RAWALPINDI, Oct 25: MNA-elect from NA-55 and 56 Sheikh Rashid Ahmed formally joined the PML-Q on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference at Lal Haveli, Mr Ahmed said this was a formal announcement as he had already informed the PML-Q leadership about the decision on Thursday.

The PML-Q leaders, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Abdul Majeed Malik and Syed Kabir Ali Wasti were also present on the occasion.

He said he took the decision after consultation with his team and added that he would support the PML-Q nominee for prime minister in the National Assembly.

Sheikh Rashid said he had taken the decision to avert the loss to the PML-Q on women reserved seats and vowed to work for the party.

“I was the only independent left after others joined different political parties,” he said. He added that therefore he decided to join the PML-Q. He said now he would be able to take active part in politics.

He said there was no pressure on him and he had joined the PML-Q at his own free will. He said his decision to stay independent would have not served democracy.

Sheikh Rashid said he had always been a Muslim leaguer and would remain committed to the cause of PML unification.

“Had there been unification of the PML, there would have been additional 125 seats to the party’s credit across the country,” he added.—APP