni Ittehad Council leader Sher Afzal Marwat hinted at Achakzai being nominated as the party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election.

Speaking to a private Tv news channel, Marwat had said: "There is a possibility that we can field Mahmood Khan Achakzai for the president slot. I have no idea whether the message had been delivered to Mahmood Khan Achakzai in this regard." On Friday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had announced the schedule for the presidential elections. As per the schedule, the candidates can submit their nomination papers till 12 noon on March 2. The returning officer will scrutinize the nomination papers on March 4 at 10am and the final list of candidates will be displayed on March 5 at 1pm. “Polling for the presidential election will be held on March 9 from 10am to 4pm, while polling will be held in the Parliament House and the four provincial assemblies,” the election schedule stated.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)