LAHORE: Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar on Tuesday announced that he had joined the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), days after resigning as the Governor of Punjab.
Sarwar made the announcement at a press conference today.
"In my 40 years of political experience I have seen that united parties win elections, divided parties lose," said Sarwar, adding that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has potential because of its unity.
He further said that the party's task is not easy and that it has immense work to carry out, including changing the status quo.
"We want to create a Pakistan where there is education and where the masses can get the justice they deserve.”
He also said that the party's aim is not to grab the post of prime minister, but to bring better opportunities for the people of Pakistan.
Imran congratulates Sarwar on joining PTI
Following Sarwar's announcement to join the PTI, chairman Imran Khan congratulated him on his inclusion in the party, saying that he was not an ordinary politician.
Khan said Sarwar had done immense work for the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, adding that due to his experience he desired to play a role in strengthening the PTI.
He said he desired to build the PTI into an institution.
Read more: Punjab governor Sarwar resigns: 'I can serve Pakistan better out of office'
Earlier, in his meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence on Sunday, Sarwar was issued a formal invitation to join the party. Upon Khan's invitation, Sarwar had reportedly put forward the demand to be made the party president, a highly placed source in the PTI told Dawn.
Take a look: Ex-governor Sarwar meets Imran
The seat of PTI’s president was vacated by Javed Hashmi in October over his disagreement with Khan’s decision to march towards the prime minister house as part of his Azaadi March, during his protracted anti-government movement.
The source disclosed that after the Bani Gala meeting, Khan had held consultations with party officials, following which Sarwar's request to be made the party president was likely to be fulfilled.
Sarwar is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening and organising the party's overseas sector.
Other sources said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had also offered Sarwar the position of president for the party's Punjab chapter.
Prior to his resignation, Sarwar had called Obama’s visit India instead of Pakistan a diplomatic failure of the Nawaz government and had criticised its foreign policy.
Examine: Obama’s visit to India: Governor sees diplomatic failure of Pakistan
Upon his resignation, Sarwar had been quoted as saying, "I can serve Pakistan better out of office," and “I will live and die in Pakistan.”
