Prominent politician from Bahawalpur Tasnim Nawaz Gardezi on Thursday joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), tightening the contest between major political parties in southern Punjab. Tasnim, a former minister associated with the PML-Quaid, met PML-N President Nawaz Sharif at his residence in Raiwind in the company of PML-N’s coordinator for new entrants Chaudhry Jaffar Iqbal.
Apart from the Makhdooms, the Gardezis also enjoy significant influence in south Punjab from their spiritual seat in Multan. Tasnim’s entry into the PML-N is likely to influence other members of the Gardezi clan, some of which have either joined the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) or the PML-Q. Sources told that the PPP had also invited Tasnim when Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived at his residence to express condolences on his sister’s death. Tasnim was one of the prominent leaders when Nawab of Bahawalpur Salahuddin Abbasi announced to launch the Bahawalpur Awami Party in a big public meeting at his residence at SadiqGarh Palace, DeraNawabSahi.
