MITHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA from Tharparkar Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who is also chief patron of the Pakistan Hindu Council, said on Friday that he had decided to join the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

This reporter reached Dr Vankwani by phone for his comments on strong rumours in his constituency about his intention to quit the PML-N.

Dr Vankwani confirmed that he had taken the decision, adding that he had also decided to join PTI.

He said he would formally make the announcement at a press conference on Saturday (April 7) in Banigala, where PTI chairman Imran Khan would also be present.

He said the decision was aimed at serving the people of Tharparkar and the country in a better manner. “I am joining hands with Imran Khan because he is keen to bring about a real change in the life of the masses,” he said.

Dr Vankwani said that he was fed up with the “aggressive posture” of [PML-N supremo] Nawaz Sharif and his party’s policies.

He also criticised Mr Sharif’s decision to appoint Siddiqul Farooq as the chairman of the Evacuee Property Trust Board, and said the appointment was unlawful.

He said he had taken up the issue with the PML-N leadership several times with the plea to replace him with a competent person from the Hindu community but without any positive response.

MNA Dr Vankwani said senior PTI leaders had approached him with invitation to join the party after which he consulted his likeminded friends and supporters whose opinions helped him reach the decision.

Dr Vankwani was elected a member of the National Assembly in 2013 on a PML-N ticket for a seat reserved for minorities.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2018