26 January 2004	Monday	03 Zilhaj 1424

LARKANA, Jan 25: Nine political activists, including Kambar taluka People's Party Parliamentarians president, have joined the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid).

The activists are Kambar taluka PPP president Deedar Wadho, Larkana District Council members Yousuf Brohi and Tharo Khan Marfani, Bair Sharif Union Council Nazim Khadim Hussain Rahoojo, Dost Ali UC Nazim Suleman Chandio and Naib Nazim Zulfikar Shabrani, Gaji Khuhawar UC Nazim Mohammad Nawaz Chandio, Ranwti UC Naib Nazim Atiq Shah and Ghabidero UC Naib Nazim Mukhtiar Chandio.

The Nazims and Naib Nazims belonged to the PPP-backed Awam Dost Panel.Shabir Ahmad Chandio had also recently deserted the PPP and joined the PML-Q.When contacted, Larkana PPP acting president Ayaz Soomro said the Kambar taluka party president had resigned two months back on health grounds.

He said Shabir Chandio had supported those in the local bodies election who had now deserted the PPP. When asked whether further defection from the PPP was expected, Mr Soomro said those who were close to Shabir Chandio might leave the party. He said the PPP's district body would meet on Jan 28 to finalize arrangements for staging a rally to show the party strength.