LAHORE, Aug 11: The PPP received a setback on Sunday when Sheikh Rohail Asghar, an important party leader in Lahore, joined the PML-QA, saying he was not feeling comfortable in the party of Ms Benazir Bhutto.

He announced the decision of changing loyalty in the presence of PML-QA leaders Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Humayun Akhtar Khan, Kamil Ali Agha, Akhtar Rasool and others in the Muslim League House.

He said he would contest the NA election while his son would go for a provincial assembly seat.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said it was an erroneous impression that various people were joining the PML-QA under pressure from the government.

Minority leaders Tariq C. Qaiser and Rustam C. Qaiser also joined the PML-QA.

According to a party press release, PML adherents with ideological commitment and good reputation would be issued tickets and Sheikh Rohail Asghar would not be a party candidate for any seat.