NA-240 Karachi by-poll: Several candidates withdraw nominations.

KARACHI -- Several independent candidates have withdrawn their nomination papers from the by-election on National Assembly seat in Karachi, NA-240, a day before the polling, media reported on Wednesday.

According to details, the National Assembly seat comprising areas of Landhi and Korangi had fallen vacant after the death of MQM-P's senior leader Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan on April 19.

After Khan's death, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced that by-polls for the NA-240 seat will be conducted on June 16 (tomorrow).

However, a day before the polls, several independent candidates have withdrawn their nominations after being approached by others. Meanwhile, some political parties have announced their support for candidates contesting the by-polls.

Sources have claimed that independent candidate Umair Ali Anjum has withdrawn in support MQM-P's candidate, while another candidate Naeem Hashmat has also withdrawn from the election race.

On the other hand, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Meo and Qureshi communities have announced their support for the MQM-P candidate from this constituency.

Another independent candidate Shaheen Khan has withdrawn in support of Mohajir Qaumi Movement candidate, while PML-N has announced its support for PPP...