KARACHI: Prominent lawyer and television personality Naeem Bukhari on Saturday joined the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), calling Imran Khan the only political leader who had the courage to speak the truth and struggle for the poor.

He made the announcement outside his Islamabad residence following a meeting with the PTI chief and other leaders of the party. After the meeting which lasted more than an hour they addressed the media.

“I have two reasons for joining the PTI,” said Mr Bukhari. “First I have personally known Imran Khan for a long time and joined him in the beginning when he launched his charity work. I contributed my part in that era. Secondly, at this age I feel I should pay back what I have got from this country and for that I have not found anyone like Imran Khan, who is an honest and a true politician.”

Apart from his professional career, Mr Bukhari is a celebrated TV personality, who has hosted several shows. In 2007, Mr Bukhari came under the spotlight when he questioned the credibility of thethen chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, and approached the president and army chief General Pervez Musharraf with the allegations that led to his suspension from office.

Mr Khan — who was then part of the lawyers’ movement for the chief justice’s reinstatement but later blamed Justice Chaudhry for rigging in the 2013 elections — welcomed Mr Bukhari into his party. He expressed the hope that Mr Bukhari would be adding more value to the PTI’s legal struggles at different fronts.

“It’s good news not only for PTI but also for Pakistan that people like Naeem Bukhari have decided to raise their voice against corruption and exploitation through our political platform. We welcome him and hope that he would also be helping us in our legal battles,” he added.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2016