ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairperson Benazir Bhutto has nominated Raja Pervaiz Ashraf as acting president of the party's Punjab chapter, says an announcement here on Wednesday.

An MNA from Rawalpindi, Mr Ashraf has been directed to supervise the party's affairs in the Punjab province in the absence of Qasim Zia, who is on a visit to the United States.

The MNA is also the secretary-general of the People's Party Parliamentarians and the coordinator of the PPP, Rawalpindi division.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Ashraf said he would try to fulfil his responsibilities using his best abilities. The MNA said he would leave for Lahore on Thursday morning to attend a crucial meeting of the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD).