* New PTI entrants repose full confidence in Imran’s leadership
As many as 28 bigwigs most of them hailing from southern Punjab, including present and former parliamentarians and technocrats, reposed confidence in the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday, apparently to secure their political future in the next elections.
These included former federal minister Jehangir Khan Tareen, sons of former president Farooq Leghari, Awais Khan Leghari and Jamal Khan Leghari; Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Dr GB Jamal, Sikander Khan Bosan, Ishaq Khan Khakwani, Sadia Khaqan Abbasi, Sarwar Khan of Taxila, Umar Farooq Miankhel of DI Khan with his four brothers, Mohabbat Khan Marri, Ghulam Sarwar Cheema, Shabbir Jokhio along with supporters, Afzal Khan Yousufzai, Dr Javed Hussain from Parachinar and four technocrats including Abid Hassan, a former World Bank official and others.
Addressing reporters at the National Press Club, Jehangir Tareen Khan, Jamal Khan Leghari, Awais Khan Leghari and Ghulam Sarwar Khan formally announced their joining of the PTI. The PTI chairman was also present on the occasion.
They said that the wrong policies of the PML-Q, including its joining of the PPP and PML-Functional, forced them to reconsider their political affiliation, adding that political vision of Imran Khan greatly inspired them and he was only the person who could lead the country in the future and bring the nation out of the present crisis.
“We have several meetings with the PTI chief and discussed methodology as how to steer the country out of the present troubles before taking the decision,” they claimed.
Speaking on the occasion, PTI chief Imran Khan said that the party would take advantage of the new comers, as all were experienced and mature politicians.
“I am glad that the people having good political background are joining the PTI,” he said, adding that the PTI during its 15-year-long struggle raised voice against the corrupt system. He said the PTI dreamed about a fair judicial system in the country and now the country’s judiciary is on the right path, he maintained.
Most of the joining leaders are known to have good repute and their affiliation will give big boost to the PTI.
Separately, renowned singer and Youth Parliament Pakistan Chairman Abrarul Haq has also joined the PTI, announcing that he has full confidence in the leadership of Imran Khan.
Flanked by Imran Khan, the renowned singer was addressing a press conference in this connection at his residence in Defence Housing Authority, Lahore, on Monday.
Abrar said that the youth would be a cause of positive change in the country. He said that under the great leadership of Imran Khan a golden period full of opportunities for the youth would start soon.
Speaking on the occasion, Imran said that democracy was under serious threat in Pakistan and time had come to save the country from the corrupt politicians.
Abrar, while presenting great tributes to Imran, said that he had established Sughra Shafi Hospital and Sahara Trust for Life taking inspiration from Imran who established Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital through public participation.
A large number PTI leaders and fans of Abrar were present on the occasion. It is noteworthy that a day earlier Abrar had a meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.