LARKANA, Dec 24: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Isnaf vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on the Pakistan Muslim League-Q leader Haji Altaf Hussain Unnar at his residence in Karachi on Saturday and invited him to join the PTI.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Dawn on phone that he had a detailed meeting with Unnar in Karachi and he had invited him to join PTI. “We discussed the prevailing political situation in the country along with other issues,” he said.

When asked how much optimistic he was about Unnar’s joining the PTI, he said that Mr Unnar had sought some time to discuss the offer with his close aides and friends and “we will soon receive his reply”.

Mr Unnar wielded influence in his area and his inclusion in the party would be a welcome step.

When asked if he was in touch with other important political figures of Sindh, Mr Qureshi said that ‘contacts’ with different people were being made and ‘good people’ would join their party.

“Many people are in contact (with him) and you will soon hear about more famous faces entering the fold of PTI,” he said.

Babu Sarwar Siyal, general secretary of the Larkana division chapter of PML-Q confirmed Mr Qureshi and Unnar had lunch together and Unnar had sought some time to consult his colleagues before making a decision.

Sindh Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Durrani had also mer Mr Unnar on Nov 28 in Aliabad village and conveyed him a message from the PPP’s co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari inviting him to join the PPP.

The minister had lunch with former minister and remained there for more than three hours. Unnar had sought a months’ time from Durrani but has not yet replied to the PPP’s leadership about his decision.