ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) gave a go-ahead to Arif Alvi, the nominee of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for contesting the presidential elections, after approving his nomination papers.

Alvi appeared before the electoral body on Wednesday where the Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Raza Khan scrutinized the papers.

‘I am thankful to PTI and Imran Khan for nominating me,’ said Alvi in a conversation with newsmen.

Alvi, who had won the recent General Elections from Karachi, claimed that he will win the polls with a landslide margin.

Earlier, Aitzaz Ahsan, the candidate of Pakistan Peoples Party for presidency also appeared before the electoral body flanked by party leaders including Sherry Rehman.

Aitzaz claimed that he had a fair chance of victory as he enjoys the support of PTI and JUI-F as well.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of JUI-F had also submitted his nomination papers for the presidential elections, being the candidate of opposition, except Pakistan Peoples Party.

His papers were also approved by the Election Commission of Pakistan following which Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz leader, Ahsan Iqbal told newsmen that his party sacrificed by not pitching its own candidate in the elections.

‘Opposition should have fielded a joint presidential candidate,’ decried the former interior minister.

The presidential elections are scheduled on September 4 while the new president would replace incumbent Mamnoon Hussain on September 9.

The president is elected by an electoral college comprising members of the Senate, National Assembly, and four provincial assemblies.