In a major blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), one of its backed independent members of the National Assembly (MNA) from Lahore, Wasim Qadir, has defected to the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), reported 24NewsHD TV channel Sunday.
Qadir, who is also the general secretary of PTI Lahore, announced his decision after meeting with PML-N senior vice president and chief organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif. PML-N leader Malik Saiful Mulook Khokhar was also present on the occasion.
Qadir expressed his full confidence in PML-N leader and former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and said that he was joining the party in consultation with the people and friends of his constituency.
He said that he was disappointed with the performance and policies of the PTI government and that he believed that PML-N was the only party that could solve the problems of the country and the people.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed and congratulated Qadir's decision and said that it was a sign of the growing popularity and strength of PML-N.
She said that Qadir's defection was another big wicket for PML-N and that more PTI members would soon join her party.
Reporter: Awais Kiynai