Two senior leaders defect PTI, join PML-N

LAHORE: Former law minister, Iftikhar Gilani and ex member Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly, Iftikharuddin Khatak, have defected Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) to join Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Geo News reported.

According to sources both the leaders called on President PML-N, Mian Nawaz Sharif, at his residence in Jati Umran where they announced they had parted ways with PTI to come on PML-N board.

PML-N chief pronounced them as the members of the political party.

Later, Mian Nawaz Sharif welcoming the new members said that their joining hands with PML-N would go a long way in strengthening the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Hopefully the new members will add to the political standing of the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I see our party penetrating even deeper in the province with both these seasoned leaders on our side”, said Sharif.

A gracious Iftikhar Gilani thanking Sharif said that he believed only PML-N could row Pakistan’s boat out of troubled waters.

Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, PML-N leaders Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, Mehtab Abbasi, Amir Muqam, Senator Pervez Rashid, and Pir Sabir Shah were also present on the occasion.