KHYBER: The The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) leader Zar Noor Afridi, who is contesting election as an independent candidate for NA-43, constituency of Landi Kotal-Jamrud, on Sunday denied withdrawal in favour of another candidate from Bazaar Zakha Khel. Reportedly, he addressed a press conference in Landi Kotal press club, and said that fake news was circulating in the media quoting JI candidate for NA-44 Shah Faisal Afridi that he had agreed on seat adjustment with an independent candidate Shermat Khan Afridi. According to the agreement, Zar Noor Afridi would withdraw in favour of Shermat Khan for NA-43, whereas Shermat Khan would support JI candidate for NA-44. “I am Naib Ameer of JI in the tribal areas while Shah Faisal is the candidate for NA-44, and so it was not logical that a constituency leader could decide the status of Naib Ameer,” Zar Noor said adding that JI was an ideological party and could not withdraw in favour of an independent candidate. “However, being a political worker, I have a right to contest election, but I am answerable to the provincial Shura (consultative body) of JI,” he said adding that the matter of seat adjustment would be discussed in the next meeting of JI’s provincial Shura. He said he was neither his party’s nor MMA’s candidate and that he would not leave the field open to other opportunist candidates. Published in Daily Times, July 23rd 2018.