Humayun Akhtar joins PTI

Page No.05 ColNo.04

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister and Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, Humayun Akhtar Khan has joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and expressed his confidence in leadership of the party Chairman .

According to media office of the PTI, Humayun Akhtar who held the portfolio of trade and commerce in Gen Musharraf's government and later joined PML-N, held meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan in which he decided to join the party. Senior party leader Naeem-ul-Haq was also present on the occasion.

During the meeting, a spokesperson of PTI said that Humayun Akhtar expressed confidence in PTI's manifesto and the leadership. He said that Akhtar also announced to take active part in the PTI's election campaign.

"Imran Khan has made serious and effective efforts for the better future of Pakistan," Akhtar was quoted as saying on the occasion of his joining the party.

"The entire nation is standing behind Imran Khan and is united under his leadership for the prosperity of the country," Akhtar further said.

The spokesperson further said that Imran Khan welcomed Humayun Akhtar's joining of the party, saying that the party would strengthen with Akhtar's joining.

Humayun Akhtar was minister for trade and commerce in Gen Musharraf's government. Akhtar was part of the Likeminded Group within the PML-Q which in May 2012 formed an alliance with the PML-N. Under the agreement, PML-N was supposed to award the party ticket to Akhtar to contest the 2013 general election from . However, he was not awarded the ticket despite the agreement, but his younger brother Haroon Akhtar was awarded Senate ticket.

Humayun Akhtar had been elected as member of the National Assembly four times. Currently, he is chairman of Institute for Policy Reform (IPR).