- Senior PPP leader meets Imran, Tareen, joins PTI
Former federal minister and senior leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan formally joined the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) during her meeting with the party Chairman Imran Khan.
Dr Firdous and her husband was a staunch supporter of the People’s Party until former president and party’s Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari consolidated his control over the party. Recently, the former federal minister had been in contact with the PTI leaders and it was speculated that she would be changing her loyalty soon.
All the speculations were confirmed on Tuesday when the PTI tweeted a picture of her meeting with party’s senior leadership. “Firdous Ashiq Awan meets Jahangir Tareen. In a while, she will meet Imran Khan after which she will announce her inclusion into PTI,” a tweet from PTI’s official Twitter account read.
A few hours later, another tweet posted to the PTI account announced her inclusion in the party. “I welcome Dr Firdous Awan’s decision to join the PTI,” Imran was quoted as saying on the page. “Her inclusion in the party will strengthen the PTI in Punjab,” he said.
“I have complete confidence in the PTI leadership,” Dr Firdous said. “I will take up the PTI flag as a party worker and contribute towards the movement to build Pakistan,” she added. She also said that the party’s supporters would build a new Pakistan.