QUETTA, April 15: A former federal minister and president of PPP Balochistan, Sardar Fateh Mohammad Hasni, has resigned from his party and joined the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML).

He announced this at a press conference at the Chief Minister House on Friday. Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf was present on the occasion.

He welcomed the decision of the former PPP leader.

Sardar Hasni expressed full confidence in the leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf and Jam Yousuf. He said he had taken the decision after serious consideration despite having spent four and a half years in exile as PPP leader.

He said it was very difficult for a person with political background to lead life in exile. He added that he had committed a “great mistake” by taking the decision rather late.

He described his act of joining the PPP as a political blunder, and said he was feeling pleasure at coming back to the PML fold.

As PPP leader, he claimed, he had rendered great sacrifices for the restoration of democracy and people’s empowerment. He said he never compromised on principles.

He said he “has joined the PML-Q because it is making all possible efforts to bring Balochistan on a par with other developed areas of the country”.

Sardar Hasni supported the mega development projects launched by the federal government in Balochistan, saying these would bring a big change in the lifestyle and standard of living of the people.

He said other political parties should join hands with the government for completing these projects.

He denied that his resignation from the PPP was a result of some personality clash.

He said the PML-Q had nominated him for contesting the National Assembly seat from Kharan-Panjgur.

Chief Minister Jam Yousuf said Mr Hasni’s decision of joining the PML would make the party strong in the province.