LAHORE, Nov 7: Sheikh Rohail Asghar, a former PPP leader, and his son Khurram, who is with the ruling PML, on Monday joined the PML-N, saying they wanted to work under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif.

PML-N leaders Saad Rafiq, Zaeem Qadri, Pervaiz Malik, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Khwaja Hassaan and Rana Tajammal were present at the news conference where the announcement was made.

Sheikh Rohail said he had worked with Nawaz and Shahbaz before joining the PPP. But, he said, his supporters wanted to see him with the PML-N.

Saad Rafiq welcomed the decision, and said many more leaders would follow suit and join the party of Mr Sharif. He said the party would welcome anyone — except the turncoats — who wanted to play their role in the struggle for democracy. He clarified that there was no room for those who had played a role in strengthening dictatorship.

He said there were no political designs behind Nawaz’s proposed visit to London. He said every citizen had a right to get his country’s passport, and the government would be doing no favour by issuing one to the former prime minister.