Imtiaz Shaikh formally joins PPP, quits PML-F  

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Functional MPA and bureaucrat-turned senior politician Imtiaz Shaikh formally joined Pakistan People’s Party in an impressive ceremony held at CM House today (Tuesday).

Imtiaz Shaikh, a PML-F MPA from Shikarpur formally announced to resign from the basic membership of PML-F, quit the Sindh Assembly seat and also resigned from the position of special assistant to prime minister in presence of senior members of PPP Coordination Committee, including Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Nisar Khuhro, Maula Bux Chandio and Rashid Rabbani.

Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durani who also hails from District Shikarpur specially attended the ceremony.

The Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah welcoming Imtiaz Shaikh in PPP fold said that PPP was a popular force in the province. This is not an ordinary example that a sitting MPA has resigned from the seat and also from the position of special assistant to prime minister and joined PPP.

"I welcome you in PPP family and hope that you (Imtiaz Shaikh) would be serving the people of Sindh and strengthen the party.

Senior Minister for Food Nisar Khuhro said that Imtiaz Shaikh was a senior parliamentarian. His entry in the party is good omen. He welcomed him in PPP ranks and said Imtiaz Shaikh would be a valuable member of the party.

Imtiaz Shaikh speaking on the occasion said in principle he had joined PPP in his meeting with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPPP President Asif Zardari, MNA Faryal Talpur in London. But today "formally I am quitting PML-F and joining PPP," he said.

He said that the politics of PPP was more effective and assertive, therefore he had decided to join party.

The ceremony was attended by the supporters of Imtiaz Shaikh in a large number. All the supporters of Imtiaz Shaikh also announced to join PPP.