Jammu, July 12
The APHC today unanimously elected a pro-Pakistan Shia leader, Maulvi Abbas Ansari, as its Chairman at a meeting of the Executive Committee members. Out of the seven constituents representatives of six parties were present at the meeting. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who represents the Jamaat-e-Islami, however, abstained from the meeting held at the Rajbagh headquarters.

According to Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, who was replaced by Moulvi Ansari, the Jamaat-e-Islami was requested to sent its representative for the meeting. Prof Bhat announced at a news conference here this afternoon that the highest decision-making body of the 23-party alliance unanimously elected Moulvi Ansari as its new chief.

Moulvi Ansari was unanimously elected since there was no other claimant for the post of the Chairman. In fact, only two members of the Executive Committee, Moulvi Abbas Ansari and Yasin Malik, were eligible for contesting the election. When Mr Malik showed no inclination and sent his representative, Bashir Ahmed Tota to attend today’s meeting Maulvi Ansari’s installation as party Chairman was a smooth affair.

Another member, Sheikh Aziz Ahmed of the Peoples’ League, is under detention thus his candidature was not considered.